Plumber in Westminster, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Westminster Stands

As a plumber in Westminster, you're entering a market that’s solidly above the national average but sits squarely in the middle of Colorado’s competitive landscape. The median salary here is $64,395/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.96/hour. This places you about $1,045 above the national median for plumbers, which is $63,350/year. While the difference isn't staggering, it’s a meaningful buffer against Colorado's higher cost of living.

The real story is in the demand. The Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area, which includes Westminster, has 229 jobs specifically for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. This isn't a saturated market; it’s a growing one, with a projected 10-year job growth of 6%. This growth is driven by the city’s ongoing residential expansion and commercial development, particularly along the US-36 corridor and the aging infrastructure in older neighborhoods like Westminster’s Original Town.

Here’s how experience translates into pay in this specific market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$48,000 - $55,000	Apprentice tasks, drain cleaning, basic repairs, assisting seniors.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$60,000 - $72,000	Independent service calls, rough-ins for remodels, water heater installs.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000+	Complex commercial projects, team leading, advanced diagnostics.
Expert/Owner (15+ yrs)	$85,000 - $110,000+	Business ownership, specialized medical gas/system design, project management.

Local Insight: The jump from mid-level to senior often hinges on your ability to work with PVC, PEX, and copper, but also your familiarity with local building codes specific to Colorado's climate. Frozen pipes are a major service driver here; plumbers who excel at proactive winterization and insulation work are highly valued.

When comparing to other Colorado cities:

• Denver: Salaries are slightly higher ($66,500 median), but the commute and housing costs are significantly worse.
• Boulder: Salaries are higher ($68,000+), but the market is smaller and more competitive for high-end residential work.
• Colorado Springs: Salaries are comparable ($64,000), but the market is less dense, with fewer commercial opportunities.
• Fort Collins: Similar demand and pay ($64,500), but with a different economic base (education, tech, ag).

Westminster offers a Goldilocks scenario: Denver-proximate pay without the Denver-proximate chaos, with easy access to both the mountains and the city.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally honest. The median salary of $64,395 is a gross figure. In Colorado, you face a flat state income tax of 4.4% and federal taxes. For a single filer with the standard deduction, your take-home pay after taxes is approximately $50,700 or about $4,225/month.

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Westminster costs $1,635/month. This leaves you with $2,590 for utilities, groceries, gas, insurance, and savings.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Mid-Level Plumber:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $5,366
• Taxes & Deductions (approx. 22%): -$1,180
• Net Take-Home: $4,186
• Rent (1BR Avg): -$1,635
• Remaining for All Other Expenses: $2,551

Can You Buy a Home?
This is the critical question. The median home price in Westminster is roughly $475,000. With a 10% down payment ($47,500), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would have a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of about $2,800 - $3,000. This is well above the comfortable 30% of take-home pay rule.

Insider Tip: Homeownership is challenging on a single median plumber's salary. However, it becomes very feasible with a dual-income household, or by moving into a senior/expert role ($85,000+). Many plumbers in the area buy homes in neighboring cities like Thornton or Arvada, where prices are slightly lower, or they purchase older condos/townhomes in Westminster itself. The key is to avoid the luxury rental market (like the new high-rises in Downtown Westminster) and target older, more affordable apartment complexes or shared housing for the first few years to aggressively save for a down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Westminster's Major Employers

Westminster's plumbing job market is a mix of large commercial contractors, established local service companies, and municipal work. The 229 jobs in the metro are concentrated here.

1. Miles Plumbing & Heating (Local Commercial): A major contractor for projects along the US-36 corridor. They specialize in new commercial builds and are known for hiring apprentices and promoting from within. Hiring is steady, with a focus on crew leads for multi-family developments.

2. City of Westminster Public Works: This is a prime municipal job. They handle all city-owned infrastructure, including water and sewer lines. Stable, great benefits, and pension. They often post for a "Maintenance Worker II" with a plumbing focus. Competition is high, but it's a "job for life" for those who get in.

3. Bell Plumbing and Heating (Denver-based, serves Westminster): One of the largest residential service companies in the Front Range. They have a massive fleet and a huge service area. Hiring is frequent for service technicians. The work is fast-paced, driven by a commission-like structure, and excellent for building experience and speed.

4. Kaiser Permanente (Rocky Mountain Medical Center): This large medical facility in Westminster requires in-house maintenance plumbers. The work is specialized (medical gas, strict backflow prevention) and the benefits are top-tier. These positions are rare but highly sought-after.

5. Kiewit Infrastructure: While based in Omaha, Kiewit has a major Denver-area division that works on large infrastructure projects, including water treatment facilities and pipeline projects that often affect Westminster. Hiring is cyclical and tied to project wins.

6. Local Plumbing Supply Houses: Companies like Ferguson Enterprises or independent shops often hire for counter sales and warehouse positions, which can be a great entry point to learn the trade from the supply side before moving into the field.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable shift toward plumbers who are tech-savvy—comfortable with using tablet-based dispatch systems, digital invoices, and camera inspection technology. The demand for service techs who can diagnose and fix problems quickly is outpacing the demand for new construction rough-in crews.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado does not have a statewide journeyman plumber license. Instead, licensing is handled by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Registrations, through local municipalities. However, there are universal state-level requirements.

1. Apprentice Registration: You must register as an apprentice with the state. This is a simple online application, costing approximately $25. You must have a sponsor (an employing journeyman or master plumber).
2. Work Experience & Training: To become a journeyman, you generally need 4-5 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training and 48-64 hours of classroom training per year, as determined by the local jurisdiction (e.g., City of Westminster, City of Denver).
3. Journeyman Exam: After completing your hours, you must pass a comprehensive exam. The Westminster exam is based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and local amendments. Exam fees range from $150 - $250.
4. Master Plumber License: Requires a minimum of 2 years as a licensed journeyman and passing a more complex exam. Fees are similar.
5. Business License: If you plan to work for yourself, you'll need a local business license and a master plumber license.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Month 1-2: Register as an apprentice, secure a job with a licensed sponsor.
• Years 1-4: Work full-time while logging hours and completing classroom hours.
• Year 4-5: Apply for journeyman exam, study, and pass.
• Total Time: A minimum of 4.5 to 5 years to become a fully licensed journeyman plumber in Westminster.

Insider Tip: The Westminster city website has a detailed "Plumbing Permit & License" section. The local exam is known to be heavy on local amendments, so don't just study the national code. Taking a local prep course (often offered by supply houses or trade schools like Emily Griffith Technical College) is highly recommended.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, your budget, and your lifestyle. Westminster is split by the US-36 corridor, creating distinct living areas.

1. Old Westminster: The historic heart of the city, with charming older homes and a walkable downtown. It's close to major employers like the City of Westminster and local service shops. Commute is minimal if you work locally.

• Vibe: Established, community-focused, older housing stock (lots of service/repair work).
• Rent Estimate: 1BR: $1,400 - $1,700

2. Westminster Hills (Northwest): Newer master-planned communities with larger homes and open space. It's ideal for families with a stable income (often dual-income). Commute to the I-25 corridor can be 20-30 minutes.

• Vibe: Suburban, quiet, family-oriented. Less immediate plumbing demand than older areas.
• Rent Estimate: 1BR (in nearby complexes): $1,600 - $1,850

3. The Farm (Southcentral): A mix of older homes and newer townhome developments. Very central location, easy access to US-36 and I-25 for commuting to Denver or Boulder. Diverse housing stock means varied plumbing work.

• Vibe: Practical, convenient, mix of ages. A great "middle ground."
• Rent Estimate: 1BR: $1,500 - $1,750

4. Candelas (West Edge): A newer, master-planned community on the far western edge, blending into Arvada. It's more affluent, with a focus on outdoor living. Commute to central Westminster is easy, but to Denver is longer.

• Vibe: Modern, active, growing. Good access for plumbers who work on new construction.
• Rent Estimate: 1BR: $1,700 - $2,000+

5. Arvada (Adjacent, a Pragmatic Choice): While not Westminster, many plumbers live here for better housing value. It borders Westminster to the south and has similar job access. The "Olde Town" area is vibrant.

• Vibe: Historic charm meets modern suburbs. More affordable than much of Westminster.
• Rent Estimate: 1BR: $1,450 - $1,650

Commute Insight: Traffic on US-36 (the Boulder Turnpike) is notoriously bad during rush hour. If you get a job in Broomfield or Louisville, living in Old Westminster or The Farm will save you significant daily frustration.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's career in Westminster isn't just about fixing leaks; it's about specialization and business acumen.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas: +15-20% over standard journeyman rate. Requires additional certification.
• Backflow Prevention: +10-15%. Essential for commercial and irrigation systems.
• Gas Line Fitting: +10%. High demand for appliance installation and outdoor living projects.
• Welding (for industrial pipefitters): +20-30%, but requires significant additional training.

Advancement Paths:

1. Service Technician to Service Manager: Move from the field to scheduling, dispatch, and customer relations.
2. Journeyman to Project Superintendent: Oversee commercial construction projects.
3. Journeyman to Business Owner: Start your own service company. Westminster has a healthy ecosystem of small, reputable plumbers. The key is building a reputation for reliable service.
4. Public Works to Management: Move up within the city's utility department.

10-Year Outlook (6% Growth):
The growth is steady, not explosive. The need is driven by:

• Aging Infrastructure: Westminster's older neighborhoods (built 1950s-1970s) are reaching the end of their plumbing system lifespans.
• New Construction: The western edge of the metro area continues to develop.
• Green Tech: Incentives for water-efficient fixtures and tankless water heaters are creating new service niches.

Insider Tip: The most successful plumbers here don't just learn the trade; they learn the business. Take a basic accounting course, learn how to bid jobs accurately, and build a network with local HVAC and electricians. The best business opportunity in Westminster is a one-stop trades shop for residential remodels.

The Verdict: Is Westminster Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-National-Avg Salary ($64,395)	High Cost of Living (Index: 105.5)
Strong Job Demand (229 jobs, 6% growth)	Competitive Housing Market
Proximity to Major Metro (Denver/Boulder)	Traffic Congestion on US-36
Diverse Employment (Service, Commercial, Municipal)	Licensing is Local & Can Be Complex
Quality of Life (Parks, access to mountains)	Winters are Long and Can Be Harsh

The Verdict:
Westminster is an excellent choice for a mid-career plumber or a late-stage apprentice looking to establish themselves. It offers the perfect blend of opportunity and accessibility. For a brand-new apprentice, the high cost of living is a steep hurdle, but the consistent work and strong training pathways make it viable if you have a solid apprenticeship sponsor.

It is not the best choice for someone seeking the lowest cost of living or who is strictly focused on new construction high-rises (that's Denver proper). It is ideal for someone who values a suburban lifestyle with urban amenities, wants steady work without the extreme highs and lows of a boomtown, and is willing to navigate the local licensing system for long-term stability.

Final Recommendation: If you can secure a journeyman-level job offer (or a solid apprenticeship with a reputable company) and are willing to live with roommates or in an older apartment for the first few years, Westminster provides a sustainable, rewarding path to a solid career in the plumbing trade.

FAQs

Q1: How competitive is the job market for a newly licensed journeyman in Westminster?
It is competitive, but not impenetrable. The key is specialization. A general service plumber will have many options, but one who can also handle gas lines, backflow testing, or advanced water heater systems will find employers actively competing for them. Networking at local supply houses is crucial.

Q2: Do I need a truck and tools to get hired?
For an apprentice or entry-level service tech, no—the company provides the van and major tools. As you move into a senior or expert role, having your own well-equipped work vehicle becomes a significant advantage and is often a requirement for leading a crew or going independent.

Q3: What's the biggest challenge for plumbers new to Colorado?
The weather. You must be prepared to work outside in sub-freezing temperatures, often in snow, to fix burst pipes. This requires proper gear, a solid understanding of how cold affects different materials (especially PVC), and mental fortitude. The demand spikes in late fall and early spring.

Q4: Can I live in Westminster and commute to Denver or Boulder for work?
Absolutely. Westminster is a central hub. Commuting to Denver is about 20-30 minutes outside of rush hour. Commuting to Boulder is about 20-25 minutes. However, if you work in Denver, you might find better housing value in Westminster. If you work in Boulder, Westminster is a more affordable option than living in Boulder itself.

Q5: How do I find a sponsor for my apprenticeship?
The best way is to apply directly to the companies listed in the "Where the Jobs Are" section. Mention you are seeking an apprenticeship and are ready to register with the state. Walking into local plumbing supply stores and introducing yourself to the managers can also lead to connections with employers looking for new talent. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) also has an apprenticeship finder tool.