Pipefitter Career Guide in Colorado
Explore pipefitter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Colorado.
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How to Become a Pipefitter in Colorado
Workers performing regulated plumbing must register as apprentices and work under appropriate supervision. Journeyworker applicants generally need four years or 6,800 hours of documented practical experience and must pass the state examination.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Pipefitter Salary in Colorado
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Colorado median wage for pipefitter workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $62,970, the median wage in Colorado is approximately $4,510 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Pipefitters in Colorado
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONPipefitter Training Requirements in Colorado
Colorado pipefitters commonly prepare through a paid registered apprenticeship. Anyone performing work within Colorado’s regulated plumbing scope must register or hold the appropriate State Plumbing Board license.
- Register as a plumbing apprentice before performing regulated plumbing work.
- Complete supervised practical experience and the apprenticeship sponsor’s related classroom instruction.
- Document approximately 6,800 hours of practical experience for journeyworker eligibility and pass the required examination.
- Check municipal contractor-license, permit, welding, medical-gas, and inspection requirements for the jobsite.
Pipefitter Training Providers in Colorado
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Emily Griffith Technical College | Denver | View Program |
| Red Rocks Community College | Lakewood | View Program |
| Front Range Community College | Fort Collins | View Program |
| Pikes Peak State College | Colorado Springs | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESPipefitter Apprenticeship Programs in Colorado
Pipefitter Licensing Requirements in Colorado
Colorado requires apprentice registration or a Residential, Journeyworker, or Master Plumber license when the piping work falls within the regulated plumbing trade. Colorado does not issue a separate industrial-pipefitter license. Municipal contractor licensing, permits, welding qualifications, and inspection requirements may also apply.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPipefitter Job Outlook in Colorado
Colorado projects employment to increase from 10,700 in 2022 to 11,960 in 2032. This represents 12% growth, with approximately 1,090 annual job openings.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the pipefitter salary in Colorado?
The statewide median wage for pipefitters in Colorado is approximately $67,480 per year, or $32.44 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Colorado require pipefitter licensing?
Yes. Colorado requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt pipefitter work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, State Plumbing Board.
How long does it take to become a pipefitter in Colorado?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical Colorado pipefitter pathway generally requires approximately 6,800 hours of supervised on-the-job training and completion of any required examination.
Are pipefitters in demand in Colorado?
Colorado projects pipefitter employment to grow by approximately 12% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,090 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Colorado Wages for Pipefitter (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Colorado Pipefitter Wages
- Colorado Pipefitter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Colorado Pipefitter Employment Trends
- Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, State Plumbing Board — Licensing authority. Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, State Plumbing Board