Plumber in Arvada, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Arvada Stands

As a career analyst who's lived in the Denver metro for over a decade, I can tell you that Arvada sits in a unique sweet spot. It's not the high-cost urban core of Denver, but it's far from a rural backwater. For plumbers, this translates to solid, competitive wages that are slightly above the national average but more attainable than in downtown Denver or Boulder.

The local median salary for a plumber in Arvada is $64,395/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.96/hour. This is notably higher than the $63,350/year national average for plumbers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The strength of the local market is evident in the sheer number of opportunities—there are 247 active plumbing jobs in the Arvada metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is a steady 6%, a reliable figure driven by the ongoing housing boom in the suburbs and the constant need for maintenance in older homes.

To understand what this salary means in practice, let's break it down by experience level. The following estimates are based on local job postings, industry surveys, and my conversations with trade professionals.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Arvada Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $55,000	Apprentice tasks, basic repairs, assisting senior techs, learning code.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$55,000 - $72,000	Running service calls independently, complex installations, troubleshooting.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$72,000 - $85,000+	Leading crews, commercial projects, advanced diagnostics, cost estimation.
Expert/Owner	15+ years	$85,000 - $120,000+	Business ownership, specialty work (e.g., medical gas, complex remodels), consulting.

How does Arvada compare to other Colorado cities? It's a strong player. While Denver's city proper might offer slightly higher top-end salaries (closer to $70,000 median), the cost of living there is punishing. Boulder's median is even higher, but it's a notoriously expensive market. Fort Collins and Colorado Springs are more comparable to Arvada in both salary and cost of living. Arvada's advantage is its proximity to the entire Denver metro job market while offering more manageable housing costs. You can take a job in Golden or Lakewood without a brutal commute. In essence, you get a Denver-adjacent paycheck without the Denver price tag.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $64,395/year sounds good, but let's get real about what you can actually spend. I'll use a single plumber, filing as head of household, for this monthly budget breakdown. This assumes federal, state (Colorado has a flat 4.4% income tax), and FICA (7.65%) taxes.

• Gross Monthly Income: $64,395 / 12 = $5,366.25
• Estimated Monthly Taxes (approx. 22% total): ~$1,180.00
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$4,186.25

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Arvada is $1,635/month. The overall Cost of Living Index for Arvada is 105.5 (U.S. average = 100), meaning it's about 5.5% more expensive than the national average, primarily driven by housing.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a plumber earning the median wage in Arvada:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,635	This is the average; you can find lower in Olde Town or higher near Candelas.
Utilities (Gas, Elec, Water, Internet)	$250	Winter heating bills in Colorado can be a shock; budget for it.
Groceries & Household	$500	Shopping at King Soopers vs. Whole Foods makes a big difference.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Essential in Arvada. Public transit is limited.
Fuel	$150	Commuting to Golden or Denver is common.
Healthcare (with employer plan)	$200	Copays, prescriptions, etc.
Retirement Savings (10% of net)	$400	Critical for a trade career.
Entertainment & Discretionary	$350	Eating out, Denver activities, hobbies.
Miscellaneous/Buffer	$201.25	Tools, clothes, unexpected expenses.
TOTAL	$4,186.25	This budget matches the take-home pay, leaving little margin.

Can they afford to buy a home? The math is tight on the median salary. The median home price in Arvada is approximately $550,000. A 20% down payment is $110,000. With a monthly take-home of ~$4,186, a mortgage, property taxes, and insurance would likely exceed $2,500/month. This pushes the housing cost well past 30% of your net income, which is the standard affordability threshold. A plumber earning a mid-to-senior level salary ($72,000+) or one with a dual-income household would find homeownership much more attainable. For most, renting is the logical choice, especially when starting out.

Where the Jobs Are: Arvada's Major Employers

The plumbing market in Arvada isn't dominated by one giant entity; it's a healthy mix of large regional firms, local specialists, and commercial contractors. Here’s a look at the major players and where the hiring action is.

1. Bovio Rubino Plumbing & HVAC: A major regional player based in nearby Broomfield. They are a frequent employer of plumbers in the Arvada area, focusing on both residential service and commercial projects. They have a strong reputation and invest in training. Hiring trend: They are consistently expanding their service teams, especially for their 24/7 emergency division.

2. Rheem: While their corporate headquarters is in Atlanta, Rheem's massive 500,000-square-foot manufacturing and training facility is in Greenwood Village (a short commute from Arvada). They don't hire service plumbers directly, but they are a critical employer for roles in technical service, training, and quality control. It's a prime opportunity for experienced plumbers looking to pivot into a corporate, manufacturer-side role.

3. City of Arvada - Public Works: The city itself is a major employer. The Public Works department handles municipal water, sewer, and stormwater systems. These are stable, government jobs with excellent benefits. Hiring trend: The city is actively replacing aging infrastructure, especially in older neighborhoods like Lake Arbor. They need licensed plumbers and pipefitters for these long-term projects.

4. A-Action Plumbing & Heating: A long-standing, family-owned company serving the Front Range. They are known for residential and light commercial work. They often hire from the local trade schools and are a good option for apprentices looking for a supportive environment.

5. Commercial & Industrial Contractors: Companies like Haselden Construction and GE Johnson Construction are major players in the Denver metro with frequent projects in Arvada (think new schools, hospitals, and corporate parks). They hire plumbers for large-scale commercial installations. The work is project-based, often with higher pay rates but less job security than a service position.

6. Local Specialized Firms: Look for companies like Apex Plumbing & Heating (serving Arvada for decades) or Rooter-Man of Arvada (a franchise with a strong local reputation). These smaller shops often provide more personalized service and can be a great fit for plumbers who prefer a close-knit team.

Insider Tip: The biggest hiring push is in the service and maintenance sector. New construction has slowed slightly with interest rates, but the vast inventory of homes built from the 1970s onward in Arvada is a perpetual need for repipes, fixture updates, and drain cleaning. Having experience with PEX, tankless water heaters, and smart home water monitors will make you a standout candidate.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado does not have a statewide journeyman plumber license. Instead, licensing is handled by local municipalities and counties. This can be confusing, but Arvada follows the standards set by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Board of Plumbers.

The Pathway:

1. Apprenticeship: This is your first step. You need 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 160 hours of classroom education (typically through a union apprenticeship or a non-union program like the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Colorado Chapter).
2. Journeyman Plumber License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass a written and practical exam. In the Denver metro area, the most common credential is the City and County of Denver Journeyman Plumber License. Arvada accepts this license, and many plumbers get it because it allows them to work across multiple jurisdictions. The exam is administered by the Denver Board of Plumbing Examiners.
3. Master Plumber License: This requires at least 5 years of experience as a journeyman and passing a more complex exam. It's necessary for running your own business, pulling permits, and supervising others.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship: Typically free or low-cost tuition (often covered by employers or union dues). You earn while you learn. The timeline is 4-5 years.
• Journeyman Exam Fee: Approximately $200-$300 for the application and exam.
• License Fee: Varies by city, but expect $150-$200 annually.
• Total Time to Journeyman: ~4-5 years from starting as an apprentice.

Pro Tip: The Denver Board of Plumbing Examiners website is your best resource. Study the International Plumbing Code (IPC) with amendments specific to Colorado and Denver. Many prep courses are available through trade schools like Emily Griffith Technical College in Denver or Front Range Community College (Westminster campus, a short drive from Arvada).

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Choosing where to live in Arvada depends on your work location, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of key areas:

1. Olde Town Arvada:

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, charming. The heart of the city with great restaurants, breweries, and a farmers market.
   • Commute: Easy access to I-70 and I-76 for jobs in Denver, Golden, or Lakewood. Also a short drive to the G-Line commuter rail to Union Station.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,800 for a 1BR. Older buildings, so expect character (and older plumbing!).
   • Best For: Plumbers who want an urban lifestyle without the Denver price tag.

2. Lake Arbor:

   • Vibe: Mid-century suburban. Mature trees, quiet streets, and a mix of single-family homes and townhomes. Very family-friendly.
   • Commute: Central location. Easy to get to anywhere in the metro via Wadsworth or I-70.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700 for a 1BR apartment or townhome.
   • Best For: A great all-around option for families or those seeking a quieter, established neighborhood.

3. Candelas (West Arvada):

   • Vibe: New, master-planned community. Modern homes, lots of amenities (pool, playgrounds, trails), but can feel a bit "cookie-cutter."
   • Commute: Further west, so commutes to Golden or the foothills are easier, but trips to Denver are longer. Traffic on SH-72 can be a bottleneck.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,000+ for a newer 1BR or 2BR apartment.
   • Best For: Those who prioritize newer construction and amenities and work in the western suburbs or foothills.

4. West Arvada (near 64th & Wadsworth):

   • Vibe: A mix of older subdivisions and newer townhomes. More affordable than Olde Town or Candelas.
   • Commute: Excellent access to I-70, Golden, and Lakewood. Wadsworth Blvd is a major north-south artery.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,600 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Plumbers who prioritize commute time and budget, especially if they work in Golden or Lakewood.

Insider Tip: Avoid the far northeast corner of Arvada (near Reunion) if you work west of I-25. The commute through the I-70 and I-25 interchange is notoriously bad. Always test your commute during rush hour before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumbing career in Arvada isn't just about turning wrenches forever. There are clear paths for advancement and specialization that can significantly boost your income.

Specialty Premiums:

• Commercial/Industrial: Plumbers who can work on large-scale systems (hospitals, schools, data centers) often command $5-$10 more per hour than residential service techs. This requires expertise in medical gas, high-pressure systems, and complex blueprints.
• Service & Repair Specialists: Plumbers who excel at diagnostics, especially with modern camera inspection equipment and leak detection tech, are highly valued. This is a service-focused specialty that can lead to a 10-15% salary premium.
• Green Tech/Design: With Colorado's focus on water conservation, plumbers trained in greywater systems, high-efficiency fixtures, and rainwater harvesting are in growing demand. This is a forward-looking specialty.

Advancement Paths:

1. Service Manager/Team Lead: Move from running your own truck to managing a team of technicians. This is a natural step for experienced plumbers with good people skills. Pay range: $85,000 - $100,000+.
2. Business Owner: The ultimate goal for many. Starting your own shop in a community like Arvada can be lucrative, but it requires business acumen. The overhead is significant, but so is the earning potential.
3. Inspector/Consultant: After decades of experience, some plumbers move into roles with the city (like the City of Arvada's Building Department) or as private consultants. These are stable, well-paying jobs that leverage your hard-earned knowledge.

10-Year Outlook (based on the 6% growth projection):
The demand will remain strong. The key drivers are:

• Aging Housing Stock: Arvada's core was built in the 60s-90s. Water heaters, pipes, and fixtures are reaching end-of-life.
• Water Conservation Mandates: Colorado water rights are a constant issue. Municipalities will push for upgrades that save water, creating a need for retrofits.
• Skilled Trades Gap: Fewer young people are entering the trades. Experienced plumbers will be in a prime position to command higher wages and better benefits over the next decade.

The Verdict: Is Arvada Right for You?

After analyzing the data and the local landscape, here’s my direct assessment for a plumber considering a move.

Pros	Cons
Above-National-Average Pay: The median of $64,395 is solid.	Tight Homeownership Affordability: The median salary makes buying a home in Arvada a challenge.
Strong Job Market: 247 jobs and a 6% growth rate provide stability.	High Cost of Living: The 105.5 index means your dollar doesn't go as far as in the Midwest or South.
Diverse Employer Base: From city jobs to major contractors to corporate roles (Rheem).	Competitive Licensing: Navigating local jurisdictions (Denver license) requires extra effort.
Quality of Life: Access to outdoor recreation, a vibrant community, and proximity to Denver without the downtown chaos.	Traffic & Commutes: The Denver metro traffic is real. A poorly chosen commute can burn you out.
Lower Barrier to Entry for Renting: More affordable than Denver or Boulder for a similar lifestyle.	Weather: The high-altitude sun and dry air can be tough on skin and tools. Winters are cold.

Final Recommendation:
Arvada is a highly recommended location for plumbers who are in the mid-to-senior level of their career or who are willing to apprentice with a long-term plan. It offers the best balance of job opportunity, wage potential, and lifestyle for a trade professional in the Front Range. For an entry-level apprentice, it's a great place to start your training in a robust market. However, if your primary goal is to buy a home immediately on a single median income, you may find it difficult. For those with a partner, or