plumber salary in colorado (2026)
Colorado plumbers earn a median of $66,080 per year in 2026 — +12% versus the national median of $59,000. The gap reflects colorado's market dynamics: energy sector, aerospace, rocky mountain boom.
But Colorado isn't one market. Wages vary significantly across metros. Here's the full breakdown.
plumber salary by city in colorado
Salary varies considerably across Colorado metros, driven by construction activity, industrial sector concentration, and union density.
| city | median salary | vs. CO median | key driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Denver | $73,750 | +12% | tech, aerospace, commercial boom |
| 2 Colorado Springs | $59,000 | -11% | military, defense contractors, healthcare |
| 3 Aurora | $64,900 | -2% | logistics, military, healthcare |
| 4 Fort Collins | $61,950 | -6% | tech, university, clean energy |
| 5 Lakewood | $66,080 | +0% | government, tech, commercial |
| 6 Thornton | $61,950 | -6% | logistics, residential buildout |
| 7 Arvada | $63,720 | -4% | commercial, residential, light industrial |
Colorado market note: Denver's construction boom, Colorado's leadership in renewable energy, and the aerospace corridor around Colorado Springs all sustain strong demand.
what moves your salary in colorado
taxes and take-home pay
Colorado's state income tax is a flat 4.4%. Denver's cost of living is high, but skilled trade wages have kept pace with demand.
union vs. non-union
Colorado has a growing union presence, particularly in Denver's commercial market. Prevailing wage applies to state public projects.
licensing
To work legally as a licensed plumber in Colorado, you'll need to meet requirements set by the Colorado Dept of Regulatory Agencies. This typically includes documented apprenticeship hours, passing a written trade exam, and ongoing continuing education. Each license level unlocks higher-paying work — especially the jump to journeyman, which allows independent work on permitted jobs.
how colorado compares to other states
| state | median salary | vs. colorado | note |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $83,800 | +27% | 9.3% state income tax |
| New York | $78,200 | +18% | NYC drives wages up; high COL |
| Illinois | $76,500 | +16% | Chicago union rates |
| Colorado | $66,080 | — | Denver drives wages; growing market |
| National median | $59,880 | -9% | BLS OEWS 2024 |
| Texas | $58,900 | -11% | no state income tax |
| Florida | $52,400 | -21% | no state income tax, lower COL |
is plumber a good career in colorado right now?
Denver's construction boom, Colorado's leadership in renewable energy, and the aerospace corridor around Colorado Springs all sustain strong demand. BLS projects 9% job growth for plumbers nationally through 2032, and Colorado tracks at or above that rate given its market conditions.
Hardhat's AI survival score for plumbers is 76/100 — the physical, site-specific, judgment-intensive nature of this work makes it genuinely difficult to automate. The job is not going anywhere.
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How much does a Plumber make in Colorado?
Plumbers in Colorado earn a median of $66,080 per year in 2026, ranging from around $48,899 for apprentices to $102,424 or more for licensed journeymen and contractors.
What city in Colorado pays plumbers the most?
Denver pays the highest plumber salaries in Colorado — around $73,750 median — driven by tech, aerospace, commercial boom.
Do you need a license to be a plumber in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado requires licensure through the Colorado Dept of Regulatory Agencies. Requirements include documented experience, passing a written trade exam, and in many cases continuing education hours.
Is there demand for plumbers in Colorado?
Colorado's plumber market is driven by energy sector, aerospace, rocky mountain boom. BLS projects 9% national job growth through 2032, and Colorado consistently matches or exceeds that pace.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Colorado?
Typically 4–5 years — trade school plus the apprenticeship hours required to sit for the journeyman exam. Licensing is handled by the Colorado Dept of Regulatory Agencies.
plumber salary in other states
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