How to become a plumber in Wisconsin

Wisconsin licenses plumbers at the state level through DSPS.¹ You start as an apprentice or trainee and work toward the exam.

24registered apprenticeship programs $39.04median an hour in Wisconsin

How do you start as a plumber in Wisconsin?

There are three ways in: a registered apprenticeship (24 programs in Wisconsin), trade school (11 schools with plumber programs), or a helper or trainee job with a licensed plumbing contractor.

Apprenticeship

Earn while you learn

A program hires you, pays you on the job and runs your classes.

Pay: From day one
In WI: 24 registered programs

Find a program near you

Trade school

Classroom first

Learn the basics, then find work to log your hours.

Pay: You pay tuition
In WI: 11 schools with programs

Compare 11 schools

Helper

Start on a crew

Get hired as a helper by a licensed plumbing contractor and log hours on the job.

Pay: Paid on the job
Start: No experience needed

How to get started

How do you get a plumber license in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin licenses plumbers through DSPS; you start as an apprentice or trainee and work toward the exam.

Start as an apprentice or trainee
Join a registered apprenticeship, take a trade school program, or work as a helper for a licensed contractor.
Issued by
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
Compare the ways in
Journeyman license
Completion of a plumbing apprenticeship recognized under Wis. Stat. ch. 106
Master license1,000 hrs
At least 1,000 hours of plumbing work per year for 3 years as a licensed journeyman, or an approved engineering degree
Time
1,000 hrs
Run your own shop
To bid and contract on your own you need a plumbing contractor license or registration.
Issued by
DSPS - Electrical / Plumbing / HVAC
Wisconsin contractor license