Plumbers are vital to the smooth running of any household. The simple luxury we enjoy regarding our drainage and water systems would be virtually possible with them. For their rewards, plumbers in Colorado enjoy an impressive yearly salary and the opportunity to scale their businesses even further.
Information is key for those who want to become plumbers in Colorado. Knowing the steps involved and the key issues to look out for from the beginning makes it easier to achieve your objective and secure a high-paying job as a plumber.
To that end, we outline in detail below everything you’ll need to get started as a plumber in Colorado, including the educational requirements, how to acquire hands-on experience, certification and licensing requirements, and the potential salary range to expect.
How to Become a Plumber in Colorado
The following are the major steps involved in becoming a plumber in Colorado:
Step 1: Complete Secondary Education
The most basic requirement for aspiring plumbers in Colorado is to complete secondary education. This can be done by acquiring a high-school diploma or using the GED equivalent.
During this step, individuals are advised to focus on science, technology, computer, and mathematics topics.
Step 2: Obtain Proper Training
Aspiring plumbers in Colorado have a few choices regarding obtaining the training to become a plumber. Below are some of the most popular alternatives to consider.
Vocational Schools & College Programs
Vocational schools in Colorado often have a plumbing department where students can learn key theoretical topics about the job to understand the theories behind what they’re doing when they start their careers.
Earning an associate degree in applied science can also give you an edge.
Apprenticeship
Instead of enrolling in a formal training program, aspiring plumbers in Colorado may consider participating in a plumbing apprenticeship. This arrangement usually allows future plumbers to receive training on the job and sometimes even get paid as they learn.
Fast-Tracked Plumbing Course
Fast-tracked plumbing courses allow future plumbers in Colorado to obtain their training faster. These programs are often pursued in place of an apprenticeship and last between 8 to 10 weeks.
Step 3: Obtain Work Experience
Plumbers who receive training through fast-tracked programs may obtain additional work experience by working as plumbers’ assistants. This way, they earn a reasonable wage and get more hands-on training before working as a full-fledged plumbers.
Step 4: Apply for a License
Colorado has three levels of plumbing licenses - the residential, journeyman, and master license. New plumbers just starting must apply for the residential plumber license and then work their way up to the other two by acquiring more experience on the job.
Consider Trades with Similar Paths:
Top Plumbing Schools in Colorado
1. Emily Griffith Technical School
Established in 1916, Emily Griffith Technical School is one of the oldest plumbing institutions in Denver, Colorado. Applicants seeking plumbing training from here must be at least 18 years old and have a GED and a valid driver’s license.
Students also get to enjoy practical, on-the-job training and classroom instructions. The program can be completed in 4 to 5 years.
2. Red Rocks Community College
Red Rocks Community College is part of the Colorado Community College System. Students earn a plumbing certificate and obtain rigorous training for entry-level plumbing employment.
Containing a total of 18.5 credit hours, candidates are prepared for certification and licensing exams, including written and practical sessions.
3. Construction Industry of Colorado Training
The Construction Industry of Colorado Training Council (CITC), established in 1988, has produced numerous successful professionals in Denver. Of all its training programs, the plumbing course remains one of the best.
It includes 2000 hours of hands-on training and 144 hours of classroom training.
CITC is perfect for anyone looking for a high-quality program that is affordable at the same time.
Explore Plumbing Schools by City:
Licensure and Certification Requirements
The Residential Plumber license is the starting point for graduates of approved plumbing training programs in Colorado. The license is also available to those who have completed two years as registered apprentices.
After two more years of experience as a registered plumber, the next step is to apply for a Journeyman Plumber license.
The Master Plumber license can be obtained after one more year as a journeyman.
Salary and Job Outlook
The average annual salary for plumbers in Colorado is $60,959. This assumes an intermediate experience level and other essential factors such as credentials, establishment type, and location.
Those on the higher end of these factors earn an annual average salary of $98,468, while those on the lower end still earn $37,737 annually.
Sorting by location, plumbers in Longmont, Boulder, and Littleton earn the highest salary in the state with an annual average of $85,191, $66,931, and $66,621, respectively.
Plumbers in Denver earn an annual average salary of $58,626.
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