Due to a statewide shortage of plumbers, its a good time to become a plumber in Colorado.
Education and training is an integral part of becoming a plumber in Colorado. While apprenticing is necessary, you must also study the trade at a local trade school or technical college.
Top Plumber Training Schools in Colorado
- Wheat Ridge
- Lakewood
- Grand Junction, Colorado Springs
Construction Industry Training Council of Colorado (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
Apprenticeship programs include four years of training, each combining 144 hours of classroom instruction with 2,000 hours of on-the-job experience. Coursework progresses from foundational skills like safety and basic plumbing math in the first year to advanced topics such as medical gas systems, building codes, and leadership training by the fourth year. Apprentices gain comprehensive knowledge and hands-on expertise, preparing them for successful careers in the plumbing trade.
Red Rocks Community College (Rating: 4 out 5)
The RRCC Plumbing program equips students with the skills needed for careers like Residential Plumber, Drain Technician, and Plumbing Service Technician. Offering a Plumbing Service Certificate, the program covers essential topics such as piping skills, plumbing service, soldering, and the International Plumbing Code. With courses in electrical safety and first aid, students gain a comprehensive education tailored for success in plumbing-related fields. Classes are held at the Lakewood Campus, providing a supportive environment that prepares students for state plumbing exams and diverse career opportunities.
Western States College of Construction
The Plumbing program trains students to install and maintain essential water, gas, and sanitary systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Over five years, students gain 1,700 annual hours of on-the-job training and 246 hours of related instruction, covering topics like math, safety, code reading, and green technologies. With an 85% completion rate and 100% job placement, graduates enter the workforce earning an average of $106,400 in total compensation.
What You Study in a Plumbing Program in Colorado
A plumbing training program in Colorado provides a comprehensive education covering essential aspects of the trade.
Core courses might include:
- Plumbing Codes and Standards: Courses like Uniform Plumbing Code (PLU 206) and International Plumbing Code (PLU 2007) focus on state and national plumbing codes, preparing students for licensing exams and practical application.
- System Design and Installation: Students learn to design and install residential plumbing systems (PLU 1020) and drain, waste, and vent systems (PLU 130). Training includes blueprint reading, pipe sizing, and code compliance.
- Technical Skills: Hands-on training includes piping skills (PLU 1001), soldering and brazing (PLU 1008), and hot water heating systems (PLU 2047). These skills ensure graduates are prepared for real-world tasks.
- Specialized Training: Programs cover advanced topics like backflow prevention (PLU 205), radiant heating systems (PLU 2067), and plumbing estimating and costing (PLU 250), enhancing technical knowledge and business acumen.
- Practical Experience: Internships (PLU 2082) and capstone projects (PLU 289) offer opportunities to apply classroom learning in professional settings, developing problem-solving and technical expertise.
Students also study basic electricity (PLU 1005), plumbing service techniques (PLU 1004), and plumbing-related environmental systems (AEC 2010). This well-rounded education equips graduates for careers as residential or commercial plumbers, ensuring they meet Colorado’s plumbing industry standards.
How Do You Become a Plumber in Colorado?
Aspiring plumbers in Colorado can start their careers through a combination of trade school programs, and apprenticeships. Apprenticeships last two years, after which you can apply for a residential plumber license with Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. More details below.
How Much Can You Make?
Here is a list of average salaries from employment websites.
- ZipRecruiter: $66,560
- Salary.com: $66,160
- Indeed.com: $47,112
- Careerexplorer.com: $59,090;
- Talent.com: $62,400
Colorado Plumbing Apprenticeships
To be eligible a plumber license, you must first work as an apprentice under a licensed plumber for at least two years.
You must be at least 18 years old to qualify as an apprentice. Before you can apply for a license, you need at least two years of practical work experience as a registered apprentice.
New apprentices must register with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Division of Professions and Occupations within 30 days of starting a plumbing job.
On-the-job training is another option, though employers often prefer candidates with trade school or technical college experience. Additionally, your employer must link your registration to the master plumber who will be supervising your apprenticeship.
Colorado Plumber License
Colorado Plumber Licensing Levels
The Colorado State Plumbing Board issues three types of plumbing licenses:
- residential plumber
- journeyman plumber
- master plumber
| Requirement/Privilege | Residential Plumber | Journeyman Plumber | Master Plumber |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experience | 2 years (3,400 hrs) | 4 years (6,800 hrs) | 5 years (8,500 hrs) |
| Exam Requirement | Residential Plumber license exam | Journeyman Plumber license exam | Master Plumber license exam |
| Work Scope | Authorized to install plumbing and equipment in 1-4 family dwellings up to 2 stories above ground. | Can perform plumbing work on various projects without restrictions to residential or height limitations. | Authorized to pull building permits, bid on public/government projects, and pass inspections. |
| Business Operations | Not authorized to operate a business or pull permits independently. | Not authorized to operate a business or pull permits independently. | Can operate a plumbing business, advertise services, and manage workers. |
Becoming a Residential Plumber in Colorado
As a Residential Plumber, you are authorized to install plumbing and equipment in one-, two-, three-, and four-family dwellings that are no more than two stories above the ground.
As mentioned above, you need at least two years (3,400 hours) of practical experience as an apprentice.
Once you have completed this requirement, you can apply for the residential plumber’s license exam. All licensing exams are administered by PSI Testing Services, with the Colorado State Plumbing Board.
Becoming a Journeyman Plumber in Colorado
To become a journeyman plumber in Colorado, you must accumulate four years (6,800 hours) of practical experience, which includes time spent as an apprentice.
However, it is not necessary to acquire a Residential Plumber’s license before qualifying for a Journeyman License.
Upon completing work experience requirements, you must pass the journeyman plumber’s license exam.
Becoming a Master Plumber in Colorado
In Colorado, only licensed master plumbers can operate a plumbing business, advertise their services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits, pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
To qualify as a master plumber, you must have five full-time years (8,500 hours) of practical experience.
This experience includes all levels of past experience such as time spent as an apprentice and journeyman.
Additionally, master plumbers who employ others are required to have workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. Those who own their own businesses must have a minimum of $100,000 in property damage insurance and $300,000 in general liability insurance.
License Renewals
Colorado Plumbers’ licenses expire on the last day of February of odd-numbered years, and plumbers must complete 8 hours of Continuing Education credits per year to qualify for renewal with the Division of Professions and Occupations.
State Reciprocity
Although Colorado does not have reciprocity agreements with other states, out-of-state plumbers are able to apply for Colorado plumbing licenses via endorsement from another verifying agency or employer.
Colorado Plumber Unions
The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry (UA) stands as the leading union for plumbers in Colorado. This union plays a crucial role in protecting workers’ rights within plumbing, offering extensive training programs, and upholding high standards for skilled labor.
In Colorado, the UA boasts several local chapters, including:
- UA Local 3 — Denver, CO
- UA Local 58 — Colorado Springs, CO
- UA Local 145 — Grand Junction, CO
To join an apprenticeship program offered by the UA, applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and pass an aptitude test. Applicants must submit official transcripts and complete an interview with the local union office before being placed on an eligibility list, ranked based on their scores.
Career Overview
Plumbing careers will be an area of growth in the state of Colorado in the foreseeable future.
Despite ongoing efforts to address the issue, Colorado has faced persistent labor shortages in the construction sector for nearly a decade.
These shortages have led to delays, with over half of surveyed contractors stating that projects are taking longer than planned and roughly half experiencing higher-than-expected costs.
But for those in the trades, these shortages also mean higher pay compared to the average starting salary of recent four-year university graduates.
Levi Torres, co-owner of High 5 Plumbing in Denver, was featured in an article on PRNewswire.com about the shortage of plumbers in Colorado.
“Right now, we are an industry that is high in demand but limited on the number of plumbers available to work,” said Torres. He went on to explain that trade school graduates in his company can begin earning over $50,000 annually.
Even more, plumbers can approach six figures as they gain certifications and additional training.
The market challenge of finding skilled plumbers will continue to put upward pressure on wages, making plumbing a lucrative career choice in Colorado for the rest of the decade.
What Employers in Colorado Look for in a Plumber
The plumbing industry in Colorado is thriving, with numerous employers seeking skilled professionals to join their teams. Whether hiring entry-level apprentices or experienced technicians, companies prioritize candidates with technical expertise, problem-solving skills, strong communication abilities, and a commitment to professionalism. Employers such as Canyon Plumbing & Heating, Plumbing Systems Inc., Patterson Plumbing & Heating, Pride Plumbing Heating and Cooling, and Squeaks Plumbing and Heating have set the bar for what they expect from plumbing professionals.
Technical Expertise and Mechanical Skills
Employers across Colorado seek plumbers with hands-on experience in troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing plumbing systems. Canyon Plumbing & Heating, for example, looks for candidates with at least six months to a year of related experience, emphasizing mechanical inclination and physical ability. Similarly, Patterson Plumbing & Heating prioritizes ongoing technical training, ensuring their apprentices develop the necessary skills to advance in the field.
At the more experienced level, companies like Pride Plumbing Heating and Cooling require at least two years of plumbing experience and prefer candidates with a current plumbing license or apprentice license. Squeaks Plumbing and Heating sets high standards for their service technicians, expecting them to have a strong knowledge of water supply, heating, and ventilation systems.
Problem-Solving and Adaptability
Plumbing is a trade that often requires quick thinking and the ability to adapt to unexpected situations. Plumbing Systems Inc. values highly motivated individuals with strong problem-solving abilities. Their apprentices work under lead technicians, learning how to diagnose and resolve plumbing issues efficiently. Patterson Plumbing & Heating also emphasizes the importance of adapting to their standardized repair processes while providing top-tier customer service.
Communication and Customer Service Skills
While technical skills are essential, the ability to communicate effectively with clients and team members is equally crucial. Squeaks Plumbing and Heating places significant emphasis on customer commitment, ensuring that their plumbers provide clear explanations, accurate cost estimates, and outstanding service. Pride Plumbing Heating and Cooling also highlights the importance of professionalism and customer interactions, looking for candidates who can effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues while maintaining courteous relationships with clients.
Teamwork and Professional Growth
Colorado plumbing employers prioritize a strong team-oriented mindset. Canyon Plumbing & Heating, for instance, values individuals who are respectful, career-minded, self-motivated, and able to work well with others. Similarly, Patterson Plumbing & Heating fosters a family-oriented culture, offering extensive training programs in customer service and sales, in addition to technical development. They are a proud Nexstar partner, ensuring that their team receives ongoing professional education.
Squeaks Plumbing and Heating takes a holistic approach to professional development, investing in training and career advancement opportunities for their employees. They emphasize collaboration and a supportive work environment where team members help each other succeed.
Crossover Into Other Disciplines
Plumbing often intersects with other trades, particularly heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). Patterson Plumbing & Heating’s technicians, for example, are expected to develop skills in both plumbing and HVAC systems. Pride Plumbing Heating and Cooling also operates within the HVAC sector, providing employees with diverse technical experience that broadens their career opportunities.
Additionally, Patterson Plumbing & Heating’s family of companies extends into bathroom and kitchen remodeling, offering services through Re-Bath Pueblo and Southern Colorado Kitchens. This crossover into remodeling and construction highlights the expanding scope of plumbing careers, where knowledge of related trades can be highly beneficial.
Certifications, Licenses, and Compliance
Employers emphasize adherence to industry standards and local regulations. Companies like Squeaks Plumbing and Heating require valid plumbing licenses and ensure that their technicians follow safety guidelines. Patterson Plumbing & Heating performs background checks and drug testing to maintain high standards of professionalism and reliability, ensuring that their employees are trustworthy and capable of working in customers’ homes.
Compensation and Career Benefits
Salaries for plumbers in Colorado vary based on experience and certification levels. For entry-level positions, Canyon Plumbing & Heating offers $17–$25 per hour, while Patterson Plumbing & Heating provides up to $15 per hour for apprentices, with guaranteed 40-hour workweeks and 90% paid health insurance. More experienced plumbers can earn significantly higher wages. Pride Plumbing Heating and Cooling offers $18–$30 per hour, while Squeaks Plumbing and Heating lists a salary range of $60,000–$150,000 per year, depending on experience.
Beyond competitive pay, many employers provide additional benefits. Canyon Plumbing & Heating and Patterson Plumbing & Heating offer paid time off and health insurance. Squeaks Plumbing and Heating enhances work-life balance by ensuring no weekend hours and providing company vehicles for daily jobs.
Conclusion
Employers in Colorado seek plumbers who are not only technically skilled but also adaptable, communicative, and team-oriented. Companies such as Canyon Plumbing & Heating, Plumbing Systems Inc., Patterson Plumbing & Heating, Pride Plumbing Heating and Cooling, and Squeaks Plumbing and Heating offer ample opportunities for training, professional growth, and advancement. With crossover potential into HVAC, remodeling, and other trades, plumbing in Colorado presents a dynamic and rewarding career path for those willing to develop their skills and meet industry expectations.