Sprinkler system cost in Kenosha, WI
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (4,000 sq ft of lawn)
- $4,450 – $11,100
- Per sq ft of lawn
- $1.10 – $2.75
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +11%
- US $7,000
- Rank of 300 metros
- #51
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a sprinkler system in the Kenosha area: $4,450 to $11,100 for 4,000 sq ft of lawn. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint runs 11% higher than the US figure. Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters earn a median of $37.18 an hour in the Kenosha area, 21% above the US median of $30.67.
Estimate your sprinkler system cost
Pick a size, a quality level and where you live. Prices update as you type.
Estimated cost for 4,000 sq ft of lawn in Kenosha, WI, standard level
$6,450 to $9,100
About $1.60 to $2.30 per sq ft of lawn before permits. Labor is about 54% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,950 | $4,200 |
| Labor | $3,500 | $4,900 |
| Permits and fees | $0 | $0 |
| Total | $6,450 | $9,100 |
Cost breakdown for 4,000 sq ft of lawn in Kenosha, WI
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,050 | $3,550 | $5,100 | 46% |
| Labor | $2,400 | $4,200 | $6,000 | 54% |
| Permits and fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | 0% |
| Total | $4,450 | $7,750 | $11,100 | 100% |
Where the Kenosha price comes from
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 3 trades: plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters at 40%, construction laborers at 40%, operating engineers and other construction equipment operators at 20%. Weighted together, Kenosha wages are 1.15 times the national level. Labor makes up about 54% of the midpoint estimate (52% at national prices).
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Kenosha is at 106.2 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $3,350 nationally becomes $3,550 here (midpoint, 4,000 sq ft of lawn). Permits follow the all-items index of 101.1: $0 to $0.
Who does the work: Kenosha trade wages
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 3 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Kenosha the blend is 1.15.
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152), 40% of the weighting: a median of $37.18 an hour, 21% above the US median of $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $28.43 and $48.11 an hour. About 150 work in the metro. That is 19.9 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.0 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 40%) the local median is $24.06 an hour, which is 6% above the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $21.67 and $29.45 an hour. BLS counts 340 of them working in the area, 45.1 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073), 20% of the weighting: a median of $35.19 an hour, 22% above the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $29.72 and $45.79 an hour. About 120 work in the metro. That is 15.9 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.7 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $520 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $420. That is a swing of roughly 5.3% to 6.7% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Kenosha has 75,450 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 245th by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 40% | $28.43 | $37.18 | $48.11 | $30.67 | 1.21 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 40% | $21.67 | $24.06 | $29.45 | $22.66 | 1.06 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 20% | $29.72 | $35.19 | $45.79 | $28.78 | 1.22 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.15 | |||||
The best months for sprinkler system in Kenosha
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Kenosha Rgnl Ap (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For digging, grading and setting material in the ground, the comfortable months in Kenosha are April through October: 7 of 12. Outside them, January, February, March, November and December have an average overnight low at or below freezing (32°F).
In January, February, March, November and December the average low is at or below freezing, which means frozen ground and slower digging, compaction and sod or stone placement. NOAA counts about 135 days a year with a low at or below 32°F at this station.
Kenosha gets about 32 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are April, June and August (3.7 inches in June). Inside the workable window, July and October are the driest, at 3.4 and 2.9 inches. The station averages about 11 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 16 | 1.2 | Cold |
| Feb | 35 | 19 | 1.1 | Cold |
| Mar | 45 | 28 | 2.0 | Cold |
| Apr | 57 | 37 | 3.6 | Workable |
| May | 69 | 47 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Jun | 79 | 57 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Jul | 84 | 62 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Aug | 82 | 61 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Sep | 75 | 53 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Oct | 63 | 43 | 2.9 | Workable |
| Nov | 49 | 32 | 2.0 | Cold |
| Dec | 37 | 22 | 1.5 | Cold |
Planning more than one job in Kenosha?
Jobs that often go together with sprinkler system are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Kenosha wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, French drain comes out highest (+16%) and concrete patio lowest (+6%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sod installation | 1,500 sq ft | $1,650 – $3,600 | +10% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $700 – $2,450 | +16% |
| Retaining wall | 200 sq ft of wall face | $8,100 – $15,000 | +13% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,350 – $4,250 | +6% |
| Inground pool | 450 sq ft | $40,400 – $126,000 | +12% |
Is Kenosha cheap or dear? The local comparison
Of the five closest metros, 2 are cheaper than Kenosha. Janesville is the lowest at about $7,500 (midpoint, 4,000 sq ft of lawn), 60 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenosha, WIthis page | $4,450 – $11,100 | $7,750 | |
| Racine, WI15 miles | $4,400 – $11,000 | $7,700 | −1% |
| Milwaukee, WI20 miles | $4,450 – $11,200 | $7,800 | +1% |
| Chicago, IL55 miles | $5,200 – $13,000 | $9,100 | +17% |
| Janesville, WI60 miles | $4,300 – $10,700 | $7,500 | −4% |
| Rockford, IL60 miles | $4,750 – $11,800 | $8,300 | +7% |
| Wisconsin (statewide) | $4,400 – $11,000 | $7,650 | −1% |
| United States | $4,000 – $10,000 | $7,000 | −10% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Kenosha ranks #51 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Kenosha is 1% above the Wisconsin figure.
Elsewhere in Wisconsin
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee, WI | 820,780 jobs | $4,450 – $11,200 | $7,800 | +1% |
| Madison, WI | 408,070 jobs | $4,500 – $11,200 | $7,850 | +1% |
| Green Bay, WI | 174,550 jobs | $4,500 – $11,200 | $7,850 | +1% |
| Appleton, WI | 124,230 jobs | $4,600 – $11,600 | $8,100 | +4% |
| Oshkosh, WI | 93,750 jobs | $4,350 – $10,900 | $7,650 | −2% |
| Eau Claire, WI | 86,060 jobs | $4,550 – $11,400 | $8,000 | +3% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Kenosha against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warner Robins, GA | 76,050 jobs | $3,650 – $9,100 | $6,400 | −18% |
| Abilene, TX | 75,070 jobs | $3,500 – $8,750 | $6,100 | −21% |
| Racine, WI | 76,280 jobs | $4,400 – $11,000 | $7,700 | −1% |
| Sioux City, IA | 75,010 jobs | $3,850 – $9,650 | $6,750 | −13% |
Cost by quality level and size in Kenosha
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Kenosha. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from small yard (2,000 sq ft of lawn) to average lawn (4,000 sq ft of lawn).
Basic
$4,450 to $7,100
Few zones, simple rectangular lawn
Standard
$6,450 to $9,100
Standard zoned in-ground system with controller
Premium
$8,450 to $11,100
Irregular yard, many zones, slopes or rock
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small yard (2,000 sq ft of lawn) | $2,200 – $3,550 | $3,200 – $4,550 | $4,200 – $5,550 |
| quarter acre (10,000 sq ft of lawn) | $11,100 – $17,800 | $16,100 – $22,800 | $21,100 – $27,700 |
| average lawn (4,000 sq ft of lawn) | $4,450 – $7,100 | $6,450 – $9,100 | $8,450 – $11,100 |
Specs and site conditions that change a Kenosha bid
Backflow and permits
Backflow preventers and plumbing permits are local rules; check with your water utility.
Zones
HomeGuide prices sprinklers at $600-$2,000 per zone; $3,000-$10,000 total for a quarter-acre lawn.
Above ground versus in-ground
An above-ground system is $0.50-$1.50 per sq ft; in-ground is $1.00-$2.50.
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $6,450 to $9,100 for Kenosha, WI is attached.
Detailed sprinkler system report for Kenosha, WI, $9
The report lays out the sprinkler system numbers for Kenosha, WI line by line, with the local wage and price inputs, permit and timing notes, a quote comparison sheet and the full method. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Sprinkler system in Kenosha: your questions
+How much does it cost to install a sprinkler system in Kenosha?
For 4,000 sq ft of lawn, expect $4,450 to $11,100 in the Kenosha area. A standard-spec job lands at $6,450 to $9,100. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft of lawn and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft of lawn for sprinkler system in Kenosha?
About $1.10 to $2.75 per sq ft of lawn for materials and labor, plus $0 to $0 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $1 to $2.50.
+Is sprinkler system cheaper in Kenosha or Racine?
Racine is 15 miles away. The midpoint for 4,000 sq ft of lawn there is $7,700, which is 1% less than Kenosha ($7,750). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Kenosha?
About 54% at the midpoint, or $4,200 out of $7,750. Materials are 46% and permits 0%. Nationally, labor is 52%.
+What would quarter acre (10,000 sq ft of lawn) cost in Kenosha?
$11,100 to $27,700. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does sprinkler system need a permit in Kenosha?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $0 to $0 for fees in the Kenosha area (our national range of $0 to $0 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Kenosha expensive for sprinkler system compared with the rest of Wisconsin?
Kenosha is 1% above the Wisconsin statewide estimate ($7,650 at the midpoint). We cover 12 metros in Wisconsin; see the state page to compare them.
+What do plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters earn in Kenosha?
The BLS median is $37.18 an hour in the Kenosha area, compared with $30.67 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $28.43 to $48.11.
+What do basic and premium sprinkler system work cost in Kenosha?
For 4,000 sq ft of lawn, basic work runs $4,450 to $7,100 and premium work $8,450 to $11,100. Basic means: few zones, simple rectangular lawn. Premium means: irregular yard, many zones, slopes or rock.
+When is the best time to install a sprinkler system in Kenosha?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are April through October. July and October are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
Sprinkler system near Kenosha
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does a Sprinkler System Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- Cost to Renovate: Renovation Labor Report 2026: Where the Money Goes (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Materials = 48% of the installed price, from Cost to Renovate's mid-range 'Outdoor Living' category split. It is a category average rather than an irrigation figure.