2026 Salary Data · Skilled Trades

Plumber Salary in Denver, CO

A complete 2026 breakdown of what Plumbers earn in Denver — base salary, hourly rate, top employers, and tips for negotiating the highest offer. With percentile data and cost-of-living context.

Plumber Pay in Denver (2026)

$70,200
Median annual
$33.75
Hourly rate
$52,650
25th percentile
$91,260
75th percentile
$115,830
90th percentile
+8%
vs national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

ExperienceAnnual SalaryHourly Rate
Entry-level (0-2 years)$45,630 - $59,67021 - 28/hr
Mid-level (3-5 years)$63,180 - $80,73030 - 38/hr
Senior (6-10 years)$80,730 - $101,79038 - 48/hr
Lead/Principal (10+ years)$98,280 - $129,87047 - 62/hr

Salary Comparison: Denver vs Other Major Cities

CityMedian Salary
New York, NY$59,670
San Francisco, CA$84,240
Chicago, IL$70,200
Denver$70,200
Houston, TX$59,670
Phoenix, AZ$70,200

Top Employers Hiring Plumbers in Denver

Major employers in Denver hiring Plumbers include:

How to Maximize Your Plumber Salary in Denver

  1. Specialize in a high-demand area. commercial or medical gas command 10-20% premiums in Denver.
  2. Get certified. Industry certifications like Master Plumber license or gas certification often come with 5-15% raises.
  3. Switch employers every 2-3 years. Job-switchers typically get 15-30% raises vs. 3-5% annual raises.
  4. Negotiate your starting salary. Use our Negotiation Script generator. Most people who negotiate get 10-20% more than the initial offer.
  5. Build a portfolio of side work. Freelance Plumber income can add 20-40% to your base.

Cost of Living Adjustment

$70,200 in Denver goes further or less far depending on cost of living. With housing costs of ~$1700/month for a 1-bedroom apartment, your take-home after housing is approximately $49,800/year. See full cost of living in Denver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Plumber salary in Denver?

The average Plumber salary in Denver is $70,200/year ($33.75/hour). The 25th percentile earns $52,650/year, the 75th percentile earns $91,260/year, and the 90th percentile earns $115,830/year.

Is Plumber a good career in Denver?

Plumber is a high-growth career in Denver with a strong job market. The median salary is above the national average for this role.

What is the highest paying Plumber job in Denver?

Top earners (90th percentile) in Denver make $115,830/year. These are typically senior Plumbers with 10+ years of experience, often in management or specialized roles.

⚠️ Estimate only. Salary data based on 2026 BLS, Glassdoor, and Payscale data. Actual offers depend on experience, employer, and negotiation. Full disclaimer.