Solar Installer Career Guide in Colorado
Explore solar installer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Colorado.
Career Guide Navigation
How to Become a Solar Installer in Colorado
Colorado training routes include renewable-energy and electrical programs, registered apprenticeships, community-college training, and employer-based solar installation instruction. Installers need strong fall-protection and high-altitude rooftop-safety preparation.
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.
Solar Installer Salary in Colorado
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Colorado median wage for solar installer 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 $51,860, the median wage in Colorado is approximately $2,130 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Solar Installers 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 PREPARATIONSolar Installer Training Requirements in Colorado
Colorado solar installers typically complete photovoltaic, construction-safety, and basic electrical training before working independently in the field.
- Learn system layout, modules, racking, roof attachments, inverters, grounding, testing, and commissioning.
- Complete supervised field experience through a solar contractor or electrical apprenticeship.
- Complete OSHA fall-protection, ladder-safety, and electrical-safety training.
- Use properly licensed Colorado electricians for regulated wiring and utility-interconnection work.
- Verify local building permits, inspections, structural requirements, and utility rules for every project.
Solar Installer Training Providers in Colorado
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Red Rocks Community College | Lakewood | View Program |
| Front Range Community College | Westminster | View Program |
| Pikes Peak State College | Colorado Springs | View Program |
| Pueblo Community College | Pueblo | 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 OPPORTUNITIESSolar Installer Apprenticeship Programs in Colorado
Solar Installer Licensing Requirements in Colorado
Colorado does not issue a separate license titled Solar Installer. Photovoltaic electrical wiring and connection work must comply with Colorado electrician and electrical-contractor licensing requirements. Local building departments administer permits and inspections.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSSolar Installer Job Outlook in Colorado
Colorado projects solar photovoltaic installer employment to increase from approximately 650 workers in 2024 to 900 in 2034, representing 38% growth and about 90 annual openings.
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 solar installer salary in Colorado?
The statewide median wage for solar installers in Colorado is approximately $49,730 per year, or $23.91 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Colorado require solar installer licensing?
Yes. Colorado requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt solar installer work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Colorado State Electrical Board.
How long does it take to become a solar installer in Colorado?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately Up to 1 Year, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are solar installers in demand in Colorado?
Colorado projects solar installer employment to grow by approximately 38% from 2024 to 2034, with about 90 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 Solar Installer (SOC 47-2231) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Colorado Solar Installer Wages
- Colorado Solar Installer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Colorado Solar Installer Employment Trends
- Colorado State Electrical Board — Licensing authority. Colorado State Electrical Board