Plumber in Loveland, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Loveland Stands

If you're a plumber considering a move to Loveland, you're likely looking at a market that’s stable, growing, and offers a solid middle-class lifestyle. The data tells a clear story: Loveland pays slightly below the national average but offers a cost of living that’s easier on the wallet than most Colorado metros.

First, let's ground ourselves in the numbers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analyses, the median salary for a plumber in the Loveland metro area is $62,703 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.15. This sits just shy of the national average of $63,350/year. It’s a small gap, but when you factor in Loveland’s lower cost of living, your purchasing power can actually be better here than in many national hubs.

The job market is modest but resilient. There are approximately 158 plumbing jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady, driven by the city's aging housing stock, ongoing new construction in the southern corridor, and consistent demand for service and repair work. It’s a market that rewards reliability and specialization.

To understand where you might fit in, here’s a realistic breakdown of experience levels and their corresponding pay scales in the Loveland area. These are estimates based on local contractor surveys and BLS percentile data.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Loveland)
Entry-Level Apprentice	0-2	$42,000 - $52,000
Journeyman Plumber	2-5	$58,000 - $68,000
Senior Plumber / Lead Tech	5-10	$68,000 - $80,000
Expert / Master Plumber / Business Owner	10+	$80,000 - $120,000+

How does Loveland compare to other Colorado cities?

• Denver Metro: Salaries are higher (median ~$68,000), but the cost of living is significantly steeper. The commute from Loveland to Denver (I-25) can be brutal, negating some of the salary advantage.
• Fort Collins: Almost identical to Loveland in terms of pay and cost of living, but with a slightly younger, more tech-influenced demographic. Job competition can be a bit fiercer with the university presence.
• Colorado Springs: Salaries are comparable, but the market is heavily influenced by military installations and defense contractors.
• Grand Junction: Salaries are often lower (median ~$58,000), but the cost of living is also lower, and it’s a gateway to the Western Slope.

Insider Tip: The $62,703 median is a solid anchor. If you have a journeyman’s license and a few years of experience, you should be targeting at least the mid-point of that range. Don’t settle for less unless the employer offers exceptional benefits, a company vehicle, or a clear path to a master plumber certification.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A six-figure salary doesn't mean much if you can't afford rent. Let's break down the monthly budget for a plumber earning the Loveland median of $62,703. We'll assume a single filer with no dependents for a straightforward calculation.

First, the Taxes:

• Federal Income Tax: Approximately 12% (after standard deduction)
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): 7.65%
• Colorado State Income Tax: 4.4%
• Total Estimated Tax Burden: ~24% of gross income.
• Monthly Gross Income: $5,225
• Monthly Take-Home Pay (Net): ~$3,970

Now, the Budget (Using Loveland's Average):

• Average 1BR Rent: $1,497/month
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $250 - $350
• Groceries & Household: $400 - $500
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $400 - $600 (commuting is a must in Loveland)
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $300 - $500
• Retirement Savings (10% of gross): $522
• Food/Entertainment/Personal: $300 - $500

The Bottom Line: After core expenses (rent, utilities, food, transport), a plumber earning the median salary is left with roughly $500 - $800 per month. This is a comfortable buffer for savings, emergencies, or discretionary spending. It’s not extravagant, but it’s sustainable.

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the bigger question. The median home price in Loveland is approximately $475,000. With a 20% down payment ($95,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would have a monthly payment of around $2,400 (including taxes and insurance). That’s 60% of your take-home pay for a single earner, which is financially risky. Most local plumbers buying a home here are either:

1. Dual-income households.
2. Have saved aggressively for a larger down payment.
3. Purchase fixer-uppers in more affordable neighborhoods.

Insider Tip: Many plumbers in Loveland live in apartments or townhomes for their first few years, saving aggressively. Once they reach the Senior Plumber level ($70k+) or license their own business, homeownership becomes much more achievable. Consider starting in a 1BR and upgrading to a 2BR with a roommate to cut housing costs in half.

Where the Jobs Are: Loveland's Major Employers

Loveland’s plumbing job market is a mix of large commercial/industrial firms, established residential service companies, and opportunities in public infrastructure. Here are the key players you should know:

1. City of Loveland Water & Sewer Department: This is the public sector gold standard. They hire apprentice and journeyman plumbers for maintaining the city’s vast water infrastructure. Jobs are stable, come with excellent benefits (pension, union representation), and offer a clear career ladder. Hiring Trend: Actively hiring as they address aging infrastructure and expansion into the Thompson River Parkway area. Check their website and government job boards regularly.

2. McGill Plumbing & Heating: A long-standing, full-service residential and commercial firm based in Loveland. They are known for quality work and often have openings for journeyman plumbers and service technicians. Hiring Trend: Steady growth; they frequently take on new construction projects in the Loveland West and Johnstown areas.

3. Bohr Construction (and similar larger GCs): While not a plumbing contractor, large general contractors like Bohr, along with others such as Hensel Phelps and GE Johnson, hire subcontracted plumbing crews for commercial projects. This is where you find high-volume, short-term work on new schools, hospitals, and retail centers. Hiring Trend: Directly tied to the local construction boom, especially in the south Loveland and Berthoud areas.

4. Apex Plumbing: A prominent local service company focused on residential and light commercial work. They emphasize customer service and offer competitive pay with commission opportunities for technicians. Hiring Trend: They are often looking for skilled service plumbers who can diagnose and repair quickly, a key need in Loveland's aging home market.

5. Thompson River District School District: Maintains plumbing systems for all schools in the district (Loveland, Berthoud, etc.). This is a less common but highly desirable public sector job with a fantastic schedule (summers off, holidays). Hiring Trend: Hiring is infrequent but happens when staff retire. It’s worth keeping an eye on their employment portal.

6. Local HVAC/Plumbing Hybrid Companies: Many Loveland businesses, like B&B Heating & Air Conditioning, have plumbing divisions due to the overlap in skill sets (especially for in-floor heating and boiler work). Hiring Trend: These companies are growing as the demand for integrated home systems increases.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren't posted publicly. Join the Local 3 Plumbers & Pipefitters Union (based in Denver but covering Northern Colorado). Their dispatch system for commercial work is the most reliable way to find high-paying, steady projects, especially in the industrial sector.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado has a structured licensing system managed by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). It’s not a barrier, but it requires dedication.

1. Apprenticeship (4 years): You must complete a registered apprenticeship program (4,000 hours of on-the-job training) and 288 hours of classroom instruction. These are often union-sponsored (UA Local 3) or offered through community colleges like Front Range Community College (FRCC) in Fort Collins.

   • Cost: Apprenticeship programs are typically tuition-free. You pay for your own tools and textbooks (~$500 - $1,000).

2. Journeyman Plumber License: After completing your apprenticeship, you can take the journeyman exam. The exam covers the International Plumbing Code and local amendments.

   • State Exam Fee: $152 (as of 2023).
   • Background Check: ~$40.
   • Timeline: You can take the exam as soon as your apprenticeship is complete. Processing can take 2-4 weeks.

3. Master Plumber License: This is required to own a plumbing business or pull permits in your own name. It requires:

   • 2,000 hours of work as a journeyman.
   • Passing the Master Plumber exam.
   • Exam Fee: $152.

Total Estimated Cost to Journeyman: Under $1,000 (mostly tools and exam fees). This is one of the best ROI career paths available.

Insider Tip: If you're moving from another state with a license, Colorado has reciprocity with many states, but you must apply through DORA. It’s a faster path than starting from scratch. The Colorado State Plumbing Board website is your definitive source for application forms and current code requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Loveland is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute. For a plumber, proximity to major employers and reasonable access to I-25 (for service calls) is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown Loveland	Walkable, artsy, near breweries and restaurants. Short commute to City Hall and downtown businesses.	$1,300 - $1,600	Younger plumbers who want a social scene. Limited parking for work vehicles.
South Loveland	Newer developments, family-oriented. Close to the new shopping districts and easy access to I-25 for commercial jobs.	$1,500 - $1,800	Plumbers working for commercial GCs or in the service sector who want a quieter home life.
East Loveland (The "Kmart" Corridor)	Affordable, older homes (lots of repair work!), close to the hospital and major retail.	$1,200 - $1,450	Plumbers on a budget. Central location for cutting across town. Can be noisy.
Fox Acres / Southwest	Established, middle-class neighborhoods with mid-century homes. Quiet, with a strong sense of community.	$1,400 - $1,650	Plumbers with families or those who prefer a suburban feel. Easy access to the mountains for weekends.
Berthoud (Technically Separate, but Key)	A small town on the edge of the Loveland metro. Growing quickly, with a small-town feel.	$1,450 - $1,700	Plumbers who want a bit of space and don't mind a 15-20 minute commute to Loveland. Lots of new construction here.

Insider Tip: If you have a work van or truck, check on street parking regulations before renting in Downtown or older parts of East Loveland. South Loveland and Berthoud typically have better driveway and garage options.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Loveland, a plumber’s career isn’t just about turning a wrench; it’s about specialization and business acumen.

• Specialty Premiums: General plumbing pays the median, but specialties pay more.
  • Medical Gas/Commercial: Requires additional certification but can add $5-$10/hour.
  • Backflow Prevention: Certification is highly valued for commercial clients and can open doors to municipal contracts.
  • Gas-Fitting: Essential for the many homes with gas heat and appliances.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Tech/Estimator: Move from installation to diagnosing problems and quoting jobs. Often includes a base salary plus commission.
  2. Foreman/Project Manager: Oversee a crew and manage timelines for construction projects.
  3. Master Plumber & Business Owner: This is where income potential skyrockets. A small, well-run residential service company in Loveland can easily net the owner $100,000+ after a few years. The key is building a reputation for reliability.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is solid. The demand will be driven by:
  • Water Scarcity: Northern Colorado is water-conscious. Plumbers skilled in water-saving fixtures and greywater systems will be in demand.
  • Aging Infrastructure: Both residential (1970s-90s homes) and municipal systems need upgrades and repairs.
  • Energy Efficiency: The push for efficient boilers and tankless water heaters keeps the service sector busy.

Insider Tip: The most successful plumbers in Loveland are those who network with real estate agents and property managers. They get the first call on flip-house renovations and rental property maintenance—steady, reliable income streams.

The Verdict: Is Loveland Right for You?

Loveland offers a compelling package for a plumber: a stable job market, a reasonable cost of living, and a high quality of life with easy access to outdoor recreation. It’s a place to build a career, not just hold a job.

Pros	Cons
Strong purchasing power relative to salary.	Starting salaries are modest compared to Denver.
Steady, diverse job market (residential, commercial, municipal).	Home ownership is a significant challenge without dual income or high savings.
Exceptional quality of life (access to Loveland Lake, Devil's Backbone, Rocky Mountain National Park).	You will need a reliable vehicle for commuting and service calls.
Clear, achievable licensing path with low state costs.	The job market is small (158 jobs)—networking is critical.
Family-friendly atmosphere with good schools and lower crime rates.	Cultural scene is smaller than in Fort Collins or Denver.

Final Recommendation: Loveland is an excellent choice for a mid-career plumber with journeyman status who values work-life balance and outdoor access over maximizing salary. It’s also a great place for an apprentice to get started with low tuition costs at FRCC and a straightforward job market. It’s less ideal for a new, single plumber hoping to immediately buy a home, or for someone who thrives on the constant, fast-paced energy of a major metropolis.

FAQs

Q: How does the cost of living in Loveland really compare to Denver?
A: According to the Cost of Living Index, Loveland is at 96.6 (US avg = 100). Denver’s metro is over 120. The biggest difference is housing—Loveland rent is ~40% cheaper. Your $62,703 salary in Loveland feels like making $85,000+ in Denver, after accounting for rent, transportation, and taxes.

Q: Is a union apprenticeship my only option?
A: No. You can go through a non-union apprenticeship (often through a private contractor) or a community college program like FRCC’s. The union (UA Local 3) offers excellent benefits and pension, but non-union shops may offer more immediate variety in work. Research both paths.

Q: What’s the winter like for a plumber in Loveland?
A: It’s manageable but requires preparation. You’ll deal with frozen pipes (a major service sector in February) and need to work in unheated spaces. A good, heated work van and quality cold-weather gear are essential investments. The upside: summers are spectacular, with long days and beautiful weather for outdoor projects.

Q: Can I work in Fort Collins and live in Loveland?
A: Absolutely. The commute is 20-30 minutes on I-25. Many plumbers do this to access the slightly broader job market in Fort Collins (especially for commercial work) while benefiting from Loveland’s lower rent. Just be aware of peak traffic times (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM).

Q: What’s the first practical step if I’m moving from out of state?
A: Contact the Colorado State Plumbing Board to check reciprocity for your current license. Simultaneously, start applying for jobs on local platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed, using Loveland zip codes (80537, 8