Key Takeaways

• Colorado plumbing licenses are issued at the local level, not statewide
• Most plumbers start as apprentices and work their way up to journeyman and master
• You can earn while you learn through paid apprenticeships
• Becoming a licensed plumber in Colorado typically takes 4–6 years
• Plumbing is a stable, high-demand career across Colorado’s growing cities

To become a plumber in Colorado, you must complete a registered apprenticeship, gain required on-the-job hours, pass a journeyman exam issued by your local authority, and optionally advance to master plumber or contractor status. Licensing is handled by individual cities and counties, not the state, so requirements vary by location.

Introduction: How to Become a Plumber in Colorado Without Wasting Time or Money

I still remember my first winter job in Colorado—frozen pipes, panicked homeowners, and a crawlspace that felt like a walk-in freezer. Not glamorous, but it paid well and never slowed down. If you’re wondering how to become a plumber in Colorado, you’re looking at a career that’s recession-resistant, hands-on, and surprisingly flexible. Let’s walk through the real-world path—no fluff, no hype, just how it actually works.

Why Plumbing Is a High-Demand Career in Colorado

Colorado’s growth isn’t slowing down. New homes, renovations, aging infrastructure, and cold-weather pipe issues keep plumbers busy year-round.

What’s driving demand

• Rapid population growth in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins
• Older homes needing repipes and upgrades
• Commercial expansion and multi-family housing
• Emergency plumbing work that can’t be outsourced

Plumbers aren’t just needed—they’re essential.

Understanding the Plumbing Career Path in Colorado

Plumbing follows a clear ladder. Each step builds skill, responsibility, and pay.

Apprentice Plumber

• Entry-level position
• Works under licensed plumbers
• Combines paid work with classroom instruction

Journeyman Plumber

• Fully licensed to work independently
• Can pull permits (in many jurisdictions)
• Higher hourly pay and job flexibility

Master Plumber

• Oversees projects and apprentices
• Can start a plumbing business
• Required for contractor licensing

What Does a Plumber Actually Do?

Beyond unclogging drains (yes, that happens), plumbers handle:

• Installing and repairing water supply systems
• Gas line installation and testing
• Drainage and venting systems
• Fixture installation and upgrades
• Reading blueprints and building codes

Work environments range from homes and restaurants to hospitals and industrial sites.

Skills You’ll Need to Succeed as a Plumber

This job rewards practical thinkers and steady hands.

Core skills

• Mechanical aptitude
• Problem-solving under pressure
• Physical stamina
• Customer communication
• Basic math and measurements

If you like fixing things and hate desk jobs, plumbing fits well.

Plumbing License Types in Colorado (Important)

Colorado does not issue statewide plumbing licenses. Each city or county controls licensing.

Common license levels

• Apprentice plumber
• Residential journeyman
• Commercial journeyman
• Master plumber

Always check with your local authority (Denver, Aurora, Boulder, etc.) for exact rules.

State vs Local Licensing: What Trips People Up

This is where many newcomers get confused.

Item	Colorado
State license	❌ No
Local license	✅ Yes
Exams	Issued by local jurisdictions
Reciprocity	Limited, depends on city

Tip from experience: choose where you want to work long-term and follow that city’s rules.

Minimum Requirements to Start Plumbing in Colorado

Most jurisdictions require:

• Minimum age of 18
• High school diploma or GED
• Legal right to work in the U.S.
• Clean or manageable background check

No college degree required.

Trade School vs Apprenticeship: Which Is Better?

Both paths work, but they’re not equal.

Apprenticeship (Most Common)

• Paid from day one
• Sponsored by employers or unions
• Includes classroom hours

Trade School

• Faster classroom instruction
• Out-of-pocket cost
• Still requires apprenticeship hours

Most plumbers I know chose apprenticeships—and never regretted it.

How Plumbing Apprenticeships Work in Colorado

Apprenticeships typically last 4 years.

What to expect

• 6,800–8,000 on-the-job hours
• 144+ classroom hours per year
• Gradual pay increases

You’ll earn while learning, which makes a big difference financially.

Becoming a Journeyman Plumber in Colorado

Once you complete your hours, you can apply for the journeyman exam through your local licensing authority.

Exam topics

• Plumbing codes
• Drainage and venting
• Water supply systems
• Gas piping
• Safety standards

Passing the exam unlocks higher pay and independence.

Advancing to Master Plumber Status

After working as a journeyman (often 1–2 years), you can test for master plumber.

Benefits

• Ability to supervise jobs
• Eligibility to start a plumbing company
• Higher income ceiling

This is where plumbing becomes a long-term business opportunity.

Starting a Plumbing Business in Colorado

To run your own shop, you’ll need:

• Master plumber license
• Contractor registration
• General liability insurance
• Surety bond
• Business license

It’s paperwork-heavy, but manageable with the right setup.

How Much Do Plumbers Make in Colorado?

Pay depends on license level and city.

License Level	Average Pay
Apprentice	$18–$25/hr
Journeyman	$30–$45/hr
Master	$45–$70+/hr

Emergency calls and specialized skills can push earnings even higher.

Union vs Non-Union Plumbing Jobs

Both options have pros.

Union

• Strong benefits
• Structured pay scale
• Competitive entry

Non-Union

• Faster entry
• More flexibility
• Easier to start your own business

Choose based on your long-term goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not checking local licensing rules
• Skipping classroom hours
• Working unregistered hours
• Waiting too long to test

I’ve seen good plumbers lose years because of paperwork mistakes—don’t be that person.

How Long It Really Takes

Most plumbers reach journeyman status in 4–5 years. Master plumber status usually takes 6–7 years total.

Is Plumbing a Good Career in Colorado?

Short answer: yes.

Pros

• Job security
• Strong pay
• No student loan debt
• Entrepreneurial options

Cons

• Physical work
• Cold-weather jobs
• Emergency calls

Still worth it for most people who enjoy hands-on work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Summary

If you’re serious about how to become a plumber in Colorado, the path is straightforward: start an apprenticeship, log your hours, pass your local exam, and build experience. It’s honest work, solid pay, and a career that Colorado will always need. From frozen pipes to full remodels, plumbers keep this state running—one wrench at a time.