Arvada vs Fort Collins: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Arvada, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arvada, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,486▲ | $62,137 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.00▲ | $29.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,060 | $46,206▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,502▲ | $49,599 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,542▲ | $78,377 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,954▲ | $95,672 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 800▲ |
Verdict
Arvada, CO offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Arvada and Fort Collins is $2,349 (3.78%). Arvada's median is -1.41% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arvada spans $53,894,Fort Collins spans $49,466. Arvada has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Collins ($61,444 effective) pays 0.05% more than Arvada ($61,415 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arvada if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,486/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,954)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Larger job market (800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,444)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Arvada grew -14.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.9% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Arvada, CO
$73,109 (2024) → $62,901 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$51,400 (2019) → $60,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arvada, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov