Plumber in Madison, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Madison Stands

As a plumber considering a move to Madison, the first thing you need to understand is that the local market is stable, but not booming. The salary data tells a clear story: you're entering a mid-level market with a cost of living that's working in your favor.

Let's break down the salary reality. The median salary for plumbers in the Madison metro area is $62,551/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $30.07/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year for the same occupation. However, this small gap is more than offset by Madison's lower cost of living, which is 4.2% below the national average (Cost of Living Index: 95.8).

The job market itself is modest but consistent. There are approximately 560 plumber jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates steady demand, particularly in residential construction and commercial maintenance.

To give you a realistic picture, here's how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Madison area:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range (Annual)	Hourly Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $55,000	$21.63 - $26.44
Mid-Level	2-6 years	$55,000 - $70,000	$26.44 - $33.65
Senior-Level	6-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.65 - $40.87
Expert/Owner	15+ years	$70,000 - $120,000+	$33.65 - $57.69+

Insider Tip: The "expert/owner" category is where the real money is in Madison. Many successful plumbers here either start their own companies or work as specialized consultants. The median salary of $62,551 is most representative of a solid mid-level plumber with a few years of experience and proper licensing.

When comparing to other Wisconsin cities, Madison sits in a middle position:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	1BR Rent (Avg)
Madison	$62,551	95.8	$1,182
Milwaukee	$65,200	96.5	$1,280
Green Bay	$58,400	92.1	$985
Appleton	$60,100	94.2	$1,050

Milwaukee offers higher salaries but also higher rents and a more competitive market. Green Bay is cheaper but provides fewer opportunities. Madison strikes a balance that's particularly attractive for plumbers who value quality of life over maximizing income.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical about what $62,551/year actually means for your monthly budget in Madison. This is where the city's affordability shines.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Plumber Earning $62,551 in Madison:

Expense Category	Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$5,213	$62,551 / 12
Estimated Taxes (22%)	-$1,147	Federal, state, FICA (approx.)
Net Take-Home Pay	$4,066	After basic deductions
Average 1BR Rent	-$1,182	Median for Madison metro
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	-$220	Higher in winter heating season
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	Wisconsin has lower insurance rates
Food & Groceries	-$400	Moderate budget for one person
Health Insurance	-$350	Employer-subsidized typical
Retirement/401k (6%)	-$315	Recommended savings rate
Remaining for Discretionary	$1,149	After all essentials

This leaves you with about $1,149 for everything else – entertainment, personal care, tools, continuing education, and savings. That's a workable budget, especially considering you're not burdened by major city costs.

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, with caveats. The median home price in Madison is around $375,000. With your take-home of $4,066/month, a typical mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be about $1,900/month. That's about 47% of your net income – higher than the recommended 30% but manageable if you're debt-free and have a spouse with income. Many plumbers in Madison wait until they hit the senior level ($70,000-$85,000) or start their own business before buying.

Insider Tip: Many established plumbers in Madison partner with their spouses or have second incomes. The city's strong healthcare and education sectors (both UW-Madison and regional hospitals) mean many households have dual incomes, making homeownership more accessible.

Where the Jobs Are: Madison's Major Employers

Madison's plumbing job market is split between three main sectors: residential construction, commercial/industrial, and institutional. Here are the key players:

1. Madison Plumbing & Heating - One of the largest residential contractors in the area. They handle everything from new construction on the west side (Middleton, Verona) to service work in older neighborhoods like the Near East Side. They typically hire 3-5 new plumbers annually and offer structured apprenticeship programs.

2. Commercial Plumbing Services - This company focuses on the booming commercial sector, particularly around the Capitol Square and the emerging tech corridor along the I-90/94 corridor. They work on projects for Epic Systems, American Family Insurance, and the expanding UW-Madison campus. Hiring is project-based but consistent.

3. UW-Madison Facilities Planning & Operations - The university is one of the largest employers in the state. Their plumbing team maintains everything from historic buildings on Bascom Hill to research labs at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery. These are union positions (Local 75) with excellent benefits and pensions. They typically post openings in spring/summer.

4. SSM Health - The hospital system (formerly Dean Health) employs in-house plumbers for their facilities, including the main hospital downtown and clinics throughout the metro. These positions offer stable hours and healthcare benefits but are highly competitive. Expect to start as a maintenance tech and move into plumbing.

5. Dane County - The county government needs plumbers for facilities like the Alliant Energy Center, the airport, and various public buildings. Jobs are posted on the county's website and often require a Class D driver's license. Hiring trends have been steady, with about 2-3 openings per year.

6. Residential Construction Firms - The west side suburbs (Middleton, Sun Prairie, Fitchburg) are seeing constant residential growth. Companies like Hoffman Planning & Construction and Findorff (though they're more general contractors) frequently subcontract plumbing work. These are great for apprentices getting started.

7. Union Hall (Local 75) - While not an employer, the plumber's union hall in Madison is the pipeline to the best jobs. They handle apprenticeship placement, job dispatch for union members, and continuing education. Being on their list is crucial for commercial/institutional work.

Hiring Trends: The market is shifting. There's less demand for traditional new residential construction (due to land scarcity in the city), but strong demand for:

• Commercial retrofits (older buildings upgrading systems)
• Service and repair (an aging housing stock in neighborhoods like Willy Street)
• Specialty work (medical gas, hydronic heating, backflow prevention)

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin's licensing process is straightforward but requires commitment. You cannot work as a plumber without a license, and the state is strict about enforcement.

Requirements:

1. Apprenticeship: Complete 4,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed plumber.
2. Classroom Instruction: Complete 200 hours of classroom training (typically through a union program or technical college).
3. Journeyman Exam: Pass the state's written exam after completing your apprenticeship.
4. Master Plumber Exam: Optional for those who want to work independently or supervise others.

Costs (Approximate):

• Apprenticeship fees: $2,000-$3,500 (union programs are often employer-sponsored)
• Exam fees: $150 (Journeyman), $200 (Master)
• Licensing fees: $100-$200 annually
• Continuing education: Required for license renewal (approx. $200/year)

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Month 1-3: Apply to apprenticeship programs (union or non-union). The Madison Plumbing & Heating apprenticeship program is a good non-union option. The Local 75 union apprenticeship is another excellent path.
2. Months 4-48: Work 4,000 hours (about 2 years full-time) while completing classroom hours. You'll be paid during this time, starting around $18-$22/hour.
3. Month 49-50: Study for and take the Journeyman exam.
4. Month 51: Get licensed and start working as a full journeyman, earning the median salary of $62,551 or more.

Insider Tip: Start your apprenticeship application as early as possible. The Madison Area Technical College (MATC) offers a pre-apprenticeship program that can give you an edge. Also, Wisconsin has a reciprocity agreement with Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois, so if you're licensed in one of those states, the process is much faster.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Madison will affect your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a breakdown of the best areas for plumbers:

Neighborhood	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Commute to Key Employers	Lifestyle & Notes
Near East Side	$1,050 - $1,250	10-15 min to downtown, 20 min to west side	Older housing stock = steady service work. Walkable, vibrant. Good for plumbers who want to be close to the action.
Middleton (West Side)	$1,300 - $1,500	15-20 min to most employers	Suburban, family-friendly. High demand for new construction plumbing. Best for those working with residential contractors.
Fitchburg (South)	$1,100 - $1,300	20-25 min to downtown, 15 min to Epic	Rapid growth, new developments. Good for apprentices starting in new construction. More affordable than Middleton.
Willy Street (Near East)	$1,000 - $1,200	10 min to downtown, 15 min east	Eclectic, historic. Older homes mean constant repair/maintenance work. Tight-knit community.
Sun Prairie (Northeast)	$1,150 - $1,350	25-30 min to downtown, 15 min to airport	Growing suburb with new subdivisions. Good for plumbers who want a quiet, family-oriented area.

Insider Tip: The Near East Side and Willy Street (both part of the larger East Side) have older housing stock from the early 1900s. These homes frequently need plumbing updates, from galvanized pipe replacement to sewer line work. Living here means you're literally in your own customer base. Many plumbers I know live on the East Side and pick up side jobs just by being local and reputable.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Madison, the path to higher earnings isn't just about years of experience; it's about specialization and business ownership.

Specialty Premiums (What You Can Earn Extra):

• Medical Gas Certification: +$5-$8/hour (required for hospital work)
• Backflow Prevention Certification: +$3-$5/hour (for commercial clients)
• Hydronic Heating Specialist: +$4-$7/hour (Madison's cold winters make this valuable)
• Pipefitter Certification: +$6-$10/hour (for industrial/commercial work)

Advancement Paths:

1. Service Technician: You can move from installation to service, which often includes on-call pay. Senior service techs at companies like Madison Plumbing & Heating can earn $75,000-$85,000.
2. Estimator/Project Manager: For those with good math and communication skills. This path moves you away from physical labor and into office work, with salaries from $70,000-$90,000.
3. Business Owner: This is the ultimate goal for many. A small residential plumbing business in Madison can generate $100,000-$150,000 in annual revenue for the owner after expenses. The key is building a reputation in a specific neighborhood (like the East Side) or specialty (like commercial retrofits).
4. Instructor: Madison College (MATC) and the union apprenticeship program occasionally hire experienced plumbers as instructors. This provides steady income and gives back to the trade.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is modest but stable. The biggest opportunities will come from:

• Aging Infrastructure: Madison's water mains and sewer lines are 50-100 years old in many neighborhoods. The city has a multi-year plan to replace them, creating steady municipal work.
• Green Initiatives: Madison is pushing for water efficiency and backflow prevention. Plumbers with these certifications will be in demand.
• University & Hospital Expansion: UW-Madison and the hospital systems are constantly upgrading facilities, requiring specialized plumbing work.

Insider Tip: The real money in the next decade won't be in hourly wages, but in owning a business that addresses these specific Madison needs. If you start as an apprentice today, consider focusing your energy on commercial retrofits or medical gas—both are underserved markets in the city.

The Verdict: Is Madison Right for You?

Madison offers a compelling package for plumbers, but it's not for everyone. Here's the straight assessment:

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living Advantage: Your $62,551 goes further here than in Milwaukee or a national metro.	Moderate Growth: The 6% job growth won't create a hiring frenzy. You need to be proactive.
Stable, Diverse Employers: From the university to hospitals to construction, there's no single dominant employer.	Seasonal Weather: Winters are long and cold, which can slow outdoor work and increase call volume for frozen pipes.
High Quality of Life: Excellent schools, low crime (for a city this size), and a vibrant cultural scene.	Competitive for Top Jobs: The best positions (union, university, hospital) have low turnover. You may need to start in less desirable roles.
Path to Business Ownership: A strong local market for independent plumbers who build a niche.	Union is Strong: For commercial/institutional work, being in Local 75 is almost a prerequisite, which means apprenticeship wait times.

Final Recommendation: Madison is an excellent choice for plumbers who:

• Value a balanced lifestyle over maximum income
• Are willing to start in apprenticeship and work their way up
• See the value in owning a business long-term
• Don't mind harsh winters

It's a poor choice for:

• Plumbers seeking the highest possible salary ($80k+) immediately
• Those who want to work year-round without weather interruptions
• Anyone unwilling to navigate the licensing and apprenticeship process

For a mid-level plumber earning the median salary of $62,551, Madison represents one of the best value propositions in the Midwest. The combination of lower costs, stable work, and a high quality of life makes it a smart long-term career move.

FAQs

Q: Can I make more than the median salary as a plumber in Madison?
A: Absolutely. The median of $62,551 is for all experience levels. Senior plumbers ($70,000-$85,000) and those with specialties (medical gas, hydronics) earn more. Business owners can exceed $100,000. The key is gaining experience and certifications.

Q: Is the union necessary for good jobs in Madison?
A: For commercial and institutional work (UW-Madison, hospitals, county), yes. Local 75 controls most of these positions. For residential work, both union and non-union paths are viable. Many successful plumbers here are not union members.

Q: How do I find an apprenticeship in Madison?
A: Contact the Madison Plumbing & Heating Association, check the Local 75 union hall, or apply directly to companies like Madison Plumbing & Heating. Also, use the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services website. Start applying 6-12 months before you want to begin.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for new plumbers in Madison?
A: Getting your foot in the door. The apprenticeship programs are competitive, and the best jobs (with benefits and steady hours) are hard to come by. Be prepared to start with a smaller residential contractor or do service work