Carpenter Career Guide in Colorado
Explore carpenter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Colorado.
Career Guide Navigation
How to Become a Carpenter in Colorado
Colorado carpenters train through technical colleges, construction programs, employers and registered apprenticeships serving residential, commercial, infrastructure and energy-sector construction.
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.
Carpenter Salary in Colorado
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Colorado median wage for carpenter 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 $59,310, the median wage in Colorado is approximately $3,520 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Carpenters 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 PREPARATIONCarpenter Training Requirements in Colorado
Colorado carpenters typically complete employer training, a technical construction program, or a registered apprenticeship. Core preparation includes:
- Construction mathematics, measurement, and layout
- Residential and commercial framing
- Blueprints, specifications, and code fundamentals
- Concrete formwork and commercial interior systems
- Finish carpentry and exterior-envelope installation
- Fall protection, scaffold, altitude, and weather safety
Independent contractors should verify licensing, supervisor-certificate, registration, insurance, and permit requirements with each Colorado city or county.
Carpenter Training Providers in Colorado
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Emily Griffith Technical College – Carpentry | Denver | View Program |
| Pickens Technical College – Construction Technology | Aurora | View Program |
| Pikes Peak State College – Building and Construction Technology | Colorado Springs | View Program |
| Red Rocks Community College – Construction Technology | Lakewood | 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 OPPORTUNITIESCarpenter Apprenticeship Programs in Colorado
Denver Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Southwest Mountain States Carpenters Training Fund
Colorado Springs Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Southwest Mountain States Carpenters Training Fund
Millwright and Industrial Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: Southwest Mountain States Carpenters Training Fund
Carpentry Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter
Carpenter Licensing Requirements in Colorado
Colorado does not issue a statewide license for employee carpenters or general building contractors. Contractor licensing and registration are primarily controlled by cities and counties. Plumbing and electrical licensing are separately regulated at state level.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSCarpenter Job Outlook in Colorado
Colorado carpenter employment is projected to grow 20% from 2022 to 2032, increasing from approximately 17,880 to 21,480 jobs, with about 1,860 openings annually. Population growth, housing, infrastructure, resort development and commercial construction contribute to strong 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 carpenter salary in Colorado?
The statewide median wage for carpenters in Colorado is approximately $62,830 per year, or $30.21 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Colorado require carpenter licensing?
Colorado does not use one uniform statewide licensing rule for all carpenter work. Local requirements may apply, and applicants should verify the rules in the city or county where they plan to work.
How long does it take to become a carpenter in Colorado?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately Varies by Program, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are carpenters in demand in Colorado?
Colorado projects carpenter employment to grow by approximately 20% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,860 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 Carpenter (SOC 47-2031) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Colorado Carpenter Wages
- Colorado Carpenter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Colorado Carpenter Employment Trends
- Local City or County Contractor Licensing Authority — Licensing authority. Local City or County Contractor Licensing Authority