Plumber Salary

De Pere vs Milwaukee: Plumber Salary (2026)

Compare plumber salaries between De Pere, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

De Pere, WI
$85,720
$41.21/hr
Milwaukee, WI
$86,834
$41.75/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDe Pere, WIMilwaukee, WI
Median Salary$85,720$86,834
Hourly Rate$41.21$41.75
Entry Level (P10)$59,666$57,944
25th Percentile$66,718$63,921
75th Percentile$109,722$110,722
Top Earner (P90)$132,866$127,607
Total Employed62,760
Side-by-side bar chart comparing De Pere ($85,720) and Milwaukee ($86,834) plumber salaries.De PereMilwaukeeMedian Salary$85,720$86,834Entry Level (P10)$59,666$57,944Top Earner (P90)$132,866$127,607US Median $65,408

Verdict

Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to De Pere.

The salary gap between De Pere and Milwaukee is $1,114 (1.30%). Milwaukee's median is +32.76% compared to the US national median of $65,408.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in De Pere spans $73,200,Milwaukee spans $69,663. De Pere has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

De Pere
P10 (Entry)$59,666
P25$66,718
Median$85,720
P75$109,722
P90 (Top)$132,866
Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$57,944
P25$63,921
Median$86,834
P75$110,722
P90 (Top)$127,607

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, De Pere ($91,777 effective) pays 2.46% more than Milwaukee ($89,578 effective).

De Pere
Nominal: $85,720
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $91,777
Milwaukee
Nominal: $86,834
CoL Index: 96.937
Adjusted: $89,578

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose De Pere if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($132,866)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,777)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Milwaukee if…

  • Higher median salary ($86,834/year)
  • Larger job market (2,760 employed)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in De Pere grew 26.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.

De Pere, WI

+26.6%

$66,026 (2024) → $83,613 (2025)

Milwaukee, WI

+9.8%

$77,120 (2019) → $84,700 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: De Pere or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a higher median plumber salary at $86,834/year, compared to De Pere at $85,720/year — a difference of $1,114 (1.30%).

What is the hourly rate difference between De Pere and Milwaukee?

De Pere plumbers earn $41.21/hr while Milwaukee hygienists earn $41.75/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from De Pere to Milwaukee as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing De Pere and Milwaukee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: De Pere = $91,777, Milwaukee = $89,578), job availability (6 vs 2,760 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level plumbers earn in De Pere vs Milwaukee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $59,666 in De Pere and $57,944 in Milwaukee. The De Pere area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP

Career Analyst

Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, CWPData verified by Michael Chen, CWP

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov