welder salary in denver (2026)
Welders in Denver earn a median of $58,750 per year in 2026 — +25% versus the national median of $47,000. Denver's market is shaped by tech, aerospace, clean energy, and residential boom.
Denver's construction boom is now entering its second decade. The tech corridor along the Front Range, plus Colorado's aggressive renewable energy buildout, keeps all trade categories in high demand.
Denver market: Denver's construction boom is now entering its second decade. The tech corridor along the Front Range, plus Colorado's aggressive renewable energy buildout, keeps all trade categories in high demand.
salary range breakdown in denver
| experience level | annual salary | notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice / Entry | $43,475–$51,700 | First 1–2 years, working under a journeyman |
| Journeyman (3–5 years) | $54,050–$65,800 | Licensed, working independently on permitted jobs |
| Senior Journeyman | $64,625–$76,375 | 5+ years, specialized sector or union foreman |
| Master / Contractor | $79,312–$91,062 | Licensed to pull permits, run crews, or own a business |
what drives welder pay in denver
industry sector
The highest-paying welder work in Denver is in industrial and large commercial construction — tech, aerospace, clean energy, and residential boom. These projects often pay 15–25% above residential work, and many require additional certifications.
union vs. non-union
Denver County has strong union activity. Union welders in Denver typically earn $5,875–$11,750/year more than non-union equivalents, plus benefits. CO has a state income tax of 4.4%.
licensing level
Licensing is administered by the Colorado Dept of Regulatory Agencies. The jump from apprentice to journeyman is the most important — it unlocks the ability to work independently and take on higher-paying commercial work. The jump to master opens permit-pulling and contractor work.
is denver a good place to start a welder career?
Denver's construction boom is now entering its second decade. The tech corridor along the Front Range, plus Colorado's aggressive renewable energy buildout, keeps all trade categories in high demand. BLS projects 3% job growth nationally for welders through 2032. Denver tracks at or above that rate.
Hardhat's AI survival score for welders is 68/100 — one of the highest in skilled trades. This work is physical, judgment-intensive, and site-specific in ways that are genuinely difficult to automate.
Getting started in Denver: The fastest path is through a union apprenticeship or an accredited trade school that places graduates into apprenticeships. Programs in Denver County typically start with classroom theory and move quickly to paid on-the-job training.
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How much does a Welder make in Denver?
Welders in Denver earn a median of $58,750 per year in 2026. Entry-level apprentices start around $43,475, while experienced master-licensed tradespeople can earn $91,062 or more.
Is Denver a good place to work as a welder?
Yes — Denver's market is driven by tech, aerospace, clean energy, and residential boom. Denver's construction boom is now entering its second decade. The tech corridor along the Front Range, plus Colorado's aggressive renewable energy buildout, keeps all trade categories in high demand.
Do you need a license to work as a welder in Denver?
Yes. Denver falls under CO state licensing, administered by the Colorado Dept of Regulatory Agencies. Requirements include apprenticeship hours, a written trade exam, and continuing education.
How does Denver welder pay compare to the national average?
Denver welders earn $58,750/year versus the national median of $47,000 — that's +25% the national average. The premium is driven by tech, aerospace, clean energy, and residential boom.
welder salary in other states
other trades in denver