The Ultimate Career Guide for Plumbers in Racine, WI

If you're a plumber thinking about moving to Racine, you're looking at a solid, stable market with a low cost of living and a strong industrial base. As someone who's watched the trades evolve in this city for years, I can tell you that Racine offers a unique blend of old-school manufacturing and new residential growth. It's not a boomtown, but it's a reliable one. This guide cuts through the noise and gives you the data-driven, on-the-ground facts you need to make a smart decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Racine Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. For a plumber in Racine, the pay is competitive, especially when you factor in the cost of living. The median salary for a plumber here is $62,399/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.0/hour. That's right in line with the national landscape, where the national average sits at $63,350/year. The key here is that while the salary is slightly below the national average, the lower cost of living in Racine means your dollar goes further.

The job market is modest but stable. There are approximately 153 plumbing jobs in the Racine metro area. Over the last decade, the 10-year job growth for plumbers has been a healthy 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's consistent, driven by both residential maintenance and the ongoing needs of Racine's industrial sector.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a realistic look at what you can expect to earn as you gain experience in the Racine market.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000	Apprentice tasks, drain cleaning, basic fixture replacement, assisting journeypersons.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Full-service residential work, rough-in installations, water heater replacements, troubleshooting.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$69,000 - $80,000+	Complex commercial/industrial projects, lead estimator, code compliance, crew management.
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$80,000 - $95,000+	Master plumber, business owner, medical gas systems, high-pressure industrial piping, consultant.

Comparison to Other Wisconsin Cities

How does Racine stack up against its Wisconsin neighbors? It's a middle-of-the-pack contender, which is a good thing when you consider the cost of living.

• Milwaukee: A larger market with more opportunities, but also a higher cost of living. Salaries are often 5-10% higher, but that advantage is eaten up by higher rent and taxes.
• Green Bay: Similar size to Racine, with a slightly lower median salary (around $60,000) but a very tight-knit trade community.
• Madison: As the state capital and home to a major university, demand is high, and salaries can be 10-15% above Racine's. However, the housing market is significantly more expensive.
• Kenosha: Our neighbor to the south. Salaries are nearly identical, but job growth has been slightly stronger in recent years due to new residential developments.

Insider Tip: The real earning potential in Racine isn't just in the base salary. It's in the overtime and specialty work, especially in commercial and industrial settings. Companies like CNH Industrial and Modine are large employers that often run extended shifts, which can boost your annual income dramatically.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $62,399 is one thing; what you actually keep in your pocket is another. Let's break down a monthly budget for a single plumber in Racine.

We'll use the Cost of Living Index of 95.0 (US avg = 100) and the average 1BR rent of $842/month.

Monthly Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,199	$62,399 / 12 months
Taxes (25% Est.)	-$1,300	Federal, state (WI), FICA. This is an estimate; consult a tax pro.
Take-Home Pay	$3,899
Rent (1BR)	-$842	Citywide average. See neighborhood breakdown below.
Utilities	-$180	Electric, gas, water, internet. Wisconsin winters can increase heating costs.
Groceries	-$350
Car Payment/Insurance	-$400	Assumes a used vehicle.
Fuel	-$150	Commuting and work travel.
Health Insurance	-$250	If not provided by employer.
Retirement (10%)	-$390	It's wise to invest in a 401(k) or IRA.
Misc. / Savings	$937	For emergencies, entertainment, tools, or savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home of $3,899 and an estimated monthly mortgage payment of $1,200-$1,500 (including taxes and insurance) for a $200,000 home, homeownership is very attainable. The median home price in Racine hovers around $210,000, making it a feasible goal for a plumber with a steady income, especially compared to markets like Madison or Milwaukee.

Where the Jobs Are: Racine's Major Employers

Racine's economy is a mix of heavy industry, healthcare, and public works. This creates diverse opportunities for plumbers, from new construction to maintenance and repair.

1. CNH Industrial (Case IH & New Holland): This is the giant in the region, manufacturing agricultural and construction equipment. Their facilities require constant plumbing for manufacturing lines, restrooms, and process water. They often hire directly for maintenance plumbers and use contractors for larger projects.
2. Modine Manufacturing Company: A global leader in thermal management systems. Their Racine plant has extensive plumbing needs, particularly for their production processes. They are a major employer and a source of steady industrial plumbing work.
3. Racine Water & Wastewater Department (City of Racine): The city itself is a major employer. They manage the municipal water treatment and distribution systems. Jobs here are stable, come with excellent benefits, and focus on maintaining and upgrading the city's vast network of pipes. Hiring is competitive but frequent.
4. Racine Unified School District (RUSD): With over 40 schools, RUSD has a dedicated facilities and maintenance department that employs full-time plumbers for preventative maintenance and emergency repairs. It's a great option for those seeking a consistent schedule and summers off.
5. Ascension Wisconsin (All Saints Hospital): A major healthcare provider. Hospitals have complex, specialized plumbing systems for medical gases, sterilization, and high-volume usage. These jobs often require additional certifications but pay a premium.
6. Local Residential Contractors: Firms like Racine Heating & Cooling (RHC) and Hoffmann Brothers are large players in the residential HVAC and plumbing space. They are often the first stop for apprentices and provide a clear path from apprentice to service technician to lead installer.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward specialization. General plumbers are needed, but those with experience in commercial construction, pipefitting for industrial settings, or service work for healthcare facilities are in higher demand. The push for water conservation and backflow prevention is also creating more inspection and certification work.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin has a clear, structured path to becoming a licensed plumber. It's all managed through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

1. Apprenticeship (4 Years): You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program. This is typically 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed plumber and 288 hours of classroom instruction. You'll earn while you learn.
2. Journeyman Plumber License: After completing your apprenticeship, you can take the Wisconsin state journeyman exam. The exam covers plumbing code, theory, and practical knowledge. The application fee is around $100, and the exam fee is about $150.
3. Master Plumber License: To become a master plumber, you need at least 5 years of experience as a journeyman and must pass a master plumber exam. This license allows you to pull permits, run your own business, and supervise apprentices.

Total Estimated Cost (Apprenticeship to Journeyman): $500 - $1,000 (mostly for exam fees, textbooks, and tools). Apprenticeship programs often charge tuition, which can be a few hundred dollars per year, but many are paid for by the employer or union.

Timeline to Get Started: If you start as an apprentice today, you're looking at roughly 4 years to become a journeyman, and then another 1-2 years of experience before you can consider your own business or a master's license.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Racine impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four areas to consider, with rent estimates for a 1BR.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Est.)	Why It's Good for a Plumber
Downtown Racine	Urban, walkable, historic. A 5-10 min commute to most local employers.	$950 - $1,100	You're close to the action, local bars, and restaurants. The commute to CNH or Modine is minimal.
Northside	Residential, family-oriented, quiet. 10-15 min commute to the south side industrial parks.	$750 - $900	More affordable rent, larger apartments/homes. Close to parks and schools. A classic "blue-collar" neighborhood.
Mount Pleasant	Suburban, growing, commercial. 10-20 min commute anywhere, including to I-94.	$850 - $1,000	Newer developments, excellent amenities, and a straight shot to the interstate for commuting to other cities.
Sturtevant	Small-town feel, industrial corridor. 5-15 min commute to major employers.	$800 - $950	Right off I-94, making it ideal if you work in Mount Pleasant or need to travel for work. Very affordable.

Insider Tip: If you work for the city or at CNH, look for a place on the Northside or in the nearby village of Caledonia. You'll have a very short, often traffic-free commute, which is a huge quality-of-life benefit for someone who starts early or works long hours.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's career in Racine doesn't have to plateau at the journeyman level. The 10-year job growth of 6% indicates steady demand, but your personal growth can outpace that.

• Specialty Premiums: Certifications are your key to higher pay.
  • Medical Gas Certification: Can add $5-$10/hour to your rate, especially with hospital work.
  • Backflow Prevention Device Tester: A required certification for many commercial/industrial clients. It's a side-hustle goldmine.
  • Pipefitting/Industrial: Experience with high-pressure steam, compressed air, or specialized chemical lines commands top dollar.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Technician: Specialize in troubleshooting and repair. Often paid on commission (e.g., 10% of the job), which can lead to high earnings.
  2. Foreman/Project Manager: Move into leadership, overseeing crews and projects. Requires good communication and organizational skills.
  3. Estimator: If you're detail-oriented, you can move into the office, bidding on projects for a contractor.
  4. Business Owner: With a Master Plumber license, you can start your own shop. The low overhead in Racine is a significant advantage.

10-Year Outlook: The outlook is positive. As the existing infrastructure in Racine and surrounding areas ages, the demand for replacement and repair will grow. The industrial base may shift, but the need for skilled plumbers to maintain essential water and sewage systems is permanent.

The Verdict: Is Racine Right for You?

Racine is a pragmatic choice. It's not glamorous, but it's real, affordable, and full of opportunity for a skilled tradesperson.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches much further here than in coastal cities or major metros.	Smaller Job Market: Fewer openings mean less choice. You need to be a good fit for the local employers.
Stable, Diverse Employers: From heavy industry to public works, there are multiple avenues for work.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: If you're looking for a bustling cultural hub, Racine will feel quiet.
Attainable Homeownership: Buying a home is a realistic goal on a plumber's salary.	Winters are Harsh: Wisconsin winters can be brutal, and outdoor work can be challenging.
Strong Trade Community: There's a sense of camaraderie among tradespeople here.	Economic Dependency: The local economy is heavily tied to manufacturing, which can be cyclical.

Final Recommendation: Racine is an excellent choice for a plumber who values financial stability, homeownership, and a straightforward, hardworking lifestyle. It's ideal for those who are happy with steady work, good benefits, and a lower-stress environment compared to a major city. If you're ambitious, specialize early, and you can build a very prosperous career here.

FAQs

Q: What's the job market like for a new apprentice?
A: Competitive, but growing. Start by contacting local unions (UA Local 75) and contractor associations. Many companies, like RHC, have formal apprenticeship programs. Having a driver's license and a clean record is essential.

Q: Do I need to know both residential and commercial plumbing?
A: Most apprenticeships are general, but specializing early can help. Residential work is more consistent, while commercial/industrial work often pays more per hour but can be project-based.

Q: How is Racine for starting my own plumbing business?
A: It's a good environment. The cost of living is low, so overhead is manageable. However, you must first obtain your Master Plumber license. The local competition is moderate, but building a reputation for quality work is key.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for plumbers in Racine?
A: The older housing stock. A lot of homes in Racine were built in the early to mid-1900s and have galvanized steel or cast iron pipes that need replacement. This is a consistent source of work but requires patience and skill.

Q: Are there union opportunities?
A: Yes. Local 75 represents plumbers and pipefitters in southeastern Wisconsin, including Racine. Union jobs offer strong benefits, pensions, and training. It's worth reaching out to see if they are accepting new members.

Sources: Data compiled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), and local market analysis from platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed.