The Lakewood, CO Plumber's Handbook: A Data-Driven Career Guide

You’re considering a move to Lakewood, Colorado, or you're already here and wondering about your plumbing career prospects. You need more than just generic advice. You need a local's perspective, grounded in hard data and street-level knowledge. As a career analyst who’s watched this market for years, I can tell you Lakewood offers a stable, if not spectacular, career path for skilled tradespeople. It’s not the boomtown that Denver proper has been, but it’s a reliable hub with a distinct character. Let’s dig into the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the nitty-gritty of making a good living with a wrench in your hand.

First, let's get the lay of the land. Lakewood sits in the heart of the Denver metropolitan area, with a metro population of 155,973. It’s a classic suburb, a mix of mid-century ranches, newer developments, and bustling commercial corridors along Colfax and Wadsworth. The cost of living index is 105.5, meaning it's slightly above the national average, but significantly more affordable than Denver’s core or the ritzy suburbs to the west. The key pressure point is housing: the average 1BR rent is $1,835/month. This creates a dynamic where skilled tradespeople are in steady demand, but the financial calculus requires careful planning.

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

Let’s cut straight to the numbers, because that’s what matters most for your decision. The plumbing trade in Lakewood pays well, outperforming the national average and holding its own within the competitive Colorado market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analysis, the median salary for a plumber in Lakewood is $64,395 per year, with a corresponding hourly rate of $30.96/hour. This comfortably exceeds the national average of $63,350/year.

The 10-year job growth for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected at 6%, which, while not explosive, indicates steady, reliable demand. There are approximately 311 jobs in the metro area for these roles, a number that encompasses Lakewood, Denver, and the surrounding communities. For a mid-career professional, this signals stability. For someone starting out, it means you have a clear path to employment.

Here’s how pay breaks down by experience level in the Lakewood/Denver metro. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings, union wage scales (like United Association Local 3), and BLS percentiles.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years, post-apprenticeship	$48,000 - $58,000	Assisting senior plumbers, trenching, pipe cutting, basic repairs under supervision.
Mid-Level	3-7 years, Journeyman License	$62,000 - $75,000	Independent service calls, installations, troubleshooting complex issues, mentoring apprentices.
Senior	8-15 years, often Master License	$75,000 - $95,000+	Commercial project management, custom design, emergency response coordination, business development.
Expert/Specialist	15+ years, niche expertise	$90,000 - $125,000+	Hydronic heating systems, medical gas, industrial piping, consulting, own business ownership.

Insider Tip: The union rate for a journeyman plumber (UA Local 3) is significantly higher than the median—often over $45/hour on prevailing wage jobs. If you’re a union member, your benefits package (health, pension) can add another $20-$30 per hour in value. For non-union shops, especially smaller residential companies, the base pay might be closer to the median, but with potential for overtime and commission-based incentives for new installations.

Comparison to Other CO Cities:

• Denver: Slightly higher base pay (median ~$66,000) but much higher housing costs (1BR rent often $2,000+).
• Colorado Springs: Lower median pay ($61,000) but also lower rent ($1,600 for a 1BR). Lakewood offers a "Goldilocks" zone of decent pay and manageable (though still high) costs.
• Fort Collins: Similar pay to Lakewood, but a smaller, more college-town market. Lakewood’s proximity to Denver expands job opportunities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $64,395 salary sounds solid, but in Colorado’s high-cost environment, the take-home pay is what dictates your lifestyle. Let’s run a realistic monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary. We’ll assume a single filer, using standard 2023 tax assumptions (federal, FICA, and Colorado state tax of 4.4%).

Annual Gross Salary: $64,395

• Estimated Monthly Gross: $5,366
• Estimated Monthly Net (after taxes): ~$4,150 (This is an estimate; your specific withholdings will vary.)

Now, let’s allocate that $4,150.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Reality Check
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,835	This is the single biggest expense. In Lakewood, this gets you a decent 700-800 sq ft apartment in areas like Belmar or near Wadsworth.
Utilities (Gas, Electric, Water, Internet)	$200 - $250	Colorado’s climate means heating bills in winter can spike.
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500	A single person, shopping at places like King Soopers or Sprouts.
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	Varies wildly if you have employer coverage. Union members often have better premiums.
Transportation	$300 - $450	Car payment, insurance, gas, and maintenance. Public transit (RTD) is an option but less practical for a plumber carrying tools.
Retirement & Savings	$200 - $400	Critical for long-term stability, especially without a union pension.
Miscellaneous (Phone, Personal, Discretionary)	$300 - $400	Entertainment, eating out, hobbies.
Total Estimated Expenses	$3,385 - $4,135	This is tight. The range shows how budget-conscious you must be.

Can you afford to buy a home? This is the critical question. The median home price in Lakewood is approximately $550,000. A 20% down payment is $110,000, a formidable sum on a plumber’s salary. With a 30-year mortgage at 7% interest, the monthly payment (excluding taxes and insurance) would be around $2,925. This is over 70% of your monthly net income—a financially dangerous level. Homeownership is likely out of reach for a single-earner at the median salary without a significant down payment (from a spouse, family, or years of aggressive saving). A two-income household with a combined income of $130,000+ makes homeownership much more feasible.

Insider Tip: Many local plumbers buy homes in adjacent, more affordable areas like Arvada, Wheat Ridge, or even the far east side of Denver (Montbello, Green Valley Ranch) where prices are lower, accepting a longer commute to Lakewood job sites.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood’s plumbing job market is a mix of large commercial contractors, mid-sized residential service companies, and municipal roles. The key is to target employers with consistent project pipelines.

1. City of Lakewood: The municipal government hires plumbers for its Public Works department, maintaining water/sewer lines, pump stations, and city facilities. These jobs offer excellent benefits, job security, and a pension. Hiring is competitive but happens periodically. Check the City of Lakewood’s official job portal.
2. United Association Local 3 (Denver Plumbers & Pipefitters): While based in Denver, the union hall is a central hub for Lakewood projects. They dispatch members to commercial and industrial job sites throughout the metro area. As a union plumber, you’d be working on major projects like hospital expansions, school renovations, and high-rise buildings. The apprenticeship program is highly respected.
3. Parker & Sons: A massive, Southern California-based home services company that has aggressively expanded into the Denver metro. They have a significant presence in Lakewood, focusing on residential service, repair, and installation. They offer structured training and clear advancement paths, though the culture is very sales-driven.
4. Regional Contractors (e.g., Adolph Johnson & Son, MEI Mechanical): These are large, local commercial/industrial contractors. They handle big-ticket projects for clients like Denver Health (which has a Lakewood campus), St. Anthony’s Hospital (Lakewood), and the new Lakewood Cultural Center upgrades. Hiring trends here are tied to construction cycles—downtown Denver booms often spill over into Lakewood’s commercial corridors.
5. Residential Service Companies (e.g., Bell Plumbing and Heating, S& B Plumbing): These are staple local companies with deep community roots. They handle Lakewood’s vast stock of mid-century homes—think endless drain cleaning, water heater replacements, and re-piping jobs from the 1960s. Hiring is steady, and they often prefer local hires who understand the area’s housing stock.
6. Major Employers (Indirect): Large employers like Centura Health (St. Anthony’s) and Colorado Christian University have significant facilities and maintenance teams that hire in-house plumbers or contract with the firms above. These are potential career paths for those seeking stability over variety.

Hiring Trend Insight: There’s a growing demand for plumbers with cross-training in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). Many Lakewood homes use hydronic heating systems, and understanding both trades makes you a more valuable asset, especially for companies like Bell Plumbing and Heating.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado’s licensing process is straightforward but requires dedication. You cannot legally work as a plumber without proper certification. The process is managed by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Path to Licensure:

1. Apprenticeship (4-5 Years): You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program. This combines on-the-job training (typically 2,000 hours per year) with classroom instruction. Union apprenticeships (UA Local 3) are the gold standard, but there are non-union options like the Colorado Apprenticeship Program.
   • Cost: Apprenticeship programs are often free or low-cost; you earn while you learn. Your starting wage is a percentage of the journeyman rate (e.g., 40-50%).
2. Journeyman Plumber License: After completing your apprenticeship and passing the state exam, you apply for your journeyman license.
   • Exam Cost: Approximately $250 for the exam fee.
   • Timeline: Minimum of 4 years (8,000 hours) of documented experience.
3. Master Plumber License: Requires at least two more years as a journeyman (4,000 additional hours) and passing a more advanced exam. This allows you to pull permits, design systems, and own a plumbing business.
   • Exam Cost: Approximately $300.

Total Estimated Cost (Licensing & Exam Fees): $550 - $750 over the course of your training. This does not include the cost of tools (which can be $1,000+ for a basic kit) or textbooks.

Insider Tip: Start your apprenticeship search before moving. Contact UA Local 3 and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. Waitlists can be long. If you’re already in the state, applying to non-union apprentice programs at companies like Parker & Sons can be a faster entry point, though the long-term earning potential may be lower than the union path.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Lakewood is large and diverse; here are four neighborhoods to consider, based on plumber lifestyles.

1. Belmar (Central Lakewood):

   • Vibe: Urban-suburban mix. Walkable to shops, restaurants, and Union Square 16 movie theater. Predominantly apartments and townhomes.
   • Commute: Excellent. Central to most Lakewood job sites and a straight shot to Denver via 6th or Colfax. RTD light rail (W Line) is accessible.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,800 - $2,100 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Younger plumbers who want an active social scene and minimal commute.

2. Green Mountain / Rooney Valley:

   • Vibe: Established, family-oriented. Mostly single-family ranches and split-levels from the 1960s-80s. Close to Green Mountain Park for outdoor access.
   • Commute: Good. You’re near US-6 and I-70, making it easy to reach downtown Denver or the mountains. Traffic on Wadsworth can be heavy.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,900 - $2,300 for a 1BR; more for a 2BR.
   • Best For: Plumbers with families or those who want a quieter, residential feel with easy access to recreation.

3. Lakewood Heights (Southwest Lakewood):

   • Vibe: Quiet, modest, and affordable. A mix of older homes and some new infill. It’s less trendy but has a strong community feel.
   • Commute: Good access to US-285, which is a key route for jobs in southwest Denver and the foothills. Commute to central Lakewood is straightforward.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,900 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Plumbers on a tighter budget who prioritize value over nightlife. A great place for a first apartment.

4. Colorado Mills Area (West Lakewood):

   • Vibe: Commercial and transient. Centered around the Colorado Mills mall and the Belmar shopping district. High density of apartments.
   • Commute: Very good for commercial/industrial plumbers working on big projects. Easy access to I-70 and C-470.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,000 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Plumbers who value convenience and don’t mind a busier, less residential environment.

Insider Tip: The sweet spot for many plumbers is the southeast quadrant of Lakewood (around Wadsworth & Mississippi). You’re close to the action in Belmar and the residential areas of Green Mountain, but rents can be slightly lower than in the heart of Belmar. Avoid the very northwestern corner near Golden unless you work for a contractor based there, as the commutes can be longer.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber’s career in Lakewood isn’t just about turning wrenches forever. There are clear advancement paths that can boost your income significantly.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Piping: Requires additional certification but pays a premium, especially with major hospitals like St. Anthony’s and Denver Health expanding.
• Hydronic Heating & Geothermal: With Colorado’s focus on energy efficiency, expertise in radiant heating systems is in high demand.
• Commercial Vo-tech: Technicians who can work on complex industrial or commercial systems (e.g., boilers for schools, data centers) command top dollar.
• Backflow Prevention Testing: An add-on certification that allows you to perform mandatory testing for commercial clients—a steady, recurring revenue stream.

Advancement Paths:

1. Service Manager: Overseeing dispatch and technicians for a residential company. Salary: $85,000+.
2. Project Foreman: Leading a crew on a commercial construction site. Salary: $90,000 - $110,000.
3. Business Owner: Starting your own small service company. High risk, high reward. Many successful Lakewood plumbers run solo or 2-3 person operations.
4. Inspector/Consultant: Working for the city or as an independent consultant reviewing plans and inspecting work. Requires Master License and deep experience.

10-Year Outlook (6% Growth): The growth is solid, driven by Lakewood’s aging housing stock (needing repiping and sewer line replacement) and new commercial development along the Wadsworth and Colfax corridors. The push toward water conservation (low-flow fixtures, greywater systems) will also create demand for retrofits. The biggest threat is a major economic downturn, which would slow new construction. However, service and repair work remains resilient even in recessions.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Lakewood offers a pragmatic, stable career for plumbers. It’s not a get-rich-quick market, but it’s a place where a skilled trade can provide a solid middle-class living if you manage your finances wisely.

Pros	Cons
Stable, Steady Demand: Less boom-and-bust than pure construction markets.	High Housing Costs: Rent consumes a large portion of income, making homeownership difficult for singles.
Strong Union Presence: UA Local 3 provides excellent wages, benefits, and pension.	Traffic & Commutes: Denver-area traffic is notorious. A 15-mile commute can take 45+ minutes.
Diverse Job Market: Mix of residential service, commercial, and municipal work.	Competitive Job Market: