Plumber & Pipefitter Apprenticeship in Colorado

Wages, programs & career outlook
CO Median Salary
$63,610/yr
+1% vs. national
National Median
$62,970/yr
CO Employment
9,970
Plumber & Pipefitters employed
CO Sponsors
963
Registered programs

Colorado Wage Spread

Annual wages for Plumber & Pipefitters in Colorado across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$46,370
25th %ile
$51,280
Median
$63,610
75th %ile
$77,990
90th %ile
$98,680

Plumber & Pipefitter Apprenticeship in Colorado

At $63,610/yr, Colorado Plumber & Pipefitters earn a meaningful premium over the $48,060 national average — 32% more without requiring a bachelor's degree.

Wages for Plumber & Pipefitters in Colorado ($63,610/yr) track close to the $62,970 national median — within 1% either way. The state sits squarely in the middle of the pack.

The employment outlook is solid if unspectacular: 4.5% growth projected through 2034 for Plumber & Pipefitters. What matters more than the growth rate is the 44,000 annual openings — mostly from retirements — that keep demand steady.

The 9,970 Plumber & Pipefitters in Colorado (2.0% of the national total) place the state in the middle tier for trade employment. Apprenticeship availability tracks accordingly — present but not abundant.

The pathway to journeyman Plumber & Pipefitter takes 4 years of structured training — 8,000 hours total. Apprentices divide time between the jobsite and technical education in mechanical systems, refrigerant handling, and equipment diagnostics, earning progressively higher wages throughout.

The apprenticeship infrastructure in Colorado is extensive: 963 registered sponsors operate across the state. Union halls, contractors, and joint apprenticeship committees all accept applications.

Wages for Plumber & Pipefitters in Colorado range from $46,370 at the entry level to $98,680 for veterans — a $52,310 spread that maps directly to experience, certifications, and willingness to take on complex jobs.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Colorado

963 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Colorado. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Alamosa Workforce Center Alamosa
Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc. Alamosa
Action Industries Arvada
Barber-Nichols LLC. Arvada Jefferson County
DICKERSON Arvada
Designs by Gabriele Arvada
ELITE REFRIGERATION Arvada
Elevate Hair Studio Arvada Jefferson County
FLOYD'S 99 ARVADA Arvada
Footers Catering Arvada
GeriAides LLC Arvada Jefferson County
Happy Cones Arvada
Heat and Frost Insulators JATC Arvada Adams County
Lumin8 Transportation Technologies LLC Arvada Jefferson County
Peak Elevator Performance Group Arvada Jefferson County
Ruder Built Arvada Jefferson County
STANDARD MECHANICAL INC Arvada
The Butchery Arvada
The Goddard School - Arvada Arvada
The Headquarter Arvada
The Sharpest Fades Arvada
Aspen Valley Hospital Aspen
City of Aspen Utilities Aspen Pitkin County
Early Learning Center Aspen Aspen
AQUA CUTS Aurora
+ 5 more sponsors in Colorado

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Plumber & Pipefitters earn in Colorado?
The BLS reports a median wage of $63,610/yr for Plumber & Pipefitters in Colorado (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
How many years does it take to become a Plumber & Pipefitter through apprenticeship?
The standard Plumber & Pipefitter apprenticeship is 4 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom education. Some programs offer accelerated paths for candidates with prior experience.
What's the difference between a Plumber & Pipefitter apprenticeship and trade school?
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn over 4 years with no tuition cost. Trade school is faster (6-24 months) but costs money upfront. Both can lead to the same journeyman credential.
Are Plumber & Pipefitter jobs growing?
The BLS projects 4.5% employment growth for Plumber & Pipefitters through 2034 — steady demand. About 44000 positions open annually through both growth and retirements.
Where can I apply for a Plumber & Pipefitter apprenticeship in Colorado?
There are 963 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Colorado. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
How much do Plumber & Pipefitter apprentices earn?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $31,805/yr in Colorado). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Plumber & Pipefitter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Colorado

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.