Senior Plumber Salary in De Pere, WI: $132,866 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of plumbers working in De Pere, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $132,866/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 47-2152. Strip back De Pere's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $142,255 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In De Pere, Wisconsin, experienced plumbers stand to earn impressive salaries, particularly as they move toward senior positions. The projected median annual salary for 2026 is $85,720, which reflects both the skill and dedication required in this field. Top-tier earners can command salaries peaking at $132,866, showcasing a significant experience premium that exists between the median and the highest earners. Achieving these salary figures often hinges on continuous professional development, obtaining advanced credentials, and specializing in high-demand areas of plumbing. Those who excel in their roles and are willing to embrace the complexities of specialized plumbing work are in a prime position to access these lucrative compensation rates in the local market.
About the De Pere Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in De Pere
Experienced plumbers at the top of the pay scale in De Pere earn between $109,722 and $132,866 per year (2026 est.). This $73,200 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The De Pere median of $85,720 sits 31.05% above the US median.
Top Plumber Salary Comparison
| Level | De Pere | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $85,720 | $65,408 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,722 | $87,255 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $132,866 | $111,152 |
In De Pere, experienced plumbers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Plumber Pay in De Pere
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI plumbers with additional specialty certifications within the plumbing field earn significantly above the $85,720 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by De Pere employers.
Specialty Focus
Plumbers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the plumbing field in De Pere command premium compensation, often reaching the $109,722–$132,866 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the De Pere metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced plumbers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured plumbers in De Pere with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Plumbers in Wisconsin who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Plumber Career & Wage Growth Path in De Pere
Clinical Plumber
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Plumber
5-10 yearsPlumber Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDe Pere ranks #9 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner plumber salary (90th percentile: $132,866).
Top 10% plumber compensation in De Pere ($132,866) is 7.87% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($123,175).
2019 BLS Actual
$116,152
2025 BLS Actual
$129,600
2026 Current Est.
$132,866
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
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 | $116,152 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,328 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,958 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,289 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $132,866 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,214 | Projected |
Top-earning plumbers (90th percentile) in De Pere saw their compensation grow 11.6% from $116,152 in 2019 to $129,600 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.52% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $136,214 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Plumber Earnings in De Pere
Career trajectories for seasoned plumbers in De Pere frequently lead to specialized roles that further enhance their earning potential. Areas such as medical gas systems and backflow prevention testing not only demand advanced skills but also offer compensation that far exceeds the standard pay for residential service plumbing. Additionally, plumbers affiliated with union organizations like the United Association often see a higher pay scale, with wages that can exceed non-union opportunities by 30-50%. Compensation can vary significantly depending on employer type; for instance, industrial maintenance teams and larger service companies may provide higher salaries compared to small, self-employed firms. Advancing to roles such as plumbing inspector or contractor also opens doors for greater financial rewards. For many, obtaining credentials such as a master plumbing license or specialization in medical gas installation can be a strategic move to secure a higher salary and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving plumbing industry in Wisconsin.
More salary data for De Pere, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced plumbers make in De Pere in 2026?
What drives higher plumber pay in De Pere?
What certifications boost plumber salary in De Pere?
Can experienced plumbers make six figures in De Pere?
How much does plumber salary increase over time in De Pere?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $129,600 for plumbers in the De Pere metro area. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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