The construction and infrastructure demands of a growing state like Colorado have created a continuing need for skilled tradespeople, making plumbing a promising career path. Entering this profession offers a clear trajectory from entry-level work to independent practice and business ownership. Navigating the licensing requirements established by the state is the first step toward a successful career. This structured process ensures that every professional working on the state’s water and drainage systems meets specific competency standards.
Understanding the Colorado Plumbing Licensing Structure
Plumbing is regulated statewide by the Colorado State Plumbing Board, which operates under the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). The Board has established a progressive system with three main classifications of licensure: Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Plumber. This structure ensures that all work is performed by individuals whose skills match the complexity of the task, protecting public safety and health.
The registered Apprentice is the entry-level classification and must work under the direct oversight of a licensed professional. The Journeyman Plumber represents the first level of full licensure, permitting the holder to work independently on residential and commercial projects. The highest level is the Master Plumber, which grants the authority to supervise other plumbers, design systems, and operate a plumbing contracting business.
Starting the Journey: Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements
The initial step requires official registration as an Apprentice with DORA. This registration is mandatory for anyone performing plumbing work without a license and must be completed within 30 days of starting employment. The Apprentice works under the direct supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Master Plumber to gain on-the-job training (OJT).
The apprenticeship focuses on acquiring documented hours of practical experience. To become eligible for the next level of licensure, a minimum of four years of full-time work is required, accumulating 6,800 hours of verified, hands-on experience across various plumbing disciplines. The employer must officially “attach” the apprentice’s registration to the supervising Master Plumber.
Hours are tracked through an Affidavit of Experience submitted to the Board. This training involves a wide range of tasks, from pipe installation and repair to understanding complex drainage and venting systems. Supervised experience ensures the apprentice learns technical skills, state plumbing codes, and safety standards. Completion of the required OJT hours determines eligibility to advance to the Journeyman level.
Achieving Journeyman Plumber Status
The transition to Journeyman grants the ability to perform plumbing work without constant supervision. Applicants must first document the required 6,800 hours of practical experience, typically accrued over four years of full-time work. This documented experience must be verified by the supervising licensed plumber or contractor and submitted to the Board for approval.
Once approved, the applicant is eligible to take the Journeyman Plumber examination, administered by a state-contracted testing agency. This computer-based, open-book exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 240 minutes. The test content focuses on technical aspects of the trade, including water supply, sanitary drainage systems, vents, and fixtures, with questions based on the current International Plumbing Code and International Residential Code.
A minimum score of 70% is required to pass the exam, demonstrating a solid command of both the practical knowledge and the regulatory codes. Pre-approval from the Colorado State Plumbing Board is mandatory before scheduling the exam. Successfully passing the exam and submitting the final application package, including proof of experience and citizenship, results in the issuance of the Journeyman Plumber license.
Becoming a Licensed Master Plumber
The Master Plumber license is the highest credential, allowing a professional to assume supervisory roles and operate as a plumbing contractor. Attaining this level requires additional experience beyond the Journeyman qualification, totaling a minimum of five years, or 8,500 hours. This experience should reflect a higher level of responsibility in project planning and management.
The Master Plumber examination is more rigorous than the Journeyman test, reflecting the advanced scope of the license. This open-book, computer-based exam contains 120 questions and allows 270 minutes for completion. The content includes technical knowledge from the Journeyman level, plus sections on business management, project planning, administrative law, and advanced code analysis.
A passing score of 75% is required for the examination, acknowledging the increased responsibility that comes with the license. Holding this license permits the individual to sign off on plumbing permits, oversee other licensed plumbers and apprentices, and register a plumbing contracting company with the state.
Required Education and Training Pathways
While licensing is primarily driven by documented on-the-job hours, the theoretical knowledge needed to pass the exams is acquired through formal education and training programs. Many registered apprentices enroll in structured, four-year programs offered by vocational schools, community colleges, or union-sponsored Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs). These programs provide classroom instruction that complements the hands-on field experience.
A typical structured apprenticeship includes a minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction per year, totaling over 576 hours across the four-year program. Courses cover subjects such as plumbing code interpretation, blueprint reading, trade math, hydraulics, and specialized systems like gas piping and drainage. Educational institutions like Emily Griffith Technical College and Red Rocks Community College offer programs that meet these classroom requirements. Completing this formal education ensures the apprentice has the theoretical foundation required.
Career Outlook and Earning Potential in Colorado
The outlook for licensed plumbers in Colorado is strong, driven by consistent growth in residential and commercial construction. Job growth for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to be double the national average, indicating a sustained demand for new professionals. This job market means that qualified individuals can find employment quickly and enjoy job security.
The earning potential for licensed professionals is substantial, reflecting the high demand for their skills. The average annual salary for a plumber in the state falls between $63,000 and $69,000. Experienced Journeyman and Master Plumbers often command higher wages, with top earners reaching the $78,000 to $99,000 range, especially those in supervisory roles or who operate their own businesses. This financial reward, combined with the clear path for advancement, makes the career highly beneficial.