Welder Career Guide in Colorado
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Colorado.
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How to Become a Welder in Colorado
Colorado welders commonly complete a community-college certificate or degree, technical-school program, registered apprenticeship, or employer training. Programs generally cover plate and pipe welding, fabrication, cutting, print reading, metallurgy, inspection, and safety.
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.
Welder Salary in Colorado
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Colorado median wage for welder 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 $51,000, the median wage in Colorado is approximately $7,590 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders 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 PREPARATIONWelder Training Requirements in Colorado
Colorado welders normally develop their skills through technical education, apprenticeship, military training, or supervised employment.
- Learn common arc-welding processes, cutting, joint preparation, fabrication, and blueprint reading.
- Complete safety training for hot work, ventilation, PPE, compressed gases, fall hazards, and confined spaces.
- Pass the qualification test required by the employer, engineer, inspector, or project specification.
- Obtain AWS, ASME, API, or industry-specific credentials where required.
- Maintain continuity records and complete retesting when required.
Welder Training Providers in Colorado
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Front Range Community College – Welding Technology | Fort Collins | View Program |
| Pikes Peak State College – Welding | Colorado Springs | View Program |
| Pueblo Community College – Welding Technology | Pueblo | View Program |
| Emily Griffith Technical College – Welding | Denver | 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 OPPORTUNITIESWelder Apprenticeship Programs in Colorado
Ironworker and Structural Welding Apprenticeship
Organization: Iron Workers Local 24
Boilermaker and Welder Apprenticeship
Organization: Western States Boilermakers Apprenticeship
Welder Licensing Requirements in Colorado
Colorado does not require a general statewide occupational license for employee welders. Structural, pipe, pressure-system, energy, mining, transportation, and public-works employers may require AWS, ASME, API, municipal, or project-specific performance qualifications.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Colorado
Colorado welding employment is projected to grow 9% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 5,450 to 5,930 jobs. About 600 openings per year are projected.
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 welder salary in Colorado?
The statewide median wage for welders in Colorado is approximately $58,590 per year, or $28.17 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Colorado require welder licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for welder 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 a welder 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 welders in demand in Colorado?
Colorado projects welder employment to grow by approximately 9% from 2022 to 2032, with about 600 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 Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Colorado Welder Wages
- Colorado Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Colorado Welder Employment Trends
- No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority / Apprenticeship Colorado — Licensing authority. No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority / Apprenticeship Colorado