Colorado Springs vs Fort Collins: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,035 | $62,137▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.82 | $29.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,231▲ | $46,206 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,383▲ | $49,599 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,412▲ | $78,377 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,941 | $95,672▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,060▲ | 800 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Fort Collins is $102 (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 Colorado Springs spans $42,710,Fort Collins spans $49,466. Fort Collins has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Colorado Springs ($61,599 effective) pays 0.25% more than Fort Collins ($61,444 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,060 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,599)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,137/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,672)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Colorado Springs grew 28.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.9% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$46,980 (2019) → $60,510 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$51,400 (2019) → $60,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Colorado Springs or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Colorado Springs vs 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