Automotive Technician Career Guide in Colorado
Explore automotive technician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Colorado.
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How to Become an Automotive Technician in Colorado
Colorado technicians train through community colleges, technical schools, dealerships and manufacturer programs emphasizing modern diagnostics, emissions and electric vehicles.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Automotive Technician Salary in Colorado
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Colorado median wage for automotive technician workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $49,670, the median wage in Colorado is approximately $11,610 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Automotive Technicians in Colorado
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONAutomotive Technician Training Requirements in Colorado
Colorado automotive technicians typically complete an automotive-service program, dealership apprenticeship, manufacturer pathway, or employer training. Core instruction includes:
- Engine repair, fuel, ignition, and emissions diagnosis
- Transmission, transfer-case, and drivetrain systems
- Brakes, steering, suspension, tires, and alignment
- Electrical systems, networks, and computerized diagnostics
- HVAC, hybrid, electric-vehicle, and high-voltage safety
- ADAS, scan tools, emissions equipment, and shop safety
Emissions-inspection work may require program authorization. EPA Section 609 certification is required for regulated refrigerant service.
Automotive Technician Training Providers in Colorado
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Emily Griffith Technical College – Automotive Service | Denver | View Program |
| Arapahoe Community College – Automotive Technology | Littleton | View Program |
| Pikes Peak State College – Automotive Technology | Colorado Springs | View Program |
| Front Range Community College – Automotive Technology | Westminster | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESAutomotive Technician Apprenticeship Programs in Colorado
Automotive Technician Apprenticeship
Organization: Colorado Automobile Dealers Association
Automotive Technician Licensing Requirements in Colorado
Colorado does not require a general occupational license for automotive technicians. Technicians participating in regulated emissions-inspection programs may need program-specific training and authorization. ASE and EPA credentials may be employer-required.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSAutomotive Technician Job Outlook in Colorado
Colorado automotive technician employment is projected to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, increasing from approximately 13,710 to 15,140 jobs, with about 1,330 openings annually. Population growth, high vehicle use, emissions systems, fleet maintenance and electric-vehicle adoption support demand.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the automotive technician salary in Colorado?
The statewide median wage for automotive technicians in Colorado is approximately $61,280 per year, or $29.46 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Colorado require automotive technician licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for automotive technician workers in Colorado. Local jurisdictions, employers, or specific work scopes may still impose requirements, so applicants should verify current rules before beginning work.
How long does it take to become an automotive technician in Colorado?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 6 Months–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are automotive technicians in demand in Colorado?
Colorado projects automotive technician employment to grow by approximately 10% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,330 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Colorado Wages for Automotive Technician (SOC 49-3023) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Colorado Automotive Technician Wages
- Colorado Automotive Technician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Colorado Automotive Technician Employment Trends
- No General License / Colorado Vehicle Emissions Program — Licensing authority. No General License / Colorado Vehicle Emissions Program