The Greeley Plumber's Guide: A Data-Driven Career Analysis

As a career analyst who’s spent years studying Colorado’s workforce, I’ve seen how cities like Greeley fly under the radar. It’s not Denver or Boulder, but for plumbers, that’s often the point. This is a practical, no-nonsense guide built on real data and local insight. If you're a plumber considering a move, this is your blueprint for making an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Greeley Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. In Greeley, the median salary for a plumber is $62,589 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.09. This sits just below the national average of $63,350. For a working professional, that’s a solid, competitive wage, especially when you factor in Greeley’s lower cost of living.

The job market is stable but not booming, with approximately 225 plumber positions currently in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 6%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it signals consistent demand driven by new construction, aging infrastructure, and maintenance needs in a growing region.

To give you a clearer picture of experience levels, here’s how salaries typically break down in the Greeley market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range (Greeley)
Entry-Level (Apprentice)	0-2 years	$45,000 - $55,000
Mid-Level (Journeyman)	2-8 years	$58,000 - $72,000
Senior-Level (Master)	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000
Expert/Owner	15+ years	$85,000+ (highly variable)

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry standards. The median of $62,589 falls squarely in the mid-level journeyman range.

How does Greeley compare to other Colorado cities?

• Denver Metro: Salaries are 10-15% higher ($68,000-$72,000 median), but the cost of living is 50%+ higher.
• Fort Collins: Similar salaries to Greeley ($63,000-$66,000 median), but a more competitive market for new housing.
• Colorado Springs: Slightly lower salaries ($60,000-$65,000 median) with a cost of living on par with Greeley.

Insider Tip: The $30.09/hour rate is a reliable benchmark. In the oil and gas sector (active in Weld County), journeyman rates can climb to $35-$40/hour due to specialized industrial pipefitting. It’s a niche but lucrative path if you have the certifications.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is only as good as what it can buy. Greeley’s cost of living is 4% below the U.S. average (Index: 96.0), and the average 1-bedroom rent is $1,190/month. Let’s break down the monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget for a Greeley Plumber (Single, No Kids)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $62,589 / 12 = $5,216
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~22% = -$1,148
• Net Take-Home Pay: $4,068
• Rent (1BR): -$1,190
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): -$250
• Car Payment/Insurance: -$450
• Groceries & Essentials: -$500
• Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored): -$250
• Miscellaneous/Leisure/Savings: -$1,428

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, but with careful planning. The median home price in Greeley is approximately $360,000. With a 10% down payment ($36,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would have a monthly payment of roughly $1,930 (including property taxes and insurance). This is higher than rent but manageable on the plumber’s salary if they are debt-free and have a second income (partner) or have built significant savings. The $1,428 monthly surplus in the budget above is key—saving $600/month for a down payment would take 5 years.

Local Insight: Many local plumbing companies offer a stipend for tool purchases or company vehicles, which can save you $500+/month on vehicle costs. This significantly improves your home-buying potential.

Where the Jobs Are: Greeley's Major Employers

Greeley’s economy is anchored in agriculture, healthcare, and education, but the trades are the unsung backbone. Here are the major employers where plumbers find consistent work:

1. Greeley-Evans School District 6: Maintains over 30 schools. Constant need for facility plumbers for repairs, renovations, and new construction projects. Hires full-time staff with benefits.
2. Banner Health (North Colorado Medical Center): One of the largest hospitals in Northern Colorado. Requires licensed plumbers for complex medical gas systems, sterilization equipment, and general facility maintenance. High standards, stable work.
3. City of Greeley: The municipal government employs plumbers for water/sewer infrastructure projects, public building maintenance, and city-owned facility repairs. Public sector jobs offer great benefits and pensions.
4. J.R. Butler, Inc. (Butler Plumbing & Heating): A major local contractor for residential and commercial new construction. They are consistently hiring apprentices and journeymen for subdivision developments in west Greeley.
5. Aims Community College: The campus in Greeley has ongoing facility needs. They often hire for maintenance positions, which include plumbing duties. Good for those seeking an institutional environment.
6. Local Oil & Gas Service Companies: Companies like Baker Hughes or Halliburton have offices in the region. They hire specialized pipefitters for well-site and facility work, offering premium pay for those with industrial certifications.
7. Dish Network Headquarters (Englewood): While not in Greeley, many trade professionals commute from northern Colorado to the Denver metro. The company’s large campus requires ongoing plumbing maintenance and renovations.

Hiring Trend: Demand is strongest for journeyman plumbers with 5+ years of experience. Companies are struggling to find qualified, licensed professionals. Apprenticeships are available, but competition is higher. The trend is toward green plumbing (water conservation, tankless systems), with employers increasingly seeking plumbers certified in these specialties.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado does not have a state-level plumber licensing program. Instead, licensing is handled at the local municipal level. You must obtain a license from the city or county where you intend to work. For Greeley, this means the City of Greeley Building Department.

Steps to Get Licensed in Greeley:

1. Apprenticeship: Complete a 4-year, 8,000-hour apprenticeship through a program like the Colorado Plumbing & Pipe Fitting Industry JATC (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee).
2. Journeyman Exam: After your apprenticeship, you must pass the Colorado State Plumber Journeyman Exam (administered by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials - IAPMO).
3. Local License Application: Submit your proof of apprenticeship completion and exam passage to the City of Greeley. You will need to show proof of insurance and pay a fee.
4. Master Plumber License: To work as a master plumber (supervise others, pull permits), you need 2 years of journeyman experience and must pass the Master Plumber Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship Tuition: Often free or low-cost (covered by union or employer).
• Exam Fees: ~$200-$300 per attempt.
• Greeley License Fee: ~$150-$200 annually.
• Timeline: From starting an apprenticeship to becoming a licensed journeyman takes 4-5 years. You cannot legally perform plumbing work for hire without a license.

Insider Tip: The Colorado Plumbing Board website is your best resource, but call the City of Greeley Building Department. Their staff can clarify local reciprocity agreements if you’re licensed in another state.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Greeley is divided by major roads (US 34, US 85, I-25). Your choice of neighborhood affects your commute to job sites, which are spread across Weld County.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent
Central Greeley (Downtown)	Walkable, older homes. Central to everything. Short commute to most downtown jobs and the hospital.	$1,100 - $1,300
West Greeley (Westlake, Heather Ridge)	Newer subdivisions, families. Close to major contractors like Butler. Commute to industrial areas is easy.	$1,200 - $1,400
South Greeley (Sunset Park)	Affordable, mix of older and newer homes. Close to I-25 for quick access to Denver or Fort Collins.	$1,000 - $1,200
University District (near Aims)	Younger, more transient population. Good for apprentices or those attending Aims.	$950 - $1,150

Commute Insight: Most plumbing jobs in the Greeley metro are within a 15-minute drive. If you work for a service company, you may cover a 30-mile radius from your home base. Living centrally or in West Greeley gives you the most flexibility.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% 10-year growth is a floor, not a ceiling. Growth accelerates when you specialize.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Certification: +15-20% pay premium. Essential for hospital work (Banner Health).
• Backflow Prevention: +10-15% pay. Required for commercial irrigation and fire suppression systems.
• Industrial Pipefitting (Oil & Gas): +25-30% pay. Requires additional certifications (ASME B31.3).
• Green Plumbing/Water Efficiency: Increasingly demanded by municipalities and eco-conscious builders.

Advancement Paths:

1. Service Technician: Specialize in residential repairs (higher hourly rates + commission).
2. Project Manager: Move from field work to overseeing commercial projects.
3. Business Owner: Open your own shop. Greeley’s lower overhead compared to Denver is a significant advantage. The $225 current jobs indicate a stable market to capture.
4. Inspector: With master license and experience, become a plumbing inspector for the City of Greeley or Weld County.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth is steady. The real opportunity lies in the aging infrastructure of northern Colorado. Many homes built in the 1970s-90s are now due for major plumbing overhauls (galvanized to PEX, sewer line replacements). Plumbers who specialize in these large-scale retrofits will be in high demand.

The Verdict: Is Greeley Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living Advantage: 4% below national average. Your salary goes further.	Limited Entertainment: Not a "nightlife" city; more family-oriented.
Stable Job Market: Steady demand from construction, healthcare, and agriculture.	Weather: Hot, dry summers; cold, windy winters. Can affect outdoor work.
Strategic Location: 1 hour to Denver, 1 hour to Fort Collins. Access to bigger markets.	Air Quality: High winds can stir up dust; occasional agricultural odor.
Lower Competition: Compared to Denver, fewer plumbers vying for the same jobs.	Growth Ceiling: Salaries cap lower than in major metros.

Final Recommendation:
Greeley is an excellent choice for plumbers who prioritize affordability, stability, and a manageable lifestyle over the high-stakes, high-cost environment of Denver. It’s ideal for journeyman plumbers looking to buy a home, start a family, or eventually launch their own business without the crushing overhead of a major city. The data supports it: a $62,589 median salary, low rent, and a consistent job market. If you're willing to specialize and adapt to the local climate, Greeley offers a sustainable, rewarding career path.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be licensed in both Colorado and Greeley?
Yes. You need a Colorado Journeyman Plumber license (via the state exam) and a local license from the City of Greeley to work legally within city limits.

2. Is there a union presence?
Yes. Local 3 (United Association) covers northern Colorado, including Greeley. Union jobs offer higher pay, benefits, and pensions. Non-union shops are also plentiful and may offer competitive rates.

3. What’s the job outlook for apprentices?
It’s competitive. The best path is to apply directly to union apprenticeship programs or to larger contractors like Butler Plumbing. Having a driver’s license and a clean record is essential.

4. How does the oil and gas industry affect plumber demand?
It’s a double-edged sword. Boom cycles create high-paying industrial jobs, but bust cycles can reduce spending on commercial and residential projects. The local market is diversified, so it’s not as volatile as pure oil towns.

5. Can I work in Fort Collins or Denver while living in Greeley?
Absolutely. Many plumbers commute to the Denver metro for higher pay or union work. The 1-hour commute is common, though you must factor in tolls (E-470) and fuel costs. It’s a viable strategy to boost your income while enjoying Greeley’s lower cost of living.