Fort Collins vs Loveland: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Loveland, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Loveland, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,137▲ | $60,649 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.87▲ | $29.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,206▲ | $42,292 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,599▲ | $47,499 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,377▲ | $77,630 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,672▲ | $94,006 |
| Total Employed | 800▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Loveland.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Loveland is $1,488 (2.45%). 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 Fort Collins spans $49,466,Loveland spans $51,714. Loveland 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, Fort Collins ($61,444 effective) pays 6.38% more than Loveland ($57,761 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,137/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,672)
- ✓Larger job market (800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,444)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Loveland if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Fort Collins grew 17.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -14.3% growth in Loveland over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$51,400 (2019) → $60,610 (2025)
Loveland, CO
$68,992 (2024) → $59,158 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Loveland, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Fort Collins or Loveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Loveland?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Loveland as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Fort Collins vs Loveland?
Related Comparisons
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