Plumber in Pueblo, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Pueblo Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers, because for a plumber, that's the bedrock of any decision. The median salary for a plumber in Pueblo is $61,905/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $29.76/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, but don't let that fool you. The cost of living in Pueblo is a significant factor that makes these wages go much further here than in most other places.

Here’s how that breaks down by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry standards, reflecting the Pueblo market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Salary Range (Pueblo)	Key Characteristics
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000	Apprentice roles, assisting journeymen, learning codes and basics.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Licensed journeyman, can work independently on residential/commercial jobs.
Senior	5-10 years	$68,000 - $78,000	Master plumber potential, supervising crews, complex commercial/industrial systems.
Expert	10+ years	$75,000+	Master plumber, business owner, or niche specialist (medical gas, industrial piping).

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for plumbers in the Pueblo metro area is projected at 6%, with 222 total jobs in the metro. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady and reliable. The demand is driven by an aging housing stock (Pueblo was largely built from the 1950s-1980s) and ongoing commercial projects, like the expansion at the Steelworks Center of the West and activity at the Pueblo Memorial Airport.

Compared to other Colorado cities, Pueblo offers a compelling balance. A plumber in Denver might earn $68,000+ median, but with rent averaging over $1,600/month and a higher overall cost of living, the net financial benefit for a single tradesperson is often less. Colorado Springs has a higher median salary (~$65,000) but also a steeper housing market. Pueblo is the affordable workhorse of the Front Range.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $61,905/year sounds solid, but let's see what it means for your monthly budget. We'll use a single filer, no dependents, and estimate state and federal taxes. (Note: This is an estimate; consult a tax professional.)

• Gross Monthly Income: $61,905 / 12 = $5,158
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~22% = $1,135
• Net Monthly Income (Take-Home): ~$4,023

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Plumber in Pueblo:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$881	Pueblo's average. You can find better deals or pay more for luxury.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200 - $300	Varies by season and apartment efficiency.
Groceries	$300 - $400	For a single person, cooking at home.
Vehicle (Payment, Insurance, Gas)	$500 - $700	Pueblo is car-dependent. A reliable truck/van is essential for the job.
Tools & Supplies	$100 - $200	Ongoing investment in personal tools.
Health Insurance	$200 - $400	Highly variable; many union or larger companies offer plans.
Misc/Leisure	$300 - $400	Eating out, hobbies, savings, etc.
TOTAL EXPENSES	$2,481 - $3,181
Monthly Savings/Debt Paydown	$842 - $1,542

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Pueblo is around $320,000 (as of late 2023). With a 5% down payment ($16,000), a monthly mortgage (at ~7% interest) plus taxes and insurance would be roughly $2,100 - $2,300. This is well within the range of a plumber's take-home pay, especially if you have a spouse or partner contributing. The Cost of Living Index of 92.4 (US avg = 100) means your dollar stretches 7.6% further than the national average, making homeownership a realistic goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Pueblo's Major Employers

Pueblo's plumbing job market is a mix of steady commercial/industrial work and consistent residential service calls. Here are the key local employers and trends:

1. Pueblo School District 60 & 70: Public schools always need plumbing maintenance and new construction work. These are stable, unionized positions with great benefits. Hiring cycles often align with summer construction projects.
2. St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center & Parkview Medical Center: These are the two main hospitals. They employ in-house plumbers for critical medical gas systems, sterile water lines, and general facility maintenance. This is a niche that often pays a premium for specialized certification.
3. City of Pueblo & Pueblo Water: Municipal utilities are major employers. Jobs here involve water main breaks, sewer line repair, and infrastructure maintenance. They offer excellent pension plans and job security.
4. Colorado State University Pueblo: The campus has a constant need for plumbing maintenance in dorms, academic buildings, and athletic facilities. Another stable, institutional employer.
5. Major Construction Firms (e.g., GE Johnson, Haselden, local contractors): Commercial construction is active. Firms like these are often hiring for projects like the Pueblo Riverwalk expansion, new medical facilities, and warehouse developments.
6. Local Plumbing & HVAC Companies: Companies like Pueblo Plumbing & Heating and Red Eagle Plumbing are always looking for licensed journeyman and master plumbers for residential and light commercial service work. This is where most of the day-to-day service jobs are.
7. Industrial Complex (EVRAZ Rocky Mountain Steel, 701 S. Victoria Ave.): The steel mill is a massive, complex facility requiring industrial plumbers and pipefitters for process water, steam, and utility lines. This work is often more demanding but can pay at the higher end of the scale.

Hiring Trend: There's a growing need for plumbers versed in modern, water-efficient systems and backflow prevention, especially for commercial clients and municipal upgrades.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado requires a state license for all plumbing work. The process is rigorous but straightforward.

• Path: You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship (typically 4-6 years, or 8,000 hours of on-the-job training) and then pass the journeyman plumber exam.
• Journeyman License: After apprenticeship and passing the exam, you can work independently. The exam covers the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and state amendments.
• Master Plumber License: Requires at least 2 years as a journeyman and passing a more advanced exam. A master plumber can pull permits and run their own business.
• Total Cost: The application and exam fees are relatively modest, typically $150 - $300 total. The real investment is time in the apprenticeship.
• Timeline: A full apprenticeship takes 4-6 years. You can start earning from day one as an apprentice, with wages increasing annually.
• Key Resource: The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) - Division of Professions and Occupations website is the official source for all requirements, forms, and exam schedules. They also handle reciprocity with a few other states.

Insider Tip: Pueblo's local union (UA Local 415, based in Colorado Springs but covering Southern Colorado) is a great path for apprenticeship, offering structured training, higher starting wages, and strong benefits.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and costs. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for a Plumber
North Side	Family-oriented, quiet, with 1950s-60s homes. A 10-15 min drive to most jobs.	$900 - $1,100	Mature trees, stable, good for raising a family. Close to Pueblo Mall and retail.
South Side (Pueblo West)	Suburban, newer builds (70s-90s), more spread out. A 15-20 min commute to downtown.	$1,000 - $1,300	Larger lots, more garage space for a work truck. Popular with younger families.
Downtown/Union Ave Historic District	Urban, walkable, eclectic. Older buildings and lofts. Commute is usually within 5-10 mins.	$850 - $1,200	Being close to the action and many job sites. Great for those who love character and don't want a long drive.
Bessemer	Working-class, gritty, authentic. Very central. Lower cost of living.	$700 - $900	The most affordable rents. Central location means you're never far from a job.
El Camino / Pueblo Medical District	Near the hospitals and CSU Pueblo. Mix of older homes and apartments.	$850 - $1,050	Prime for plumbers servicing the medical and university sectors. Good for hospital jobs.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Pueblo is minimal. You can live almost anywhere in the city and have a short commute. Your choice should be based more on vibe and budget than commute time.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber’s career in Pueblo isn't just about fixing leaks; it's about specialization and advancement.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Medical Gas Piping: Certification can add $3-$5/hour to your wage, especially at St. Mary-Corwin or Parkview.
  • Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester: A state certification that allows you to perform mandatory annual testing for commercial clients. A great side hustle or full-time specialty.
  • Welding (Pipefitter): Learning to weld (TIG, Stick) opens doors to industrial work at EVRAZ or in high-pressure systems, commanding higher pay.
  • Green Plumbing: Expertise in low-flow installations, greywater systems, and solar thermal is increasingly valuable for new construction and retrofits.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Journeyman -> Service Manager: Overseeing a team of service plumbers for a company.
  2. Journeyman -> Estimator/Project Manager: For construction firms, bidding and managing larger projects.
  3. Master Plumber -> Business Owner: Starting your own plumbing company. Pueblo’s market supports small, reliable local businesses. Competition exists but isn't cutthroat.
  4. Public Sector: Moving into a supervisory role with the City of Pueblo or Pueblo Water, leading to a stable, pensioned retirement.

• 10-Year Outlook (6% Growth): This growth is tied to Pueblo’s economic development. The city is actively courting new industries (like renewable energy and advanced manufacturing) and investing in downtown revitalization. Each new facility, apartment complex, or hospital wing needs plumbing. The aging workforce also means many master plumbers will be retiring, creating openings for the next generation.

The Verdict: Is Pueblo Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Affordable Cost of Living (Index 92.4). Your paycheck goes far.	Wages are slightly below the national median, though the COL adjustment is favorable.
Steady, Reliable Job Market with 222 jobs and 6% growth.	Economy is less diverse than Denver/Colorado Springs; some reliance on major employers.
Low Housing Costs make homeownership highly achievable.	Limited high-end dining & nightlife compared to larger cities.
Short Commutes and minimal traffic.	Air quality can be an issue in summer/winter due to geography and industry.
Outdoor Access to Lake Pueblo State Park, mountains nearby.	Must be car-dependent; public transit is limited.
Strong Union Presence (UA Local 415) for apprenticeship and benefits.	Summers are very hot; outdoor construction work can be demanding.

Final Recommendation: Pueblo is an excellent choice for a plumber who values financial stability and quality of life over a high-paced, high-cost urban environment. If you're starting your career, the affordable apprenticeship and living costs are a huge advantage. If you're experienced, the lower competition and steady demand for your skills can mean you're a big fish in a smaller pond, with a clear path to homeownership and a comfortable life. It's not the place for someone seeking a fast-paced, advanced-tech career, but for a skilled tradesperson who wants to build a solid, respected career and life, Pueblo delivers tremendous value.

FAQs

1. Do I need a truck/van for plumbing work in Pueblo?
Yes, absolutely. Pueblo is spread out, and you'll be driving to job sites all over the city and surrounding areas. A reliable vehicle with space for tools and materials is a non-negotiable part of the job. Many companies provide a take-home service van, but if you're going independent, it's your first major investment.

2. How competitive is the job market for new plumbers?
The market is competitive but not saturated. There are always openings, especially for licensed journeyman plumbers. The key is to get your apprenticeship started and stay with a reputable company. Networking through the local union or trade schools is crucial.

3. What's the best way to find a plumbing job in Pueblo?
Start with the local union (UA Local 415), check job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn, and also look directly at the career pages of major employers like St. Mary-Corwin, the City of Pueblo, and local companies like Pueblo Plumbing & Heating. Many plumbers get hired through word-of-mouth and referrals.

4. How does the weather affect plumbing work?
Pueblo has a semi-arid climate with hot summers (often 90°F+) and cold winters (can drop below 0°F). This means year-round work: summer is busy with new construction and repairs, while winter brings emergency calls for frozen pipes and boiler repairs. Be prepared for both extremes.

5. Is Pueblo a good place to start a plumbing business?
Yes, it can be. The market isn't oversaturated with large chains, and homeowners value reliable, local service. The low overhead cost (compared to Colorado Springs or Denver) is a significant advantage. Success depends on building a reputation for quality work and customer service. Start small, maybe with a focus on residential service or a specific niche like backflow testing.