Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Colorado Springs, CO: $47,231 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Colorado Springs, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,231 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Colorado Springs's local price level (BEA RPP 100.7 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,899 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,035) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Entering the plumbing profession in Colorado Springs offers new graduates realistic starting expectations, with the projected entry-level plumber salary in Colorado Springs at $47,231 for 2026. This figure reveals a gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $62,035, setting a clear benchmark for what new plumbers can aspire to achieve. As they build experience in their first few years, entry-level plumbers can expect to gradually reach higher pay scales—potentially moving towards $51,383 within three to five years. Given the projected growth rate of 2.52% annually, Colorado Springs presents a favorable market for recent graduates looking to establish their careers in plumbing.
Career Earnings Timeline in Colorado Springs
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 Colorado Springs
Entry-level plumbers in Colorado Springs, CO typically start between $47,231 and $51,383 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,710 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,035 — 5.16% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Colorado of $12,000 represents just 25.41% of the starting plumber pay ($47,231/year) in Colorado Springs. 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 Colorado Springs
- 1Research the Colorado Springs market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $47,231 to $51,383, 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 Colorado Springs, 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 Colorado Springs for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Colorado Springs'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 Colorado Springs is $42,710 ( 90.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,231, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,941.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,990
2025 BLS Actual
$46,070
2026 Current Est.
$47,231
2019–2027 Growth
+56.2%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Colorado Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,990 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,070 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,231 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,421 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Colorado Springs, CO grew 48.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,990 in 2019 to $46,070 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,421. New graduates entering the Colorado Springs job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs
Opportunities for new plumbers in Colorado Springs can be found across various employer types. Union apprenticeship programs, particularly through UA Local, provide structured on-the-job training that can lead to higher wages compared to non-union roles. Companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS actively recruit entry-level plumbers, offering competitive commission rates that can offer substantial earning potential despite some income variability. Additionally, obtaining credentials such as a journeyman plumbing license or specialized certifications can significantly enhance starting pay. New graduates should focus on gaining experience and pursuing additional certifications, especially in high-demand specialties like medical gas installation or backflow prevention to boost their marketability. Realistically, as young plumbers navigate their first three years in the field, they can anticipate salary growth by capitalizing on skill development and industry-specific demands, especially considering the aging workforce in the plumbing sector.
More salary data for Colorado Springs, 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 Colorado Springs. 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