The Ultimate Career Guide for Plumbers in Aurora, CO

If you're a plumber considering the move to Aurora, you're looking at a city that's a powerhouse in the Front Range. As a career analyst who's spent years mapping the Colorado job market, I can tell you Aurora isn't just Denver's eastern sibling—it's a distinct economic engine with its own needs, especially in the trades. This guide isn't about selling you on the Rockies; it's a data-driven look at your potential career from the ground up.

The Salary Picture: Where Aurora Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers. In the Aurora metro area, the median salary for a plumber is $64,395/year. That breaks down to a solid $30.96/hour. This figure is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area, which includes Aurora. It's important to note that this is a median, meaning half of the plumbers earn more, and half earn less.

To put this in perspective, the national average for plumbers sits at $63,350/year. So, Aurora pays slightly above the national average. While the difference isn't massive, it's significant when combined with Colorado's unique economic landscape. The key driver here is the sustained construction and maintenance demand in a growing metro population of 394,701. With a cost of living index of 105.5 (US average = 100), your dollar goes a bit further here than in coastal cities, but you'll need to budget carefully.

The job market is active, with approximately 789 plumbing positions listed in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which is steady and reliable, indicating a stable demand for skilled tradespeople. This growth is fueled by new housing developments, aging infrastructure in older neighborhoods, and commercial expansion.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Level	Years of Experience	Typical Salary Range (Aurora)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $58,000	Basic repairs, drain cleaning, assisting journeymen, learning codes.
Mid-Level	3-8 years	$60,000 - $75,000	Full system installations, water heater replacements, service calls, supervising apprentices.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$75,000 - $90,000	Complex commercial work, project estimation, crew management, specialized systems.
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$90,000+	Master plumber, business owner, design consultant, specialized systems (medical gas, industrial).

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities

While Aurora's median is $64,395, Colorado's market varies:

• Denver: Slightly higher median, around $66,000, but with significantly higher rent and competition.
• Colorado Springs: Slightly lower median, around $62,000, with a lower cost of living.
• Fort Collins: Median is competitive, around $65,000, but the market is smaller.

Aurora strikes a balance: it's close enough to Denver's high wages without the extreme cost of living, making it a strategic choice for value-focused professionals.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. A plumber earning the median salary of $64,395 in Aurora needs to understand their take-home pay. After federal taxes, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), Colorado state income tax (~4.4%), and other deductions, your monthly take-home pay will be approximately $3,950 (this can vary based on withholdings, benefits, etc.).

Now, let's factor in housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Aurora is $1,835/month. That's a significant portion of your income.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Median-Earning Plumber

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,950	After taxes and deductions.
Rent (1BR)	$1,835	Average across Aurora; can be lower or higher by neighborhood.
Utilities	$250	Electricity, gas, water, internet.
Groceries	$400	For a single person.
Car Payment/Gas	$500	Aurora is car-dependent; insurance is higher than national average.
Health Insurance	$300	If not fully covered by employer.
Miscellaneous	$300	Entertainment, clothing, personal care.
Savings/Debt	$365	Leftover for savings, student loans, or emergencies.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

This is the big question. The Aurora housing market is competitive. The median home price is roughly $450,000. A 20% down payment is $90,000. For a plumber earning $64,395, saving that amount is a major challenge without significant frugality or a dual-income household. However, it's not impossible. Many tradespeople choose to buy a duplex or a home in a less expensive neighborhood (like parts of Aurora Hills or Meadow Hills) and rent out a unit, or they partner with a spouse. FHA loans require only 3.5% down ($15,750), which is more attainable. The key is to start saving aggressively before you move and consider roommates to lower your initial housing costs.

Where the Jobs Are: Aurora's Major Employers

Aurora's plumbing job market is diverse, spanning residential service, new construction, and commercial/industrial. The city is home to several major employers and a robust network of subcontractors. Here’s where you should be looking:

1. Aurora Water: This is a massive local employer. As the city's water utility, they handle everything from major line maintenance to meter installation. They offer stable jobs with excellent benefits and pensions. Hiring trends favor candidates with a CDL and experience in large-diameter pipe work. They often post jobs directly on the City and County of Aurora website.

2. University of Colorado Hospital (Anschutz Medical Campus): Located in Aurora, this is one of the largest employers in the state. The facilities team is constantly hiring licensed plumbers for preventive maintenance, medical gas system upkeep, and emergency repairs in a high-stakes environment. This work requires precision and often a specialty certification, but it pays a premium.

3. Denver International Airport (DEN) - Eastern Region: While the airport is physically in Denver, a significant portion of its support infrastructure, including maintenance contractors, is based in Aurora due to proximity. Look for jobs with facilities management companies that hold contracts with DEN. These jobs often involve complex, large-scale systems.

4. Major Homebuilders & Commercial GCs: Aurora is in a perpetual state of growth. National builders like Lennar, D.R. Horton, and Toll Brothers have large subdivisions throughout the city (especially in the southeast quadrant). They hire plumbers for new construction. Commercial general contractors like Haselden Construction and GE Johnson Construction also have a strong presence in the region, building schools, hospitals, and offices.

5. Local Service & Repair Companies: Aurora is home to dozens of reputable local plumbing companies. Think names like Service Experts, Bell Plumbing and Heating, and Northwind Services. These companies focus on residential and light commercial service calls. Hiring trends here are strong for journeymen with clean driving records and good customer service skills. A great way to get your foot in the door is to start as a helper or apprentice with one of these firms.

6. Aurora Public Schools: Another major public employer, the school district has its own facilities and maintenance department. They need plumbers for routine upkeep across dozens of schools. The work is predictable, the benefits are solid, and the schedule is often aligned with the school year (less on-call work during summers).

Insider Tip: The most active hiring for construction plumbers happens in the spring and early summer. For service plumbers, it's a year-round job, but demand spikes during the freeze-thaw cycles of late fall and early spring when pipes burst.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado is a "home rule" state, meaning licensing can be handled at the state level or by individual cities. However, the state sets the baseline. Aurora follows the state's guidelines for licensure.

1. State Licensing (Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies - DORA):
You must have a Colorado license to work independently. There are two main paths:

• Journeyman Plumber: Requires 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training under a licensed plumber, plus 288 hours of classroom instruction. You must pass a state exam. The application fee is approximately $100, and the exam fee is around $150.
• Master Plumber: Requires a journeyman license for at least 2 years, plus additional experience (varies by path). Allows you to pull permits and run your own business.

2. Aurora-Specific Requirements:
Aurora does not have its own separate plumber's license but requires contractors to be registered with the city. If you plan to work as a contractor, you'll need a City of Aurora Contractor's License (which requires a state journeyman or master license). You must also register with the Aurora Building Department for permit purposes.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you're already a licensed journeyman in another state: Colorado has reciprocity with many states. The process can take 2-4 months. You'll need to apply through DORA and may need to take a state-specific code exam.
• If you're starting from scratch: You'll need to find an apprenticeship. The path is: Apprentice (4 years) -> Journeyman Exam -> Licensed Journeyman. This is a 4-5 year timeline.

Costs (Approximate):

• Apprenticeship: Often funded by employers or union (IBEW Local 208 or UA Local 208). If not, tuition can be $3,000-$5,000/year.
• Exam Fees: $250-$400 total.
• Annual License Renewal: $100-$200.

Actionable Step: Contact the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) - Division of Professions and Occupations website to check reciprocity agreements if you're already licensed elsewhere. For apprenticeships, check the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment or local union halls.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Choosing where to live in Aurora depends on your commute, budget, and lifestyle. As a plumber, you'll likely be traveling across the metro area for jobs, so central access is key.

1. Aurora Central / City Center:

   • Commute: Excellent. You're near I-70, I-225, and E-470. Easy access to downtown Denver and the airport.
   • Lifestyle: Urban, diverse, with older housing stock (lots of repair work!). More affordable than newer suburbs.
   • Rent Estimate: A 1BR here averages $1,600 - $1,750/month.
   • Best For: Plumbers who want a short commute to the city center and don't mind an older apartment building.

2. Southeast Aurora (Saddle Rock, Mission Viejo):

   • Commute: Good. You're close to the new construction sites and E-470 for quick access to the southeast suburbs.
   • Lifestyle: Suburban, family-oriented, with newer homes and amenities. Great for someone with a family.
   • Rent Estimate: A 1BR is pricier, around $1,900 - $2,100/month.
   • Best For: Plumbers working in new construction or who want a quieter, suburban lifestyle.

3. Aurora Hills / Seven Hills:

   • Commute: Central. Close to Fitzsimons (CU Anschutz, Children's Hospital) and major roads.
   • Lifestyle: Established, quiet, with a mix of older and mid-century homes. Proximity to major hospitals means potential service work.
   • Rent Estimate: A 1BR is in the $1,700 - $1,850/month range.
   • Best For: Plumbers who prioritize a central location with a neighborhood feel and potential for commercial/medical work.

4. Meadow Hills / Heather Ridge:

   • Commute: Good. Near I-225 and the Anschutz campus.
   • Lifestyle: Mature, wooded, and upscale. This is one of Aurora's most desirable areas, but it's mostly single-family homes, so apartment inventory is lower.
   • Rent Estimate: If you find a 1BR apartment, expect $1,900+/month.
   • Best For: Plumbers with a higher budget seeking a premium neighborhood, or those open to renting a room in a shared house.

Insider Tip: Avoid the area immediately around Colfax Ave. While it has its charm, it can be noisy and has higher crime rates. Look north or south of Colfax for better value and quality of life.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's career in Aurora isn't just about turning wrenches; it's about strategic advancement. The 6% job growth over 10 years is steady, but you can outpace that by specializing.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Medical Gas Certification: In high demand at CU Anschutz and Children's Hospital. This can add $5-$10/hour to your wage.
  • Backflow Prevention: Required for commercial and irrigation systems. Certification is a quick course and opens doors to maintenance contracts.
  • Gas Line Work: With the shift to natural gas appliances, certified gas fitters are always needed. This is a high-skill, high-pay area.
  • Green Plumbing: Expertise in water-saving systems, greywater, and solar water heating is a growing niche as Colorado emphasizes sustainability.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Journeyman -> Service Technician: Move from construction to service calls. You'll diagnose problems, build client relationships, and earn commissions on upsells. Pay can increase significantly.
  2. Journeyman -> Foreman/Project Manager: Oversee crews on larger commercial or construction projects. Requires leadership skills and knowledge of blueprints.
  3. Journeyman -> Business Owner: The ultimate goal for many. Start with a service van and build a client base. Aurora's growing population is a fertile ground for a new plumbing business. The median salary of $64,395 is a great benchmark, but owners can earn well over $100,000 after establishing themselves.

• 10-Year Outlook: The fundamentals won't change: people will always need water and waste removal. However, technology will play a larger role. Expect more use of camera inspections, hydro-jetting, and digital invoicing. Plumbers who adapt to these tools will be more efficient and profitable. The 6% growth suggests a stable future, but specialization is the key to thriving, not just surviving.

The Verdict: Is Aurora Right for You?

Aurora presents a compelling case for plumbers, but it's not without its trade-offs.

Pros	Cons
Strong, Stable Job Market: 789 positions and 6% growth indicate reliable demand.	Tough Housing Market: Rent ($1,835/month) and home prices are high, making it hard to save for a down payment on a single income.
Above-Average Pay: Median of $64,395 is slightly above the national average ($63,350).	Car Dependency: You'll need a reliable vehicle for work commutes and service calls; public transit is limited.
Diverse Employment: From hospitals to new construction, you're not tied to one industry.	Competitive Market: You're competing with Denver's talent pool, so skill and reliability are paramount.
Strategic Location: Close to Denver's opportunities without the extreme cost of living (though Aurora is still pricey).	Cost of Living: At 105.5, it's above the national average, which can eat into your take-home pay.
Growth Potential: The city is expanding, offering long-term career stability and advancement.	Weather: Winters can be harsh, and frozen pipes are a major source of emergency work (a pro for business, a con for quality of life).

Final Recommendation:
Aurora is an excellent choice for a plumber who is mid-career or beyond, with a few years of experience and a journeyman license (or close to it). If you can secure a job before moving and have enough savings for a security deposit and initial expenses, you can build a solid life here. The career trajectory is clear, and the pay is fair. For an apprentice just starting out, Aurora is still viable, but you should strongly consider shared housing to manage costs. The bottom line: if you value steady work, a diverse job market, and a location that gives you access to Colorado's entire Front Range, Aurora is a strategic and rewarding place to be. Your skills are in demand here—now it's about making the numbers work for your lifestyle.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car as a plumber in Aurora?
Yes, absolutely. Aurora is a sprawling city, and most plumbing jobs require you to travel to different sites. Your employer will likely expect you to have a reliable vehicle to get to and from jobs, and for service