Plumber in Kenosha, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Kenosha Stands

If you're a plumber looking at Kenosha, the first thing to understand is that you're moving into a market with solid, stable earning potential that slightly trails the national average but stretches further due to the cost of living. The median salary for a plumber in Kenosha is $62,038/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.83/hour. For context, the national average for plumbers sits at $63,350/year, so you're looking at a gap of about $1,312 annually. That difference isn't insignificant, but as we'll see later, Kenosha's affordability makes that number go much further.

The job market itself is healthy, with 196 jobs currently in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of 6%. This growth is driven by a few key factors: an aging housing stock in need of updates, ongoing commercial development in areas like the HarborPark district, and the consistent demand from the city's major healthcare and manufacturing employers. It's not explosive growth, but it's reliable, which for a tradesperson is often more valuable than a boom-bust cycle.

Here's how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Kenosha area:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate Equivalent
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$42,000 - $52,000	$20.19 - $25.00
Mid-Level	2-8 years	$55,000 - $70,000	$26.44 - $33.65
Senior	8-15 years	$68,000 - $80,000	$32.69 - $38.46
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$75,000 - $95,000+	$36.06 - $45.67+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry data. The median figure (**$62,038*) sits squarely in the mid-level range, indicating that a licensed journeyman or a plumber with several years of experience can realistically expect to earn the median.*

How Kenosha Compares to Other Wisconsin Cities:

• Milwaukee Metro: Higher cost of living, higher median salary (~$68,500), more competition. Good for specialization but commutes can be brutal.
• Madison Metro: Strong demand with state and university projects, median salary similar (~$64,000), but housing costs are significantly higher.
• Green Bay: Lower cost of living (similar to Kenosha), slightly lower median salary (~$59,000). Less commercial development.
• Racine: Very similar to Kenosha in scale and salary, with a slightly weaker job market.

Kenosha sits in a sweet spot: it offers big-city job opportunities (especially in healthcare and light manufacturing) with a smaller-town feel and cost structure.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. A plumber earning the median salary of $62,038/year in Kenosha will have a different financial picture than one earning the same in Chicago or Milwaukee. We'll use a simplified tax estimate for a single filer with no dependents (for illustration; consult a tax professional).

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay (on $62,038/year):

• Gross Monthly: ~$5,170
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$1,100 - $1,300 (varies)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,870 - $4,070

Kenosha-Specific Monthly Budget Breakdown:
Let's assume a take-home of $3,950/month.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,071	City average. Can be as low as $850 (older buildings) or $1,400+ (luxury/on-water).
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	Older Wisconsin homes can have higher heating costs in winter.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Essential in Kenosha. Rates are average for WI.
Groceries & Household	$450	Shopping at local places like Pick 'n Save or Woodman's.
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$300	Varies widely; some union shops offer excellent plans.
Retirement/SAVINGS (401k, Roth IRA)	$395	Aiming for 10% of gross is a solid goal.
Discretionary/Entertainment	$1,034	This is your buffer for dining out, hobbies, travel, etc.
TOTAL	$3,950

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. This is a key advantage of Kenosha. The median home price in Kenosha County is approximately $285,000 (as of late 2023). A plumber earning $62,038 with a good credit score (720+) and a 10% down payment ($28,500) would be looking at a mortgage payment in the range of $1,600 - $1,800/month (including taxes and insurance). This is less than 25% of the gross monthly income, which is a healthy, sustainable ratio. Many local plumbers buy homes in their 20s or early 30s—a feat much harder in larger metro areas.

Insider Tip: The most common home-buying path for tradespeople in Kenosha is to rent for the first 1-2 years, save aggressively for the down payment, and then purchase in a neighborhood like Bristol Park or the West Side, where starter homes are still available under $250k.

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Where the Jobs Are: Kenosha's Major Employers

Kenosha's employment base is a mix of old-school manufacturing and modern healthcare, both of which are heavy users of plumbing contractors. Most plumbers here aren't employed directly by these giants but work for local contracting firms that have long-standing service contracts.

1. Aurora Medical Center Kenosha: A major anchor in the healthcare sector. This large hospital requires constant plumbing maintenance, backflow testing, and renovation work. Hiring Trend: Steady. They have a facilities maintenance team but outsource major projects. Building a relationship with the facilities manager here can lead to a steady stream of work.
2. UnityPoint Health - Kenosha: Another key healthcare employer with similar needs. They often hire for in-house maintenance positions, which can be a great entry point for those with a journeyman's license.
3. Kenosha County Government / School Districts: The county and local school districts (Kenosha Unified School District) are major employers. They have facilities teams that handle daily plumbing issues. Hiring Trend: Slow and steady. These are unionized, pension-eligible positions that are highly sought after. They open occasionally, usually through the Wisconsin Department of Administration's job board.
4. Manufacturing & Industrial Parks: The Kenosha business parks (I-94 corridor) house numerous manufacturers (e.g., Trek Bicycles in nearby Waterloo, Mitsubishi Electric in nearby Waukesha, and many smaller part manufacturers). These facilities have complex plumbing needs for production lines. Hiring Trend: Project-based. A good commercial plumbing firm will have ongoing contracts here.
5. M & I Electric / Other Local Commercial Contractors: Firms like M & I Electric (which also does plumbing) and B&J Plumbing, Heating & Cooling are major local players. They are the primary employers for most plumbers in the area, offering both residential service and commercial new construction/remodel work.
6. University of Wisconsin-Parkside: The local university campus is a constant source of work for small to medium-sized plumbing contractors, especially for dorm renovations and lab updates.
7. Kenosha Water Utility: A public employer that manages the city's water infrastructure. They occasionally hire for positions like Water Distribution Worker, which requires plumbing knowledge and offers excellent benefits.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren't advertised. Join the Wisconsin Association of Master Plumbers (WAMP) and attend local meetings. The Kenosha chapter is active, and a lot of the best commercial work is passed through these networks. Also, the union (Local 75) is strong in the region for commercial plumbing, especially on larger downtown and hospital projects.

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Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin has a clear but strict licensing path. You cannot legally perform plumbing work for hire without the proper credentials.

State-Specific Requirements (from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - DSPS):

1. Apprenticeship: You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program. This is typically 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training under a licensed master plumber, coupled with 288 hours of classroom instruction per year.
2. Journeyman Plumber License: After completing your apprenticeship and passing the exam, you can work as a journeyman. This is the license most plumbers carry.
3. Master Plumber License: Requires 5 years as a journeyman, passing another exam, and demonstrating business knowledge. This is needed to own a contracting business or pull permits.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship Application Fee: ~$50
• Journeyman License Exam Fee: ~$150
• Master License Exam Fee: ~$200
• Total Licensing Costs (excluding apprenticeship tuition): ~$400-$600
• Timeline to Journeyman: 4 years minimum (the apprenticeship period). You can start working as a helper immediately, but you cannot perform plumbing work for hire until you are a journeyman.

For Out-of-State Plumbers: Wisconsin has reciprocity with some states (like Illinois, but it's not automatic). You'll need to apply for licensure by examination, providing proof of years of experience and passing the Wisconsin exam. Contact the DSPS directly to start the process.

Insider Tip: The most common pathway in Kenosha is to apply directly to local plumbing companies for an apprenticeship position. Companies like B&J Plumbing or Custom Plumbing often sponsor apprentices. The Kenosha Area Vocational School (now part of the Kenosha Career & College Ready program) offers related classroom instruction. Be prepared for a competitive interview process; a clean driving record and a demonstrated work ethic are crucial.

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The Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, your budget, and your lifestyle. Kenosha is a city of distinct neighborhoods.

1. Uptown / Northside (West of I-94): This is the historic heart of Kenosha, with beautiful old homes (1900s-1950s) and a mix of apartments. Commute: Excellent. Most commercial work is within a 10-minute drive. Lifestyle: Walkable, near the Kenosha Public Museum and the library. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,400 for a 1BR. Older buildings may have drafty windows but lots of character.
2. Bristol Park (West Side): A post-WWII suburb with ranch-style homes and larger lots. Very popular with young families and tradespeople. Commute: Good, 10-15 minutes to downtown or commercial parks. Lifestyle: Quiet, suburban feel with good parks and schools. Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300 for a 2BR apartment or a starter home to rent.
3. Downtown / HarborPark: The revitalized lakefront area with new condos, restaurants, and shops. Commute: The hub of commercial activity. You might walk to work. Lifestyle: Urban, vibrant, more expensive. Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $2,000+ for a 1BR. A treat, but not the budget choice.
4. Pleasant Prairie (South Side): A large, unincorporated area with a mix of newer subdivisions and older farms. Home to the massive Pleasant Prairie Power Plant and the Trader's Gallery outlet mall. Commute: 10-20 minutes. Lifestyle: More rural/suburban, quiet. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100 for a 1BR. Offers more space for the money.
5. Somers (East of I-94, near the county line): A growing area with new construction and a more modern feel. Close to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Commute: 10-15 minutes. Lifestyle: Mix of new and old, good for those who want modern amenities. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,500 for a 1BR.

Insider Tip: If you're in commercial plumbing, live west of I-94 (Uptown, Bristol Park). You'll be central to the medical centers, schools, and business parks. If you're in residential service, being centrally located (Uptown) gives you the fastest response times to the dense neighborhoods.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

The career path for a plumber in Kenosha is well-defined but offers opportunities to specialize for higher pay.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas & Backflow Prevention: Certifications here can add $3-$5/hour to your rate. Hospitals and clinics require this, and there are few specialists.
• Commercial/Industrial Piping: Working on large-scale projects (like the hospital expansion or power plant maintenance) pays 15-25% more than residential service due to scale and complexity.
• Welding Certifications (ASME): For pipefitting roles on industrial projects, this can open doors to the highest pay scales, often exceeding $85,000/year.
• Service & Repair Technician: The highest earning potential for residential plumbers comes from being a top-tier service tech who can diagnose and fix complex issues quickly. The top 10% in this field can earn $80,000+.

Advancement Paths:

1. Residential Track: Apprentice -> Journeyman -> Lead Service Tech -> Service Manager or Business Owner.
2. Commercial Track: Apprentice -> Journeyman -> Foreman -> Project Manager -> Superintendent.
3. Public Sector: Apprentice -> Journeyman -> Facilities Maintenance for a large employer (City, Hospital, University) with excellent benefits and pension.

10-Year Outlook:
The 6% job growth is solid. The biggest factor will be the retirement of the Baby Boomer generation of master plumbers over the next decade. This will create a significant need for new journeyman plumbers to step up and take over roles and businesses. The demand for skilled, licensed plumbers will remain high, and wage growth should outpace inflation as the labor pool tightens. Specializing in green technologies (like hydronic heating systems or water-efficient retrofits) will be a growing niche.

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The Verdict: Is Kenosha Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $62,038 goes much further than in Milwaukee or Chicago. Homeownership is within reach.	Winters are Harsh: The cold and snow are a real part of the job, especially for service plumbers. You must be prepared for frozen pipes and outdoor work.
Stable Job Market: 196 jobs and 6% growth provide stability. The employer mix (healthcare, schools, manufacturing) is recession-resistant.	Smaller Metropolitan Area: Fewer large-scale commercial projects compared to Milwaukee. The ceiling for specialization might be lower.
Central Location: Easy access to Milwaukee (45 min) and Chicago (1 hour) for larger events or alternative job markets.	Car Dependent: While parts of Kenosha are walkable, you will need a reliable vehicle for work and daily life.
Strong Trade Culture: Active local associations and a union presence mean good networking and respect for the trade.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: If you're looking for a bustling urban arts and music scene, you may find Kenosha quiet.
Direct Path to Homeownership: The math works. You can buy a decent home in a good neighborhood within a few years.	Taxes: Wisconsin property and income taxes are relatively high, which can impact your take-home pay.

Final Recommendation:
Kenosha is an excellent choice for a plumber who values stability, affordability, and work-life balance. If you're a journeyman plumber looking to buy your first home without being house-poor, or a master plumber considering starting your own small business with a manageable overhead, Kenosha is a top-tier option. It's ideal for those who appreciate a community feel but want the job opportunities of a medium-sized city. If you're seeking the absolute peak of commercial construction scale or a 24/7 urban environment, you might look toward Milwaukee. But for most plumbers, Kenosha offers a compelling, sustainable career path.

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FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for new apprentices?
A: It's competitive but not insurmountable. Having a clean driving record, a valid driver's license, and a willingness to work hard is key. Showing up to interviews in person