Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Aurora, CO: $42,747 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Aurora, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,747 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Aurora's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,711 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,072) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as a plumber in Aurora, CO, can be a promising venture for those entering the field in 2026. The entry-level plumber salary in Aurora is projected to be around $42,747, which is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $64,072 for experienced plumbers in the city. However, new grads can expect steady progression; over the first few years, they might see their earnings grow from this initial figure to approximately $49,120 within a few years, approaching the median as they gain experience and skill. Given the current job market dynamics and a projected annual growth rate of 2.52%, Aurora presents an attractive opportunity for recent plumbing graduates to establish their careers.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Aurora
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
Entry-level plumbers in Aurora, CO typically start between $42,747 and $49,120 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,564 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,072 — 2.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Colorado of $12,000 represents just 28.07% of the starting plumber pay ($42,747/year) in Aurora. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect apprenticeship-based training (primarily paid OJT) with union dues, tools, books, and related technical instruction fees. Non-union/trade school pathways cost more. Actual costs vary by local UA chapter and state licensing requirements.
Plumber Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Aurora
- 1Research the Aurora market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $42,747 to $49,120, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the plumbing field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Aurora, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Aurora for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Aurora's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Plumber Compensation Range
The plumber wage spread in Aurora is $56,564 ( 132.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,747, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,311.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,873
2025 BLS Actual
$41,696
2026 Current Est.
$42,747
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,873 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,600 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,660 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,539 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,697 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,696 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,747 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,824 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Aurora, CO grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,873 in 2019 to $41,696 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,824. New graduates entering the Aurora job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your plumbing Career in Aurora
In Aurora, various employers actively seek out new plumbing talent. Local programs affiliated with UA (United Association) offer structured apprenticeship routes, requiring candidates to undergo a formal application and aptitude testing process for a 4-5 year training period. Additionally, non-union contractors frequently hire apprentices who can learn on the job, while larger service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS often look for licensed journeymen with commission-based pay structures, offering significant earning potential but varying income. Credentials such as a journeyman plumbing license and specialized training in high-skill niches like medical gas or backflow prevention can notably enhance starting pay. As many incumbents retire (the median age of plumbers is 50+), the industry faces a considerable demand for new plumbers, presenting a solid career trajectory for those entering the field. Realistic salary growth within the first three years can lead newly minted plumbers to earn closer to $60,000 or more as they develop their skills and gain necessary certifications.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for plumbers in Aurora in 2026?
How fast do plumber salaries grow in Aurora?
Is plumbing school worth it in Aurora?
What do new plumbers make right out of school in Aurora?
How do I become a plumber in Colorado?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Colorado
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new plumbing graduates. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Aurora. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov