Plumbing is a rewarding trade with steady demand and competitive pay—especially in growing cities like Aurora, Colorado. In 2026, the plumber salary in Aurora reflects regional cost-of-living, industry demand, and the value of specialized skills. Whether you’re a new apprentice, seasoned journeyperson, or aspiring master plumber, understanding the compensation landscape can help you maximize earnings and career growth.
This detailed, SEO-friendly guide covers average salary ranges, earnings by experience, factors that influence pay, job market trends, and certifications that impact salary. You’ll also find comparisons with other nearby cities to help you see where Aurora stands.
Average Plumber Salary in Aurora, CO (2026)
Plumber wages in Aurora vary by experience, employer, and specialization—but most fall within a predictable range.
Aurora Plumber Salary Overview
| Salary Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary | ~$66,028 |
| Typical Range | ~$57,127 – $74,996 |
| 25th Percentile | ~$57,127 |
| 75th Percentile | ~$74,996 |
| Hourly Equivalent | ~$27 – $36/hr |
| Source: Salary.com data for Aurora, CO in 2026 |
According to aggregated data, plumbers in Aurora typically earn around $66,000 per year, with most clustered between roughly $57,000 and $75,000 annually. Higher pay is possible with experience, specialized skills, or working in certain industries.
Other job posting data shows the average hourly pay near $31.01, which translates similarly into annual earnings depending on hours worked and overtime.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience significantly affects plumber earning potential. Below is an approximate breakdown for 2026 based on experience.
| Experience Level | Typical Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | ~$57,000 – $63,000 |
| Intermediate (2–5 yrs) | ~$63,500 – $68,000 |
| Senior (5–8 yrs) | ~$68,000 – $70,000 |
| Experienced (>8 yrs) | ~$69,000+ |
| Source: Salary.com experience breakdown |
Key takeaways:
Entry-level plumbers often start closer to the lower end of the salary range.
Mid-level plumbers see noticeable increases once they gain competence and certifications.
Senior and expert plumbers bring valuable on-the-job expertise and often command premium wages.
Factors That Influence Plumber Earnings
Multiple elements determine how much plumbers earn in Aurora:
🔧 Experience & Skill Level
More experience usually means higher wages. Plumbers with well-rounded skills in installation, repair, inspection, and diagnostics tend to earn more.
🎓 Certifications & Licensing
Colorado plumbers must complete apprenticeships and licensing to progress. Certified journeypersons and master plumbers typically earn significantly more due to increased responsibility and code knowledge.
🛠️ Specializations
Specialized skills like backflow prevention, medical gas piping, and commercial system diagnostics can add value and higher pay.
💼 Employer & Work Type
Plumbers working for large firms or in commercial construction usually get better pay and benefits than those solely focused on residential repairs.
📍 Location & Market Demand
Aurora’s proximity to Denver and continuous development boost demand for plumbing services, which supports stable wage growth.
Job Market Trends (2026)
The plumbing job market in Aurora is strongly tied to regional population growth and construction trends.
🔹 Rising Construction Activity
Residential and commercial construction in the Denver-Aurora metro area continues to grow, sustaining demand for plumbing services.
🔹 Aging Infrastructure
Older properties require maintenance and retrofit work, which supports stable employment.
🔹 Skilled Labor Shortages
Like many trades nationwide, Colorado sees ongoing shortages of skilled plumbers—boosting wage potential and job security.
🔹 Population Growth
Aurora’s expanding population increases the need for both new installations and repairs in homes and businesses.
Benefits of Being a Plumber in Aurora
Plumbing isn’t just about wages—there are additional perks and job perks tied to this trade:
Typical Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid vacation and holidays
Retirement plans in union or corporate settings
Overtime and performance bonuses
Career Growth
Plumbers can transition to supervisory roles, start their own business, or specialize in high-demand niches.
Job Stability
Plumbing is often recession-resistant thanks to ongoing need for maintenance and infrastructure work.
Certifications and Education That Boost Salary
Plumbers in Colorado benefit from formal training and licensing:
Key Certifications
Apprenticeship completion certificate
Journeyman plumber license
Master plumber license
Specialty credentials (e.g., backflow, medical gas)
These certifications reflect mastery of code, safety, and complex systems, which often correlate with higher pay.
Comparing Plumber Salaries: Aurora vs Nearby Cities
To contextualize Aurora’s wages, here’s how plumber salaries compare across other cities in Colorado:
| City | Typical Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Aurora, CO | ~$66,028 |
| Denver, CO | ~$66,000+ (similar range) |
| Colorado Springs, CO | ~$61,900 – $68,000 range |
| Jefferson, CO | ~$63,189 – ~$69,529 |
Aurora’s plumber salaries are competitive with Denver and slightly higher than some surrounding regions, reflecting the vibrant metro job market.
Job Outlook for Plumbers in Aurora (2026 and Beyond)
The outlook for plumbers in Aurora remains promising:
Continued infrastructure needs support long-term demand.
Construction and renovation growth drives new opportunities.
Tradespeople with strong skills and credentials are in high demand.
This trade remains valuable with potential for steady income and career advancement.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re considering a plumbing career or planning your next move, Aurora, CO offers solid earning potential in 2026. With average salaries around $66,000 annually, growth prospects tied to experience, and strong job security, plumbing continues to be a viable, rewarding profession. Proper certifications and continued skill development will help you maximize income and long-term career success in this essential field.