Senior Plumber Salary in Kenosha, WI: $115,591 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of plumbers working in Kenosha, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $115,591/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 47-2152. Strip back Kenosha's price premium (BEA RPP 101.1, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $114,313 in average-cost America. The 46% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
For experienced plumbers in Kenosha, WI, the potential for top-tier earnings is substantial, particularly as the 2026 figures project a median annual salary of $79,289. Senior plumbers can expect to reach impressive breakpoints, with the 75th percentile earning $102,592 and the top 90th percentile commanding as much as $115,591. This gap between the median and top earners reflects the significant experience premium available in this field, positioning Kenosha's top plumber salary well above the national average, which stands at $65,408 for 2026. Attaining these upper earning levels typically requires over seven years of dedicated work, often marked by advanced certifications and a specialization that aligns with local demand.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kenosha
Experienced plumbers at the top of the pay scale in Kenosha earn between $102,592 and $115,591 per year (2026 est.). This $62,855 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kenosha median of $79,289 sits 21.22% above the US median.
Top Plumber Salary Comparison
| Level | Kenosha | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $79,289 | $65,408 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,592 | $87,255 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $115,591 | $111,152 |
In Kenosha, experienced plumbers (P90) earn 45.78% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Plumber Pay in Kenosha
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI plumbers with additional specialty certifications within the plumbing field earn significantly above the $79,289 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kenosha employers.
Specialty Focus
Plumbers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the plumbing field in Kenosha command premium compensation, often reaching the $102,592–$115,591 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kenosha metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced plumbers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured plumbers in Kenosha 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 Kenosha
Clinical Plumber
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Plumber
5-10 yearsPlumber Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKenosha ranks #40 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner plumber salary (90th percentile: $115,591).
Top 10% plumber compensation in Kenosha ($115,591) is 6.16% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($123,175).
2019 BLS Actual
$101,051
2025 BLS Actual
$112,750
2026 Current Est.
$115,591
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Kenosha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,051 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,943 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,911 | Actual |
| 2022 | $105,231 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,259 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,750 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,591 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $118,504 | Projected |
Top-earning plumbers (90th percentile) in Kenosha saw their compensation grow 11.6% from $101,051 in 2019 to $112,750 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 $118,504 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenosha 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 Kenosha
In Kenosha, specialized plumbing skills can very much dictate earning potential. Fields such as pipefitting or steamfitting in industrial settings, new construction plumbing, and medical gas systems are some of the most lucrative niches. Senior plumbers consistently find that their compensation varies significantly based on employer type. Union contractors generally offer competitive wages, often surpassing non-union contractors by 30-50%, while larger service companies may employ commission-based structures that can yield high rewards but also introduce income variability. Advancement pathways for experienced plumbers are plentiful, whether the goal is to move into leadership roles or specialize further. Credentials such as a journeyman plumbing license or master plumbing license pave the way for lucrative opportunities like plumbing contractor ownership. Additionally, mastering skills in backflow prevention and medical gas systems can further elevate pay, aligning with the evolving needs of the industry, especially in a region with an aging workforce and infrastructure.
More salary data for Kenosha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced plumbers make in Kenosha in 2026?
What drives higher plumber pay in Kenosha?
What certifications boost plumber salary in Kenosha?
Can experienced plumbers make six figures in Kenosha?
How much does plumber salary increase over time in Kenosha?
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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 $112,750 for plumbers in the Kenosha 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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