Plumber Hourly Pay in Thornton, CO: $30.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Thornton, CO runs $30.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,966 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Thornton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,383 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thornton, Colorado, the plumber hourly pay is projected to be $30.76 in 2026, slightly lower than the national hourly median of $31.45. This rate serves as a foundation for various employment scenarios, such as part-time positions or per-diem roles that are typically found in commercial construction sites, residential home service calls, and manufacturing facilities. For a part-time plumber working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a substantial income, but it also reflects a broader range of earnings that varies significantly from entry-level to experienced professionals, with hourly rates ranging from $20.04 to $47.67. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, illustrating the diverse earning potential within the trades.
About the Thornton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.04 | $160.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.10 | $184.78 |
| Median (P50) | $30.76 | $246.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.37 | $314.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.67 | $381.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thornton
Based on $30.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.76/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thornton, CO can expect to earn approximately $63,972 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,907. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thornton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thornton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,230.24 | $5,331 | $63,972 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $738.14 | $3,199 | $38,383 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $492.10 | $2,132 | $25,589 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Thornton) | $30.76 |
| Electrician (National Avg) | $31.97 |
| HVAC Technician (National Avg) | $28.47 |
| Pipefitter / Steamfitter (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| Construction Laborer (National Avg) | $22.95 |
Plumbers in Thornton, CO earn a median of $63,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.20% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $62,959.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.76/hr = $38,383/year (purchasing power: $36,556).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,972/year (purchasing power: $60,926).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Thornton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Thornton grew 15.7% from $25.94/hr (2019) to $30.00/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.53/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem plumbers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Thornton 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.
Working as an Hourly Plumber in Thornton
Exploring the nuances of plumber pay in Thornton reveals distinct earning opportunities based on the type of work and employer. For instance, a plumber working part-time at 24 hours a week could take home about $38,000 annually, which is considerably lower than a full-time counterpart. Per diem plumbers on out-of-town projects may earn between $40 to $65 an hour, often supplemented by daily allowances of $100-$175, making it lucrative for those willing to travel. Meanwhile, the divide between union and non-union employment can also influence hourly earnings, with union contractors typically offering a 30-50% premium over non-union rates. Self-employed plumbers may charge between $100 and $180 an hour, navigating the competitive landscape more freely. When negotiating hourly rates, it's worth highlighting experience and any specialized skills, such as medical gas or backflow prevention credentials, as these can significantly enhance earning potential in this evolving market in Thornton.
More salary data for Thornton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Thornton in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for plumbers in Thornton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Thornton 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