The plumbing profession continues to be a solid career choice for skilled workers, and in Colorado Springs, CO, plumbers enjoy competitive wages that reflect the city’s steady demand for construction and maintenance services. In 2026, plumbers’ earnings in Colorado Springs vary based on experience, certification level, and job type. This comprehensive article explores average salary ranges, factors affecting pay, career benefits, and how Colorado Springs compares to other cities.
📊 Average Plumber Salary in Colorado Springs (2026)
Plumbing salaries in Colorado Springs are influenced by experience, job position, and market demand. According to recent salary data:
Typical Salary Range
| Salary Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Plumber | ~$48,000 – $56,000 | ~$23 – $27/hr |
| Average Plumber | ~$55,967 – $73,472 | ~$27 – $35/hr |
| Journeyperson Plumber | ~$48,758 – $85,242 | ~$24 – $41/hr |
| Master Plumber | ~$108,435 – $188,461 | ~$52 – $91/hr |
👉 Median average plumber salary in Colorado Springs (2026) is roughly $64,600 per year (about $31 per hour) with typical pay mostly between $55,967 and $73,472 annually.
Some employer surveys indicate a slightly higher area average around $70,000+, depending on job scope and reporting source.
📈 Salary by Experience Level
Experience dramatically influences plumbing pay in Colorado Springs:
🛠 Apprentice (0–2 Years)
Typically training or assisting licensed plumbers
Focus on basic tasks and learning hands-on skills
Wage often on hourly basis
Estimated pay: ~$20/hr average (~ $40,000 annually)
🧰 Journeyperson (2–6 Years)
Independently handle most residential and basic commercial jobs
Higher job responsibility and technical skill
Often included in salary tables separately
Estimated pay: ~$48,758 – $85,242 annually ($24 – $41/hr)
🔧 Mid-Level Plumber (6–10 Years)
Proficient in complex installations and diagnostics
Often trusted to lead small projects
Increased hourly rates and overtime
Typical salary range: ~$60,000 – $80,000+
🔥 Master Plumber (>10 Years)
Highest certification level
Design, code compliance, commercial work
Can open own business or become contractor
Typical salary range: ~$108K – $188K+ annually ($52 – $91/hr)
🧠 Key Factors That Influence Plumber Earnings
Several elements impact how much plumbers in Colorado Springs earn:
1. Licensing & Certifications
Colorado plumbing license increases trust and rates
Specialized certifications (gas fitting, backflow prevention) command higher pay
2. Experience & Skills
More years = higher pay
Complex systems skills (commercial, industrial work) boost earnings
3. Union vs. Non-Union Work
Union plumbers may earn better base pay and benefits
4. Type of Projects
Emergency and commercial contracts usually pay more than basic residential repairs
5. Business Ownership
Independent plumbers can earn more but assume business costs and risks
📊 Salary Comparison: Colorado Springs vs Other Cities (2026)
Plumbing pay can vary significantly across Colorado and nearby cities.
| City | Average Plumber Salary (2026) |
|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO | ~$64,600 – $70,700 |
| Denver, CO | ~$66,000 – $83,500 |
| Boulder, CO | Slightly above Denver averages |
| Pueblo, CO | Lower than Colorado Springs |
💡 Overall, Denver typically offers higher average salaries than Colorado Springs due to its larger economy and higher cost of living, but Colorado Springs remains competitive and often has lower living costs.
📊 Benefits of Being a Plumber in Colorado Springs
Beyond salary, there are several advantages to pursuing plumbing as a career:
💼 Job Stability
Essential trade, resilient through economic shifts
Constant demand for installation, repair, and maintenance
🧑🎓 No College Degree Required
Trades often pay well without four-year degree debt
Many start earning while apprenticing
🕒 Overtime & Emergency Pay
After-hours callouts typically pay premium rates
Vacation and holiday hours can be compensated
📈 Advancement Opportunities
Journeyman → Master → Contractor → Business owner
Options to specialize in commercial or industrial systems
📊 Education and Certification That Boost Salary
📘 Typical Pathway
High school diploma or equivalent
Enroll in apprenticeship program
Complete required training hours
Pass Colorado state plumbing licensing exam
📜 Certifications That Help
Journeyman plumber license
Master plumber license
Backflow prevention certification
Safety certifications (OSHA)
Specialty gas piping credentials
These certifications often lead directly to higher pay and more job opportunities.
📈 Job Market Trends (Colorado Springs, 2026)
The plumbing job market in Colorado Springs continues to show steady demand due to:
Population growth and housing development
Commercial construction projects
Aging infrastructure requiring upgrades and maintenance
Colorado Springs has been recognized for its growing economy and job opportunities, which supports a stable environment for skilled trades like plumbing.
📌 Job Outlook for Plumbers
Overall job growth for plumbers is expected to remain solid, supported by:
Expansion of new residential and commercial buildings
Need for plumbing repairs and eco-efficient systems
Retirements creating openings for younger workers
In many cases, plumbing is considered one of the more recession-resilient careers in skilled trades due to continuous essential demand.
🧠 Final Thoughts
In 2026, plumber salaries in Colorado Springs, CO provide competitive pay with strong potential for growth, especially for licensed and experienced professionals. Whether you’re just starting as an apprentice or aiming to become a master plumber, the trade offers stability, upward mobility, and above-average compensation without requiring a four-year college degree.
If you’re seeking a hands-on career with good income potential and long-term job security, plumbing in Colorado Springs remains an excellent option.