Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Denver, CO: $49,866 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Denver, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,866 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Denver's local price level (BEA RPP 105.8 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,140 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,510) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those beginning their careers in plumbing in Denver, Colorado, the entry-level plumber salary is projected at $49,866 in 2026. While this figure represents the lower end of the pay spectrum, it's essential to compare it to the city’s median annual salary of $65,510 to understand the growth potential. New graduates can realistically expect to move from this starting point toward the $61,430 mark within a few years, as they gain experience and develop their skills. Given Denver's current demand for plumbing professionals, driven partly by an aging workforce, entering the field now offers a promising opportunity for new plumbers to build a stable career in a growing market.
Career Earnings Timeline in Denver
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 Denver
Entry-level plumbers in Denver, CO typically start between $49,866 and $61,430 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,494 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,510 — 0.16% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Colorado of $12,000 represents just 24.06% of the starting plumber pay ($49,866/year) in Denver. 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 Denver
- 1Research the Denver market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $49,866 to $61,430, 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 Denver, 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 Denver for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Denver'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 Denver is $55,494 ( 111.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,866, experienced hygienists can earn up to $105,360.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,910
2025 BLS Actual
$48,640
2026 Current Est.
$49,866
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,420 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,430 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,170 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,910 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,000 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,640 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,866 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,122 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Denver, CO grew 28.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,910 in 2019 to $48,640 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,122. New graduates entering the Denver job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Denver 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 Denver
Employers across Denver, such as UA Local, offer formal apprenticeship programs, providing structured paths for new plumbers eager to begin their careers. These pathways typically involve 4-5 years of on-the-job training that allow apprentices to transition smoothly into fully licensed positions. Non-union contractors also hire new grads, offering them valuable experience in residential sectors. Credentials can significantly enhance starting pay; for instance, obtaining a journeyman plumbing license and certifications in specialties like backflow prevention or medical gas installation can elevate one's salary prospects drastically. New plumbers can expect to see incremental growth as they navigate their initial years, potentially moving into service positions with commission structures that can provide financial rewards based on performance. With sustained demand in this sector, especially in areas of industrial maintenance and hospital plumbing, first-year salaries could realistically range around the mid-to-high $50,000s, reflecting the importance of strategic career decisions early in their professional journey.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Denver. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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