Are Plumbing Jobs in Demand in Colorado Springs?

Key Takeaways

• Plumbers in Colorado Springs earn $30–$56/hour; journeymen average $70,000/year.
• Colorado Springs faces 27,000-unit housing shortage; population projected to reach 550,000 by 2030.
• Commercial construction in Colorado Springs grew 31% in 2025, highest since 2022.
• National plumber employment growth: 4% through 2034; Colorado Springs demand exceeds national trend.

The short answer is yes, and the local data backs it up. Plumbing jobs in Colorado Springs are consistently in demand, and several factors specific to this city make the outlook stronger here than in many other markets.

If you're a homeowner, this matters to you too - understanding the local workforce helps explain why good plumbers book out weeks in advance and why vetting your contractor early pays off.

What the Numbers Say

The national picture from the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4% employment growth for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters between 2024 and 2034. That's roughly on pace with the average for all occupations. But Colorado Springs has factors working in its favor that go beyond the national average.

Plumbers in Colorado Springs currently earn between $30 and $56 per hour, depending on experience and license level. The average lands around $70,000 per year for a journeyman-level plumber. Master plumbers in the area average closer to $141,000 annually. Those numbers reflect both the skill required and the genuine shortage of licensed plumbers available to meet local demand.

Why Does Colorado Springs Have Stronger Plumbing Job Demand Than Other Markets?

Military and defense infrastructure. Colorado Springs is one of the most military-dense cities in the country. Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and NORAD's Cheyenne Mountain complex all require ongoing construction, maintenance, and renovation. That's a significant and stable source of commercial and industrial plumbing work that doesn't slow down during economic downturns.

Population and construction growth. Colorado Springs is one of the fastest-growing cities in Colorado. The city faces a housing shortage of roughly 27,000 units, and state demographers project the population could exceed 550,000 by 2030. Downtown alone saw its resident population nearly double in 2025, from around 2,500 to nearly 4,900 people, as new apartment construction came online. Commercial construction in Colorado Springs increased by 31% in 2025, the most active year since 2022.

More construction means more new plumbing installs, and every one of those installs eventually needs maintenance and repair.

Aging housing stock. Older neighborhoods in Colorado Springs - including many near downtown, Manitou Springs, and the older subdivisions on the east side - have aging plumbing infrastructure. Galvanized steel pipes from the 1950s through the 1970s corrode from the inside and restrict water flow. Polybutylene pipes installed in the 1980s and early 1990s are prone to failure. As these systems age out, replacement work creates steady demand for licensed plumbers.

Not enough licensed tradespeople. This is a nationwide issue but it shows up acutely in Colorado. Colorado requires 3,400 to 8,500 hours of documented work experience to get licensed, depending on the tier. That's two to five years of apprenticeship. The pipeline of new licensed plumbers isn't keeping up with the volume of work available, which is part of why rates are rising and booking windows are stretching out.

What This Means If You're Looking to Hire

If you're a homeowner planning a plumbing project, there are a few practical things the demand situation means for you:

Book early. A well-established plumbing company in Colorado Springs may be scheduling two to four weeks out for non-emergency work. If you're planning a bathroom remodel, water heater replacement, or any work tied to a construction project, start the conversation early.

Don't default to whoever is available immediately. High demand means some contractors who should not be doing licensed work are doing it anyway. In Colorado, a plumber working on your home must be licensed through DORA. Ask for their license number and verify it at dpo.colorado.gov. Since July 2025, licensed contractors are also required to display their registration number on their vehicles and billing materials.

Emergency response matters. Colorado Springs winters are real. When pipes freeze and burst at 2 a.m. in January, you want a plumber you already have a relationship with, not whoever picks up the phone from a web search. Established local companies prioritize existing customers.

For Anyone Considering a Plumbing Career

If you're looking at trade school options or apprenticeship programs, the Colorado Springs market is one of the better places in the state to build a plumbing career right now. The Colorado Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors association has workforce development resources, and the pay scale for licensed plumbers here is competitive with larger markets like Denver.

The combination of military contracts, population growth, aging infrastructure, and a thin licensed workforce means plumbing jobs in Colorado Springs are about as secure as any skilled trade gets.

Need a licensed plumber in Colorado Springs? Call 719plumbingpro.com for a free estimate.