Denver CO Plumbing Careers 2025 Training & Job Opportunities

Are you looking to jumpstart a career in plumbing in Denver, CO? With 732+ job openings¹ and a projected $3.4 billion industry size by 2025 ², Denver offers exceptional opportunities for those entering the trade. Plumbers in Denver earn $31.38/hour on average ³, with master plumbers commanding $39.61/hour ⁴. Let's explore how to enter this high-demand, well-compensated profession.

Understand the Role of a Plumber

Before diving into the steps, it's essential to understand what being a plumber entails. Plumbers are skilled professionals who install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. This includes working on pipes, fixtures, water heaters, and drainage systems. The role also involves diagnosing issues, providing customer service, and often working in various weather conditions or tight spaces.

Do You Need a License to Work in Plumbing in Denver?

Yes! In Denver, plumbers must be licensed to work independently. According to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)⁵, plumbers can be licensed at different levels:

• Apprentice Plumber: Works under supervision while completing training
• Journeyman Plumber: Licensed to work with minimal supervision
• Master Plumber: Fully licensed to run operations and supervise jobs

Some positions specifically require the Denver Plumbing A License ⁴, which regulates work in the city and county.

Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements and How to Find One

Like most U.S. cities, Denver requires apprenticeships to qualify for licensing. Most apprenticeships last four years and involve a combination of classroom learning and on-the-job training.

To find an apprenticeship:

• Use Gild: Gild aggregates thousands of plumbing apprenticeship opportunities in Denver all in one place. You can search openings here.
• Apply to training programs: Many Denver plumbing schools have career placement services that connect students with apprenticeship opportunities.

Steps to Becoming a Plumber in Denver

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

To become a plumber in Denver, you must meet specific requirements:

• Age: You must be at least 17 or 18 years old depending on program
• Education: A high school diploma or GED is typically required
• Be able to read, write and understand the English language
• Be physically able to perform the required work

2. Enroll in a Plumbing Education Program (Recommended)

While not always mandatory, completing a plumbing education program can give you a solid foundation in the trade. These programs are offered by trade schools, community colleges, and technical institutes in Denver and usually cover topics like:

• Plumbing codes and regulations
• Blueprint reading
• Pipe fitting
• Basic welding
• Safety practices

For example, institutions like Red Rocks Community College RRCC.edu offer quality plumbing programs to help aspiring plumbers get started⁷.

3. Start an Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a crucial step in becoming a plumber. In Denver, you'll need to complete a plumbing apprenticeship to gain the hands-on experience required for licensing. Apprenticeships typically last 4-5 years and involve both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

To find an apprenticeship:

• Use Gild: Gild aggregates thousands of plumbing apprenticeship role openings in Denver all in one place. Search open plumbing apprenticeships in Denver here.
• Explore local training programs: Programs like Emily Griffith Technical College's Registered Apprenticeship Program ³ provide full apprenticeships with job placement.

During your apprenticeship, you'll work under the supervision of a licensed plumber and learn the practical skills needed for the job, such as installing pipes, troubleshooting plumbing systems, and adhering to local codes.

4. Obtain a Journeyman Plumber License

After completing your 4-year apprenticeship ⁸, you can apply for a Journeyman Plumber license, which is required to work independently as a plumber in Denver.

To obtain a license:

• Complete apprenticeship program
• Pass required exams
• Submit application to DORA

Once licensed, you'll be qualified to work with limited supervision on a wide range of plumbing jobs.

5. Consider Becoming a Master Plumber

A Master Plumber certification allows you to own and operate your plumbing business, supervise other plumbers, and take on larger projects. To become a Master Plumber in Denver, you must:

• Gain Experience: You need at least two years of experience as a licensed Journeyman Plumber.
• Pass the Master Plumber Exam: This exam is more comprehensive and focuses on advanced plumbing practices and local building codes.

Training Programs in Denver

Denver has several accredited programs that combine classroom learning with field experience:

1. Emily Griffith Technical College ³: Offers a comprehensive apprenticeship program combining on-the-job experience with coursework.
2. High 5 Plumbing ⁴: Provides hands-on training, benefits, and community focus for apprentices.
3. Red Rocks Community College ⁷: Offers an entry-level plumbing program covering service plumbing and heating repair.
4. Garvin's Sewer Service ⁸: A 4-year apprenticeship program with 8,000 hours of on-job training.
5. Western State College of Construction ⁵: Provides Denver-based plumbing education.

These programs offer hands-on training, classroom instruction, and job placement assistance. Some even offer paid apprenticeships with potential earning of $100,000+ for experienced technicians ⁸.

Career Prospects & Salary Information

Denver presents excellent career opportunities in plumbing:

• 732+ job openings currently available ¹
• Average plumber salary of $66,100 per year ³
• Master plumbers earning $39.61/hour on average ⁴
• Senior plumbers earning over $83,000 annually ⁸
• Additional $6,750 annually from overtime pay ³

With 98% job placement rates in some programs ³, career pathways lead from apprentice to journeyman to master plumber positions.

Future Outlook & Trends

The plumbing industry in Denver is projected to grow to $3.4 billion by 2025², driven by:

• New construction projects
• Infrastructure and pipeline upgrades
• Smart home technology integration
• Eco-friendly plumbing system installations

Emerging trends like smart water leak detectors and sustainable plumbing solutions are creating new opportunities for trained professionals.

Your Next Steps

Starting a career as a plumbing apprentice in Denver is an exciting opportunity to enter a high-demand, well-compensated field. Whether you're finishing high school or considering a career change, the path outlined above will set you on the journey to success. As you gain experience and build your credentials, opportunities in plumbing will continue to grow in Denver's thriving construction market.

To begin your search for apprenticeships and training programs in Denver, visit Gild for the latest openings. This resource provides a comprehensive listing of plumbing career opportunities in Denver to help jumpstart your new profession.

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