Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Madison, WI?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30.5% of gross income.
Madison rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Wisconsin state estimate).
About rent and a plumber salary
Plumber pay sits comfortably above the US median household income and covers affordable rent in most US metros. At the national-average plumber salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,678 a month in rent. The per-city pages combine local rent with local plumber-pay estimates so renters can see where the math works.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Wisconsin cities have lower median rent than Madison, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Madison
View full rent data for Madison, WI →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Madison, WI?
Median rent in Madison is $1,621 a month. A typical plumber in Wisconsin earns about $63,745 a year, which makes that rent 30.5% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a plumber afford in Madison?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Wisconsin (~$63,745/yr) supports up to $1,594 a month in rent. Madison's current median rent is $1,621/mo, which is $27/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Madison?
At an hourly equivalent of about $31 an hour, a plumber in Wisconsin works roughly 52.9 hours a month to cover Madison's median rent of $1,621.
Where is rent cheaper than Madison for a plumber?
Nearby Wisconsin cities with lower median rent include River Falls ($1,619/mo), Brown Deer ($1,618/mo), Kenosha ($1,618/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a plumber salary.