Entry-Level Plumber Salary in De Pere, WI: $59,666 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the De Pere, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,666 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out De Pere's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,882 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($85,720) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In De Pere, Wisconsin, the starting salary for newly graduated plumbers is projected to be around $59,666 in 2026. This figure represents a foundational base for those entering the plumbing trade, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $85,720. However, as new plumbers gain experience, there is an upward trajectory in pay, with many moving toward the P25 salary of $66,718 within a few years. The potential for salary growth is encouraging, making De Pere a promising market for new grads eager to embark on their plumbing careers. It’s essential for these graduates to recognize the opportunities inherent in the field, particularly given the industry’s focus on addressing aging infrastructure and the increasing demand for skilled labor.
About the De Pere Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in De Pere
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in De Pere
Entry-level plumbers in De Pere, WI typically start between $59,666 and $66,718 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $73,200 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $85,720 — 31.05% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Wisconsin of $14,000 represents just 23.46% of the starting plumber pay ($59,666/year) in De Pere. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect apprenticeship-based training (primarily paid OJT) with union dues, tools, books, and related technical instruction fees. Non-union/trade school pathways cost more. Actual costs vary by local UA chapter and state licensing requirements.
Plumber Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in De Pere
- 1Research the De Pere market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $59,666 to $66,718, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the plumbing field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in De Pere, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in De Pere for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5De Pere's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Plumber Compensation Range
The plumber wage spread in De Pere is $73,200 ( 122.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,666, experienced hygienists can earn up to $132,866.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,092
2025 BLS Actual
$58,199
2026 Current Est.
$59,666
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in De Pere (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,092 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,107 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,378 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,103 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,002 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,817 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,199 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,666 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,169 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in De Pere, WI grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,092 in 2019 to $58,199 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,169. New graduates entering the De Pere job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the De Pere metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your plumbing Career in De Pere
In De Pere, graduates can look to several employers to begin their careers, including the UA Local apprenticeship programs, which offer formal training through application and aptitude testing over four to five years. Non-union contractors may provide on-the-job training for apprentices, while larger companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS tend to recruit licensed journeymen who enjoy commission structures reflecting their performance. Aspiring plumbers should pursue additional credentials, such as a journeyman plumbing license and relevant specialty certifications like backflow prevention testing, which can enhance their earning potential. In the early stages of one's plumbing career, aligning oneself with union opportunities can yield notable pay differences, with union pipefitters often earning 30-50% more than their non-union counterparts. With sustained demand due to a shrinking workforce and an aging infrastructure, new grads should anticipate steady salary growth as they position themselves strategically in the market.
More salary data for De Pere, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new plumbing graduates. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in De Pere. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for De Pere is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov