Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Windsor, CO: $43,543 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Windsor, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,543 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Windsor's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $41,470 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,157) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates looking to enter the plumbing field in Windsor, Colorado can anticipate an entry-level plumber salary of around $43,543 in 2026. This starting point yields a notable gap compared to the city's median salary of $62,157, highlighting that there is ample room for financial growth as careers progress. Within the first three to five years, those new to the trade may reach the 25th percentile salary of $48,778, with continued effort leading to the median. Windsor's job market for aspiring plumbers is considered favorable, as it boasts emerging demand driven by aging infrastructure and an overall shortage of skilled professionals in this sector.
About the Windsor Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Windsor
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 Windsor
Entry-level plumbers in Windsor, CO typically start between $43,543 and $48,778 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,800 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,157 — 4.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Colorado of $12,000 represents just 27.56% of the starting plumber pay ($43,543/year) in Windsor. 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 Windsor
- 1Research the Windsor market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $43,543 to $48,778, 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 Windsor, 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 Windsor for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Windsor'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 Windsor is $52,800 ( 121.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,543, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,343.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,448
2025 BLS Actual
$42,473
2026 Current Est.
$43,543
2019–2027 Growth
+42.0%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Windsor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,448 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,189 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,306 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,835 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,220 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,014 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,473 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,543 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,641 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Windsor, CO grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,448 in 2019 to $42,473 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,641. New graduates entering the Windsor job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Windsor 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 Windsor
In Windsor, various employers are actively seeking to hire entry-level plumbers, with options ranging from union and non-union contractors to large service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS. The United Association (UA) provides apprenticeship programs that span 4-5 years, allowing new entrants to gain valuable skills through rigorous on-the-job training. Credentials such as journeyman and master plumbing licenses significantly enhance starting pay, and specialized certifications in medical gas installation or backflow prevention can open doors to lucrative positions. Early career strategies should focus on gaining a diverse range of experiences, as the demand for service plumbers in hospitals and industrial settings continues to rise. Given the median age of the current workforce is 50+, those entering this field may find a landscape ripe for opportunity, with first three-year salary expectations ahead of the $62,157 median if one pursues the right training and specialization.
More salary data for Windsor, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for plumbers in Windsor in 2026?
How fast do plumber salaries grow in Windsor?
Is plumbing school worth it in Windsor?
What do new plumbers make right out of school in Windsor?
How do I become a plumber in Colorado?
Related Pages
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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
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 Windsor. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Windsor 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