Plumbing LICENSING

Colorado plumbing license:
everything you need to know

The Colorado plumbing industry offers a wealth of opportunities. This Colorado plumbing license guide provides information on how to get started with your plumbing career. Now is a great time to begin your journey.

What plumbing work can be done without a license?

Without a Colorado plumbing license, you cannot be employed as a plumber. In addition to obtaining a plumbing license, you may be required to obtain other licenses.

What are the different types of plumbing licenses available in Colorado?

There are three types of plumbing licenses in Colorado: residential plumbing license, journeyman plumbing license, and a master plumbing license.

As an apprentice, you must register with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies within 30 days of taking a plumbing job. The fee is $30.

Apprentices work under the direction of a master plumber and assist with a variety of plumbing jobs, including pipe installation, plumbing repairs, and sewage repairs.

The residential plumber license requirements are:

  • Two years (or 3,400 hours) of plumbing work experience under a master plumber
  • United States citizenship
  • Valid Social Security number

As a residential plumber, you can perform residential plumbing jobs, including repairs, installations (fixtures and sprinklers), and pipe fittings. Residential plumber license fee is $100.

The journeyman license requirements are:

  • 4 years (or 6,800 hours) of plumbing experience
  • Be approved to sit for a journeyman plumber examination
  • Submit an Affidavit of Eligibility
  • United States citizenship
  • Valid Social Security number

As a journeyman plumber, you can perform residential and commercial plumbing jobs. Journeyman plumber license fee is $120.

The master plumber license requirements are:

  • 5 years (or 9,780 hours) of plumbing experience
  • Submit an Affidavit of Eligibility
  • United States citizenship
  • Valid Social Security number

As a master plumber, you can perform residential and commercial plumbing jobs. Master plumbers can train and supervise apprentice plumbers. Master plumber license fee is $140.

The average pay rate for plumbers:

  • Apprentice plumbers – $18.31 per hour
  • Residential plumbers – $22.95 per hour
  • Journeyman plumbers – $28.64 per hour
  • Master plumbers – $30.93 per hour.

The average career span for a plumber is 15 years.

How to get a plumbing license in Colorado

You can apply for a plumbing license without attending trade school. However, formal education can help you learn the necessary skills to excel as a Colorado plumber.

Red Rock Community College offers a plumbing certificate program. Courses include residential plumbing, basic plumbing math, journeyman examination preparation, and backflow prevention. This certificate offers 18.5 credits. The tuition cost is $221.55 per credit hour plus fees. Online plumbing courses and financial aid are available. You will need plumbing tools. You must possess a high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years old.

If you have a criminal record, you can apply for a plumbing license. Applicants with prior convictions are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Should I join a union?

Plumbing unions offer benefits that are enjoyed by millions of plumbers throughout the country. Here are a few benefits you can enjoy as a union member:

Higher salaries –  Unions advocate for their members to receive competitive wages. On average, salaries for union plumbers are 20% higher.

Job security – Unions work to protect their members from workplace harassment. Many union members enjoy job protections not afforded to non-union members.

Job benefits – Many union members receive health insurance, pension plans, and job training opportunities.

Insurance for plumbers in Colorado

If you are employed by a company, you may qualify for coverage under your employer’s policy. If you are self-employed, your policy must meet basic coverage requirements:

  • $100,000 of property damage insurance
  • $300,000 of general liability insurance

How to get my first plumbing apprenticeship

There are two ways for you to get an apprenticeship. You can apply directly to a Colorado plumbing company, or search career websites to find current listings for plumbing jobs.

You also can enroll in an apprenticeship program. Emily Griffith Technical College offers a 5-year plumber apprentice program. To be eligible for this program, you must possess a high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years old. Apprentices in this program learn how to install, repair, and assemble plumbing fixtures and systems.

At your interview, you should wear professional attire. You should bring a copy of your resume and education credentials. To successfully perform your job as a plumbing apprentice, you will need your own tools.

Is my plumbing license only valid in Colorado?

Your Colorado plumbing license is only valid within the state.

How do I stay up to date with plumbing codes?

You can learn more about updated Colorado plumbing codes from the following resources:

What resources are available in the plumbing industry?

The following resources will help you prepare for a career in the plumbing industry:

How often do I need to renew my plumbing license in Colorado?

Your Colorado plumbing license must be renewed by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies State Plumbing Board. Plumbing licenses in Colorado expire on February 28 of odd-numbered years. You can renew your license up to 6 weeks prior to your license’s expiration date.