Castle Rock vs Fort Collins: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Castle Rock, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Castle Rock, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,037 | $62,137▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.82 | $29.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,887 | $46,206▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,997▲ | $49,599 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,407▲ | $78,377 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,158▲ | $95,672 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 800▲ |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Castle Rock.
The salary gap between Castle Rock and Fort Collins is $100 (0.16%). Fort Collins's median is -5.00% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Castle Rock spans $51,271,Fort Collins spans $49,466. Castle Rock 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 4.00% more than Castle Rock ($59,083 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Castle Rock if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,158)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,137/year)
- ✓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 Castle Rock grew -14.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.9% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Castle Rock, CO
$70,333 (2024) → $60,512 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$51,400 (2019) → $60,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Castle Rock, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Castle Rock or Fort Collins?
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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