How to Become a Plumber in Colorado
If you’re looking for a career that pays well, is always interesting and offers job security, consider becoming a plumber. Plumbers offer an essential service to both residential and commercial customers. You might think of a plumber as someone who fixes leaks and unclogs toilets, but there’s more to the profession than that. You’ll install and repair all types of pipes, read blueprints, follow state and local building codes, install plumbing fixtures and troubleshoot problems with systems that are malfunctioning.
What’s Required to Become a Colorado Plumber?
You’ll need a high school diploma or the equivalent to understand science, mathematical concepts and written communication, and to be able to apply to postsecondary education in a plumbing program. Training to become a Colorado plumber is offered in community colleges, technical schools and vocational schools. Once you’ve competed your classroom training, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship working alongside an experienced plumber for two to five years.
Plumbing programs may cover topics on how to complete standard plumbing services such as:
- Water piping systems
- Building and safety codes
- Pressure piping
- Repair household appliances
- Heating repair and maintenance
- Waste disposal
- Building materials
- Water supply systems
- How to install, maintain, and repair pipes
Training to Become a Plumber in Colorado
Training programs include both classroom and hands-on training covering a variety of information such as plumbing math and measurements, blueprint reading and working with fixtures, faucets and drainage systems. You’ll learn about state codes and regulations.
Some places to obtain plumber training in Colorado include:
- Red Rocks Community College. This community college located in Lakewood, CO, offers a Plumbing Service Certificate consisting of 18.5 credit hours. Students learn piping skills, plumbing service, international plumbing codes and basic electricity and safety.
- Emily Griffith Technical College. This school has partnered with unions and trade organizations to offer plumber apprenticeships. Students have the opportunity to gain needed skills through on-the-job training.
- Construction Industry Training Council. This program in Denver is a four-year apprenticeship program in which students have both classroom and on-the-job training. Each year consists of 144 classroom hours and 2,000 hours on-the-job training.
Getting Started as an Apprentice Plumber in Colorado
Working as a plumbing apprentice is the most common way to start a career in plumbing in Colorado. An apprenticeship is a paid position that provides on-the-job training, working under the direction of a master plumber.
Once you find a position as an apprentice plumber, you’ll need to register with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies within 30y days. When you have a minimum of two years’ experience, you’ll be able to take the test to become licensed as a residential plumber.
As an apprentice plumber, you’ll assist with a variety of plumbing jobs. You’ll gradually learn to install and maintain pipes and fixtures, to inspect and test pipelines and to do plumbing repairs. Once you have four years of experience, you’ll be eligible to sit for the journeyman plumber examination. With more time and experience, you’ll be able to work up to being a master plumber.
Opportunities for apprentice plumbers in Colorado can be obtained through a union program, or in a non-union setting working for a private plumbing company. An example of a union program is Plumbers Local Union 3 in Denver. You can also become an apprentice plumber by attending a training program at a community college or trade school, such as the Construction Industry Training Council in Denver.
Becoming Licensed as a Colorado Plumber
To become licensed as a plumber in Colorado, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship, and apprentices need to register with the State Plumbing Board. Once you have a minimum of two years’ experience, you’re eligible to take the test to become licensed in residential plumbing. Once you have at least four years of practical experience, you’re eligible to test to become licensed as a journeyman plumber. Becoming a master plumber requires 60 months of practical experience and passing a written exam.
Pay and Employment Opportunities for Plumbers in Colorado
In Colorado, the average annual salary for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $61,180, which is slightly higher than the national average of $60,090. The salary range in Colorado extends from the lowest 10% earning $38,750 to the highest 10% earning $89,220. This range is narrower than the national spectrum, where the top 10% can earn more than $101,190.
National vs. Colorado Salary Comparison
| Location | 10% Low | 25% Low | Median | 75% High | 90% High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $37,250 | $46,630 | $60,090 | $78,960 | $101,190 |
| Colorado | $38,750 | $46,850 | $61,180 | $74,000 | $89,220 |
Salaries by Regions in Colorado
| Region | 10% Low | 25% Low | Median | 75% High | 90% High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $40,170 | $49,420 | $63,540 | $75,940 | $94,920 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $37,460 | $46,630 | $58,450 | $65,520 | $76,600 |
| Boulder, CO | $45,690 | $49,480 | $62,350 | $78,230 | $97,670 |
Plumbing Trends in Colorado
The employment landscape for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in Colorado is experiencing a substantial growth phase. As of 2020, there were 11,270 professionals employed in this sector within the state. By the end of the decade in 2030, this number is expected to rise to 14,710, which translates to a remarkable growth rate of 31%. This growth is significantly higher than the national average growth rate projected at 2% for the same period.
Annually, Colorado is projected to have about 1,580 job openings in this field from 2020 to 2030, which includes new positions due to industry growth as well as replacements for vacated positions. This indicates a vibrant job market for individuals in this trade, reflecting the state’s economic development and construction boom.
Trends
| Location | Employment (Start of Period) | Projected Employment (End of Period) | Projected Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 11,270 (2020) | 14,710 (2030) | 31% | 1,580 |
| United States | 482,700 (2022) | 493,600 (2032) | 2% | 42,600 |
Sources of data:
- State Data: The projections for this State from 2020 to 2030 are provided by Projections Central, which offers long-term projections for occupational employment.
- United States Data: The nationwide employment projections from 2022 to 2032 are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which regularly publishes detailed employment projections for a wide range of occupations across the United States.