Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Commerce City, CO: $42,915 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Commerce City, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,915 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Commerce City's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,871 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,094) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates embarking on a career as a plumber in Commerce City, Colorado, the projected starting salary in 2026 ranges from $42,915 to a potential growth angle of $61,094, which represents the city’s median annual salary. This indicates that entry-level positions might offer lower pay, but there is a clear upward trajectory; individuals can progress from the lower 10th percentile into the 25th percentile within their first few years, setting the stage for a stronger earning potential. With an annual growth rate of 2.52%, aspiring plumbers can expect their first-job experience to pave the way towards reaching the city median as they gain more skills and industry knowledge. Commerce City is currently a viable market for new graduates, providing opportunities for both apprentices and licensed plumbers through various employers in the area.
About the Commerce City Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Commerce City
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 Commerce City
Entry-level plumbers in Commerce City, CO typically start between $42,915 and $48,128 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,781 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,094 — 6.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Colorado of $12,000 represents just 27.96% of the starting plumber pay ($42,915/year) in Commerce City. 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 Commerce City
- 1Research the Commerce City market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $42,915 to $48,128, 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 Commerce City, 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 Commerce City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Commerce City'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 Commerce City is $51,781 ( 120.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,915, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,696.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,994
2025 BLS Actual
$41,860
2026 Current Est.
$42,915
2019–2027 Growth
+42.0%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Commerce City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,994 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,724 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,796 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,318 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,683 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,458 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,915 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,996 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Commerce City, CO grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,994 in 2019 to $41,860 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,996. New graduates entering the Commerce City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Commerce City 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 Commerce City
Employers in Commerce City that frequently hire new graduates are diverse, with options ranging from UA Local apprenticeship programs, which require a formal application and aptitude testing, to non-union contractors that favor hands-on training for their apprentices. Well-known companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS not only hire experienced licensed journeymen but also offer commission structures that can significantly enhance earnings for service plumbers. To increase starting salaries, credentials like a journeyman plumbing license, crucial for state employment, or specialty certifications in medical gas and backflow prevention become essential. In the first few years, it’s strategic for new plumbers to focus on gaining a mix of experience across various plumbing sectors, such as residential service, construction, or maintenance. This varied experience is particularly valuable given the aging workforce in the plumbing industry, which is creating a consistent demand for skilled professionals capable of addressing evolving infrastructure needs.
More salary data for Commerce City, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Commerce City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Commerce City 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