electrician salary in colorado (2026)
Colorado electricians earn a median of $67,200 per year in 2026 — +12% versus the national median of $60,000. The gap reflects colorado's market dynamics: energy sector, aerospace, rocky mountain boom.
But Colorado isn't one market. Wages vary significantly across metros. Here's the full breakdown.
electrician salary by city in colorado
Salary varies considerably across Colorado metros, driven by construction activity, industrial sector concentration, and union density.
| city | median salary | vs. CO median | key driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Denver | $75,000 | +12% | tech, aerospace, commercial boom |
| 2 Colorado Springs | $60,000 | -11% | military, defense contractors, healthcare |
| 3 Aurora | $66,000 | -2% | logistics, military, healthcare |
| 4 Fort Collins | $63,000 | -6% | tech, university, clean energy |
| 5 Lakewood | $67,200 | +0% | government, tech, commercial |
| 6 Thornton | $63,000 | -6% | logistics, residential buildout |
| 7 Arvada | $64,800 | -4% | commercial, residential, light industrial |
Colorado market note: Denver's construction boom, Colorado's leadership in renewable energy, and the aerospace corridor around Colorado Springs all sustain strong demand.
what moves your salary in colorado
taxes and take-home pay
Colorado's state income tax is a flat 4.4%. Denver's cost of living is high, but skilled trade wages have kept pace with demand.
union vs. non-union
Colorado has a growing union presence, particularly in Denver's commercial market. Prevailing wage applies to state public projects.
licensing
To work legally as a licensed electrician in Colorado, you'll need to meet requirements set by the Colorado Dept of Regulatory Agencies. This typically includes documented apprenticeship hours, passing a written trade exam, and ongoing continuing education. Each license level unlocks higher-paying work — especially the jump to journeyman, which allows independent work on permitted jobs.
is electrician a good career in colorado right now?
Denver's construction boom, Colorado's leadership in renewable energy, and the aerospace corridor around Colorado Springs all sustain strong demand. BLS projects 11% job growth for electricians nationally through 2032, and Colorado tracks at or above that rate given its market conditions.
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How much does an Electrician make in Colorado?
Electricians in Colorado earn a median of $67,200 per year in 2026, ranging from around $49,728 for apprentices to $104,160 or more for licensed journeymen and contractors.
What city in Colorado pays electricians the most?
Denver pays the highest electrician salaries in Colorado — around $75,000 median — driven by tech, aerospace, commercial boom.
Do you need a license to be an electrician in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado requires licensure through the Colorado Dept of Regulatory Agencies. Requirements include documented experience, passing a written trade exam, and in many cases continuing education hours.
Is there demand for electricians in Colorado?
Colorado's electrician market is driven by energy sector, aerospace, rocky mountain boom. BLS projects 11% national job growth through 2032, and Colorado consistently matches or exceeds that pace.
How long does it take to become an electrician in Colorado?
Typically 5–6 years — trade school plus the apprenticeship hours required to sit for the journeyman exam. Licensing is handled by the Colorado Dept of Regulatory Agencies.
other trades in colorado