A Career Guide for Plumbers Considering a Move to Centennial, CO

As a career analyst who knows Colorado's Front Range intimately, I'll give you the unvarnished truth about the plumbing trade in Centennial. This isn't a brochure—it's a data-driven look at what your life would actually look like here, from your paycheck to your commute to your long-term prospects.

Centennial isn't Denver. It's not Boulder. It's a sprawling, affluent suburb of 106,873 people that's grown up around the I-25 and I-225 corridors. For a plumber, this means a specific mix of high-end residential work in established neighborhoods, consistent commercial work in office parks and medical centers, and a steady stream of service calls in aging subdivisions. The median salary sits at $64,395/year, which breaks down to $30.96/hour. That's slightly above the national average of $63,350/year, but cost of living here is 105.5 (US avg = 100). The question isn't just about making money—it's about whether that money goes far enough.

Let's break it down, block by block.

The Salary Picture: Where Centennial Stands

The plumbing trade in Centennial follows a classic experience curve, but local competition and the type of work available create distinct tiers. The 213 jobs in the metro area are concentrated in specific sectors, and 10-year job growth is projected at a healthy 6%.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can earn at different career stages in the Centennial market:

Experience Level	Typical Role	Annual Salary Range	Key Local Drivers
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Apprentice, Helper	$42,000 - $52,000	High demand for green labor; focused on residential service in areas like Willow Creek or Cottonwood. Pay starts lower but OT is frequent.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	Journeyman Plumber	$58,000 - $72,000	This is where the median sits. Capable of handling residential remodels, light commercial, and service calls. Licensed, insured, and trusted.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	Lead Tech / Supervisor	$70,000 - $85,000	Manages crews, bids large jobs, specializes in commercial or high-end residential (e.g., Highlands Ranch, Greenwood Village). Often commission-based.
Expert (15+ yrs)	Master Plumber / Business Owner	$85,000 - $120,000+	Runs a crew, holds a Master's license, and takes on complex projects (multi-family, medical gas, industrial). Income is tied directly to business acumen.

How this compares to other Colorado cities:

• Denver: Similar median ($65,120), but the cost of living (115.6) and parking/commute headaches cut into take-home pay. Centennial offers a comparable wage with less urban friction.
• Colorado Springs: The median is lower ($58,900), but so is the cost of living (99.2). Springs has more military and defense-related work, while Centennial is more corporate and residential.
• Fort Collins: Median salary is about the same ($63,800), but the market is smaller and more dominated by university and ag-related work. Centennial's 213 jobs offer more variety.

Insider Tip: The $64,395 median is heavily influenced by the large number of service and repair jobs. The big money in Centennial is in new construction and remodels in the south and west sides of the city, but that work is often tied to specific contractors who rarely post on job boards. You get those gigs through reputation and networking.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally honest about the numbers. A single plumber earning the median $64,395 has to navigate Colorado's state income tax (4.4%), federal taxes, and the local rent market.

Monthly Budget Breakdown: Plumber Earning $64,395/Year

• Gross Monthly Pay: $5,366
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + CO): ~$1,100
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$4,266/month (This is an estimate; your actual depends on deductions, 401k, health insurance, etc.)

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Centennial costs $1,635/month. That's 38% of your take-home pay, which is above the recommended 30% threshold.

Here's a realistic monthly budget for a single plumber:

Category	Estimated Cost	% of Net Pay	Notes
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,635	38%	You can find cheaper ($1,400) in areas like Homestead Farms or more expensive ($1,850+) in newer complexes near I-25.
Utilities	$200	5%	Includes gas, electric, water, internet. Your tools and work gear add to the electric bill.
Car Payment/Insurance	$600	14%	Non-negotiable in Centennial. You need a reliable truck/van. Insurance is high in CO.
Gas & Maintenance	$250	6%	Commute to job sites across the metro is a real cost.
Food & Groceries	$400	9%
Health Insurance	$300	7%	If your employer doesn't cover it.
Tools & Gear	$100	2%	Constant investment in the trade.
Misc. / Savings	$781	18%	This is your safety net and discretionary cash. It's not a lot.

Can they afford to buy a home?
The median home price in Centennial is roughly $525,000. To afford that, you'd need a down payment of at least $26,250 (5%) and a mortgage payment (including taxes, insurance, PMI) of around $3,200/month. That's 75% of your net take-home pay. For a single plumber earning the median, buying a home in Centennial is not feasible without a dual income or a significantly higher salary (i.e., moving into a senior/management role or running your own business). Renting is the reality for most.

Where the Jobs Are: Centennial's Major Employers

Centennial isn't a factory town; it's a hub of healthcare, corporate offices, and logistics. The plumbing jobs reflect this. You won't find massive industrial plants, but you will find consistent, well-paid work in these sectors.

1. Healthcare Systems:

   • Swedish Medical Center (Englewood, bordering Centennial): A major Level I Trauma Center. Requires specialized medical gas piping, backflow prevention, and 24/7 facility maintenance. They employ in-house plumbers and use local contractors for projects.
   • Littleton Hospital (part of HealthONE): Similar to Swedish, it's a large employer for commercial and facilities plumbing work. Hiring trends show a preference for plumbers with hospital experience and relevant certifications.

2. Commercial & Office Park Maintenence:

   • Arapahoe County Government Facilities: The county manages a portfolio of buildings, including the Arapahoe County Justice Center and numerous administrative offices. They have a facilities maintenance team that hires plumbers for preventative maintenance and repairs.
   • The Landmark at Greenwood Village / Corporate Parks: The massive office parks along I-25 (like the Landmark) are home to hundreds of companies. The property management firms that service these buildings (e.g., CBRE, JLL) are constant sources of work for commercial plumbing contractors.

3. Construction & Development Firms:

   • Hensel Phelps (Headquartered in Greeley, major projects in Centennial): A large general contractor that handles public and private projects. They subcontract major plumbing work for schools, municipal buildings, and large-scale commercial developments.
   • Local Home Builders: Companies like Lennar and Richmond American Homes have ongoing developments in Centennial (especially the eastern edge near E-470). They subcontract to plumbing firms for rough-in and finish work. Insider Tip: Getting on the preferred bid list for one of these builders is a long-term game that pays off.

4. Plumbing Service Companies:

   • Local Franchises (RooterMan, Mr. Rooter): These are the primary employers for service and repair plumbers. They provide steady work, benefits, and a company truck. The hiring trend is for licensed journeyman plumbers who can handle residential and light commercial service calls efficiently.
   • Specialized Local Shops: Companies like Bell Plumbing and Heating or S& B Plumbing (based in the metro area) do a mix of service, remodel, and commercial. They often have better pay scales for experienced techs than the big franchises.

Hiring Trends: There's a strong push toward plumbers who are tech-savvy (diagnosing with cameras, using digital estimates) and who have certifications in backflow prevention or medical gas. The residential service market is competitive, so the commercial and municipal sectors are where you find more stable, higher-paying roles.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado's licensing is handled by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) - Division of Professions and Occupations. It's a structured path, but it's not quick.

The Pathway:

1. Apprenticeship: You need 4 years (8,000 hours) of documented work experience under a licensed plumber. You can work in Centennial under a Colorado-licensed contractor.
2. Exams: After your apprenticeship, you take the Journeyman Plumber exam. It's a comprehensive test on the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and local amendments. The exam fee is around $100.
3. Licensing: Once you pass, you apply for your Journeyman license. The fee is $150. You must provide proof of experience and pass a background check.
4. Master Plumber: To become a Master, you need at least 2 years as a Journeyman and must pass the Master Plumber exam (fee: $100). The Master license fee is $200. This is required to pull permits and run your own business.

Total Estimated Cost to Get Licensed: ~$450 (excluding education/training costs).
Timeline: A minimum of 4 years of full-time work. Many apprentices attend trade school (like at Emily Griffith Technical College in Denver or Pickens Technical College) alongside their work, which can take longer but provides classroom theory.

Insider Tip: Colorado does not have a statewide reciprocation agreement for journeyman licenses, but it does for master licenses with some states. If you're already licensed elsewhere, check DORA's website for the specific application process. For Centennial, being licensed in Colorado is non-negotiable for any legitimate, above-the-table work.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Centennial drastically affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. These are not just places to sleep; they're where you can integrate into the local plumbing network.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for Plumbers
Homestead Farms / Willow Creek	Older, established neighborhoods (1970s-80s). Tree-lined streets, family-oriented. Central location.	$1,400 - $1,600	Prime for service and remodel work. You're close to major job sites. Easy access to I-25 & I-225. Tight-knit community for word-of-mouth referrals.
The Links / Southshore	Newer, affluent area near the golf course and I-25. More transient professionals.	$1,700 - $1,900	High-end residential work is abundant here. You're near the corporate parks and Swedish Medical Center. A great place to build a reputation for quality, not just speed.
Cottonwood / Arapahoe Park	Northeast side, more affordable, mix of older homes and new builds.	$1,300 - $1,500	Lower cost of living means more disposable income. Growing area with lots of new construction (subdivisions off Arapahoe Rd). Commute to E-470 corridor jobs is easy.
West Centennial (near Highlands Ranch)	Edge of Centennial, bordering Highlands Ranch. Affluent, newer, but with some older pockets.	$1,750 - $2,000+	Direct access to the lucrative Highlands Ranch market. You're also close to the I-25 tech corridor. The rent is high, but the potential client base is wealthier.
Arapahoe Ridge	Central, mixed-income, close to the Arapahoe County government center.	$1,500 - $1,700	Excellent for municipal and commercial work. You're minutes from county offices, schools, and the Arapahoe County Justice Center. Stable, predictable commute.

Insider Tip: Live where you work. If you want to specialize in residential service, Homestead Farms is unbeatable. If you're targeting commercial contracts, being near the government center or I-25 business parks is key. The commute to areas like Parker or Aurora is short, but it adds up in time and gas.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% 10-year job growth is solid, but it's not automatic. Growth comes from specialization and entrepreneurship.

Specialty Premiums (What makes you more valuable):

• Medical Gas Certification: Can add $5-10/hour to your rate. Hospitals like Swedish and Littleton need it.
• Backflow Prevention Certification: High demand for annual testing and installation. Can turn into a steady side business.
• Gas Line Certification: For all the new gas appliance installs (grills, fireplaces, dryers). Low competition, high demand.
• Hydronic Heating (Boilers): A niche but profitable skill, especially in older homes and high-end remodels.

Advancement Paths:

1. Service Tech to Supervisor: Move from hourly to salary + commission. You'll manage a team, handle escalations, and oversee inventory.
2. Commercial Specialist: Focus on large-scale projects. This path leads to Project Manager roles with salaries from $80,000-$100,000+.
3. Business Owner: The ultimate step. With a Master's license and $25k-$50k in startup capital (for a truck, tools, insurance, marketing), you can run your own shop. The median for a successful small business owner in the Denver metro is well over $100,000, but the risk is high.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong for service and maintenance plumbers. The growth will be in retrofitting older homes for energy efficiency (heat pumps, tankless water heaters) and commercial building upgrades (ADA compliance, water conservation). The market for new residential construction will be cyclical, tied to interest rates and land availability.

The Verdict: Is Centennial Right for You?

Centennial is a pragmatic choice for a plumber. It's not the most exciting city, but it's a reliable place to build a career. Here’s the final assessment:

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: 213 jobs in the metro, with 6% growth. Healthcare and corporate sectors provide steady work.	High Rent: At $1,635/month for a 1BR, housing is a major expense.
Above-Average Pay: Median of $64,395 is slightly better than the national average.	Car Dependency: You must have a reliable vehicle. Public transit is not a viable option for plumbers.
Central Location: Easy access to all of the Denver metro area's job sites.	Competition: The market is competitive for service work; you need to differentiate yourself.
Quality of Life: Safe, clean, with good schools and amenities. A great place to raise a family later.	Lack of "City" Vibe: It's a suburb. If you want nightlife and culture, you'll be commuting to Denver.
Network Potential: Being near Denver, Springs, and Fort Collins allows for easy networking and job hunting across the region.	Licensing Time: The 4-year apprenticeship is a long-term commitment before you see journeyman wages.

Final Recommendation:
Centennial is an excellent choice for a journeyman-level plumber (3-7 years experience) who wants a stable, well-paying job in a safe area. It's also a great place to start as an apprentice if you can get on with a good local company that will sponsor your training.

It is not the right choice for an entry-level plumber expecting to buy a home immediately, or for a Master Plumber looking for an industrial-heavy market. The path to homeownership and significant wealth here requires specialization, career advancement, or business ownership.

If you're willing to rent, focus on a specialty, and network consistently, Centennial can provide a solid, middle-class career with a manageable, if not luxurious, lifestyle.

FAQs

1. I'm already a licensed journeyman in another state. Can I work in Centennial right away?
No. Colorado does not have full recipro