Plumber Career Guide in Colorado
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Colorado.
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How to Become a Plumber in Colorado
Plumbers in Colorado install and maintain water supply, drainage, waste, venting, fixtures, and related plumbing systems. The statewide median wage is approximately $63,610 per year, which is about $640 higher than the national median for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Most Colorado plumbers begin as registered apprentices and accumulate documented practical experience under an appropriately licensed plumber. Journeyworker applicants generally need four years and 6,800 hours of practical experience before taking the state examination.
Training combines approximately 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job experience with classroom instruction covering the International Plumbing Code (IPC), Colorado plumbing regulations, water distribution, sanitary drainage, vent systems, gas piping, blueprint reading, hydronic systems, medical gas piping, backflow prevention, and OSHA safety standards.
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.
Plumber Salary in Colorado
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Colorado median wage for plumber 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 $640 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers 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 PREPARATIONPlumber Training Requirements in Colorado
Register as a Colorado plumbing apprentice and accumulate qualifying practical experience under proper supervision. Employers or plumbing contractors must verify experience through the required affidavits.
Residential Plumber applicants generally need 3,400 hours over two years. Journeyworker Plumber applicants generally need 6,800 hours over four years. Master Plumber applicants generally need 8,500 hours over five years. Applicants must pass the examination required for the selected license category.
Colorado Plumbing Code & International Plumbing Code
Students study Colorado plumbing regulations, the International Plumbing Code, water distribution systems, sanitary drainage, venting, fixture installation, inspections, and code-compliant plumbing practices.
Water Supply & Drainage Systems
Training includes potable-water piping, sanitary drainage, vent systems, water heaters, pumps, pressure regulation, storm drainage, sewage systems, and plumbing troubleshooting.
Commercial & Hydronic Plumbing
Programs emphasize commercial plumbing installations, hydronic heating systems, gas piping, mechanical-room piping, process piping, medical gas systems, and backflow prevention.
Pipe Installation & Blueprint Reading
Apprentices learn plumbing layout, blueprint interpretation, copper soldering, brazing, threaded piping, cast iron installation, plastic piping systems, valves, supports, and plumbing fixture installation.
Safety & OSHA Practices
Training covers trench safety, confined-space awareness, fall protection, lockout/tagout procedures, personal protective equipment, and safe plumbing installation practices.
Plumber 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 | Westminster | View Program |
| Pikes Peak State College | Colorado Springs | View Program |
| Pueblo Community College | Pueblo | 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 OPPORTUNITIESPlumber Apprenticeship Programs in Colorado
Colorado Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Colorado
Colorado regulates plumbers through the Colorado State Plumbing Board under the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Individuals performing plumbing work must hold the appropriate state-issued plumbing license or be registered as plumbing apprentices.
Colorado issues Residential Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber, and Plumbing Contractor registrations. Apprentice plumbers must register with the State Plumbing Board before accumulating qualifying work experience under the supervision of licensed plumbers.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Colorado
Colorado continues to experience strong demand for plumbers because of rapid population growth, residential construction, commercial development, healthcare expansion, tourism, renewable energy projects, advanced manufacturing, and infrastructure modernization.
The Denver–Aurora–Lakewood metropolitan area provides the state's largest plumbing employment market. Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Boulder, Pueblo, and Grand Junction also create opportunities in commercial construction, hospitals, universities, government facilities, utilities, and residential development.
Continued investment in multifamily housing, water infrastructure, and commercial construction is expected to support long-term employment opportunities throughout Colorado.
Colorado projects employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters 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.
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 plumber salary in Colorado?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Colorado is approximately $63,610 per year, or $30.58 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Colorado require plumber licensing?
Yes. Colorado requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt plumber work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Colorado State Plumbing Board.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Colorado?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical Colorado plumber pathway generally requires approximately 3,400 hours of supervised on-the-job training and completion of any required examination.
Are plumbers in demand in Colorado?
Colorado projects plumber 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 Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Colorado Plumber Wages
- Colorado Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Colorado Plumber Employment Trends
- Colorado State Plumbing Board — Licensing authority. Colorado State Plumbing Board