The Ultimate Career Guide for Plumbers in Oshkosh, WI

Welcome to Oshkosh. If you're a plumber considering a move here, you're looking at a city that's the heart of Wisconsin's Fox Valley. We're a manufacturing and education hub, home to Oshkosh Corporation (the big yellow truck and military vehicle maker) and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. For a plumber, that means a steady stream of work—both in residential service and commercial/industrial projects. The cost of living is forgiving, the commute is trivial, and the community has a tangible, blue-collar grit. This guide is your no-nonsense analysis to decide if Oshkosh is your next long-term home.

The Salary Picture: Where Oshkosh Stands

Let’s cut to the chase: Oshkosh isn't a high-wage market like Chicago or Madison, but your paycheck stretches further here. The data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the Oshkosh-Neenah metro area and local industry reports.

Here’s how earnings break down by experience level in Oshkosh. Remember, these are medians; your actual pay depends on your license, specialty, and employer.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Oshkosh)	Key Details
Entry-Level (Apprentice)	$40,000 - $52,000	Starting pay with no license. Expect $18-$22/hr. Focus is on learning and helper duties.
Mid-Level (Journeyman)	$61,582/year (Median)	This is the core. You’re licensed, can work independently. The median hourly rate is $29.61/hour.
Senior (Master Plumber)	$75,000 - $90,000+	Licensed to pull permits, manage projects. Often leads crews or runs service teams.
Expert/Owner-Operator	$100,000+	Running your own shop or specializing in high-end commercial/industrial work.

How Oshkosh Compares to Other Wisconsin Cities:
Oshkosh is solidly in the middle of the pack. It’s more affordable than Madison or Milwaukee, but with a similar job market. Here’s a quick snapshot:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Takeaway
Oshkosh	$61,582	90.7	Best balance of pay vs. living costs.
Madison	~$68,000	99.5	Higher wages, but rent and home prices are ~40% higher.
Milwaukee	~$65,000	95.2	More union opportunities, but urban competition is fiercer.
Green Bay	~$60,500	92.1	Slightly lower pay, slightly higher CoL than Oshkosh.
Appleton (Neighboring City)	~$62,000	93.0	Nearly identical market; Oshkosh and Appleton are a shared labor pool.

Insider Tip: The $29.61/hour median is your baseline. Top-tier commercial plumbers at Oshkosh Corporation or specialized industrial shops can command $35-$45/hour, especially with overtime. Residential service calls often include commission on upsells, which can push earnings higher.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $61,582 salary sounds good, but what's the monthly reality? In Wisconsin, you're looking at roughly 22-25% combined federal, state, and FICA taxes. Let's be conservative and assume a 25% total tax rate.

• Annual Gross Salary: $61,582
• Annual Taxes (est.): ~$15,395
• Annual Net Income: ~$46,187
• Monthly Net Income: ~$3,849

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Plumber:

• Rent (1BR Average): $779/month
• Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water): $150
• Groceries: $300
• Car Payment/Insurance: $400 (Oshkosh is car-dependent)
• Fuel: $150
• Health Insurance (Employer Share): $250
• Miscellaneous (Phone, etc.): $200
• Savings/Retirement (10%): $385
• Total Monthly Expenses: ~$2,614
• Remaining Discretionary Income: ~$1,235/month

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The Oshkosh-Neenah metro median home price is around $220,000 (2023 data). With a $1,235/month surplus, a plumber with a decent credit score can easily afford a mortgage. A 20% down payment ($44,000) might take a few years of disciplined saving, but a 3-5% FHA loan is immediately accessible. Many local plumbers own homes in the suburbs—Southside, Northside, or even nearby towns like Winneconne.

Where the Jobs Are: Oshkosh's Major Employers

Oshkosh's economy is anchored by heavy industry, education, and healthcare. Plumbers are needed across all sectors. Here are your top targets:

1. Oshkosh Corporation (Defense & Commercial): The largest employer. They have a massive, in-house facilities team. This isn't service plumbing; it's industrial—hydraulic systems, process piping, and facility maintenance. Hiring trend: Steady, with preference for candidates with industrial/commercial experience. Union (UAW) shop, so pay and benefits are top-tier.

2. Winnebago Industries (RV Manufacturing): Another major manufacturer with a large Oshkosh presence. Their facilities team handles water lines, drainage, and compressed air systems for the assembly lines. Hiring trend: Consistent, especially with RV market fluctuations. Good for steady, year-round work.

3. Agora Crossroads (Hospitality & Senior Living): This is a massive, growing senior living community on the city's south side. It requires ongoing plumbing maintenance and new construction upgrades. Hiring trend: High demand for service plumbers for their 24/7 call system.

4. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (UW Oshkosh): The campus is a city in itself with dorms, labs, and facilities. The university employs its own maintenance plumbers. Hiring trend: Look for postings on the Wisconsin state jobs website. Stable, with great benefits.

5. Mercy Health (Hospital System): As a major regional hospital, Mercy Health has a dedicated facilities team. Work includes medical gas systems, sterile water lines, and standard hospital maintenance. Hiring trend: Very stable, but often requires hospital experience or specific certifications.

6. Local Residential/Commercial Service Companies: Oshkosh has a strong network of local shops. Key names to know: Gustafson Plumbing, A-1 Sewer & Drain, and Neenah Plumbing. These are the go-to companies for residential service, new construction, and commercial contracts. Hiring trend: Always hiring licensed journeymen. The best way in is to call and ask for a shop manager.

Insider Tip: The "Jobs in Metro: 132" figure from BLS is the number of plumbing positions listed in a given survey period. It's a snapshot, not the total available. The real market is double that when you include unlisted jobs at small companies and independent contractors.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin's licensing is straightforward but mandatory. You cannot work as a plumber without a journeyman or master license.

• Step 1: Become an Apprentice. You need to register with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). No formal training is required to start, but most apprentices complete a 4-5 year program through a union (UA Local 400) or a non-union apprenticeship.
• Step 2: Become a Journeyman. After 4 years (8,000 hours) of documented work experience and 288 hours of classroom training, you can apply for the journeyman exam. Exam fee: ~$150. License fee: ~$120. You must pass the state exam (based on the International Plumbing Code).
• Step 3: Become a Master Plumber. Requires 2 years as a licensed journeyman and 4 years of additional experience. You must also pass a more advanced exam. Master plumbers can pull permits and run their own business.
• Timeline to Get Started: If you start as an apprentice tomorrow, you're looking at 4-5 years to become a licensed journeyman. The apprenticeship is the fastest, most structured path.

Cost Breakdown (Approximate):

• Apprentice Registration: Minimal fee (~$50)
• Apprenticeship School Tuition: $1,000 - $2,500 total (often reimbursed by employer)
• Journeyman Exam & License: ~$270
• Master Exam & License: ~$400

Insider Tip: The 10-Year Job Growth is 6% for plumbers in Oshkosh, which is slightly above the national average and stable. The aging infrastructure of Oshkosh's older homes (from the 1950s-70s) and the constant need for industrial maintenance ensure this growth.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. Oshkosh is compact, but here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Best For
Southside	Family-oriented, close to UW Oshkosh and Mercy Health. Easy 10-minute commute to downtown jobs.	$800 - $950	Plumbers with families or who want a quieter, established area.
Northside	More affordable, blue-collar, with quick access to industrial parks (Oshkosh Corp, Winnebago).	$650 - $800	Younger plumbers or those working in manufacturing.
Downtown Core	Walkable, urban, near bars and restaurants. Commute is walking or biking for many jobs.	$900 - $1,200	A single plumber who wants nightlife and doesn't mind a smaller apartment.
West Side	Suburban, newer housing developments. Commute is 10-15 minutes to most jobs.	$750 - $950	Those looking to buy a home quickly with good schools.
Near Appleton	Living in neighboring Appleton (10 mins away) gives access to a larger metro area.	$800 - $1,000	Plumbers who want the option to work in either city.

Insider Tip: The Northside is the best-kept secret for renters. You can find a decent 1BR for under $700/month, and you're a 5-minute drive from the industrial heavyweights.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Oshkosh, a plumber's career path is linear but can branch into specialties.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Industrial/Commercial: Adds a 10-20% premium to your base salary. Skills in hydronics, medical gas, or high-pressure systems are gold.
  • Service & Sales: Top service techs at local shops can make $75,000+ with commissions.
  • Backflow Prevention: Certification is in high demand for commercial clients. Expect a $2-$5/hour premium.
  • Welding (Pipefitting): Combined with a plumbing license, you can work on industrial projects and earn $35/hour or more.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Journeyman (0-5 years): Master the trade.
  2. Lead Technician / Service Manager (5-10 years): Manage crews and customer accounts.
  3. Master Plumber (10+ years): Start your own small business or run a large department.
  4. Inspector (10+ years): Work for the City of Oshkosh or Winnebago County enforcing plumbing codes. Requires a Master license.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth ensures steady demand. The key will be navigating the shift toward PEX piping (faster install) and green tech (water-efficient fixtures, heat pump water heaters). Plumbers who adapt will thrive.

The Verdict: Is Oshkosh Right for You?

Here’s the final breakdown:

Pros	Cons
Strong, diverse job market (industrial, commercial, residential).	Wages are not top-tier compared to major metros.
Very low cost of living (Rent is $779/month on average).	Limited nightlife compared to Madison or Milwaukee.
Short commutes (under 20 mins typically).	Winters are long and harsh (-20°F wind chills are normal).
Stable growth in plumbing jobs (6%).	Car is essential; public transit is limited.
Tight-knit trade community; easy to build a network.	Less union density than Milwaukee or Chicago.

Final Recommendation:
Oshkosh is an excellent choice for a plumber looking for stability, a low cost of living, and a good quality of life. It's perfect for those who want to buy a home, start a family, and build a long-term career without the stress of a huge city. It's less ideal for a young single person craving a vibrant nightlife scene or for those chasing the absolute highest wages. If you're a hands-on worker who values a solid paycheck that goes far, Oshkosh should be at the top of your list.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be a journeyman to find work in Oshkosh?
Not always. You can start as an apprentice helper at a local shop, but your long-term earning potential is tied to getting your journeyman license. Most shops will push you to get licensed.

2. How does the union (UA Local 400) factor in?
Based in Appleton, Local 400 covers the entire Fox Valley, including Oshkosh. Union work is strong on large commercial projects (like hospital expansions or new factories). Union benefits are great, but non-union shops offer more flexibility for residential service.

3. Is the job market as good for plumbers in winter?
Yes. While new construction slows, service calls skyrocket when pipes freeze. Industrial maintenance at places like Oshkosh Corp runs year-round. You'll work in all seasons, often with overtime.

4. What's the best way to get started if I'm new to Wisconsin?

1. Get your apprentice registration from the Wisconsin DSPS website.
2. Contact Gustafson Plumbing or A-1 Sewer & Drain directly—they often hire helpers and sponsor apprentices.
3. Consider joining UA Local 400 for a structured apprenticeship program.

5. Can I get a job without a Wisconsin license?
You can work under a licensed journeyman or master as an apprentice. Once you're a journeyman from another state, Wisconsin has reciprocity with many states, but you must apply and test. Check the DSPS website for specifics.