Trade Careers in Colorado
Updated August 4, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Colorado's economy is diversifying-and so is the demand for skilled trades. From Denver to Grand Junction and Colorado Springs, tradespeople are essential to everything from clean energy to housing development. If you want job security, real income, and work that matters-this guide is for you.
Whether you're a high school grad, veteran, or career changer, here's how to build a rewarding trade career in Colorado.
🏔️ Why Trade Careers Are Thriving in Colorado
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Fast Growth | Colorado remains one of the fastest-growing states1 |
| Construction Demand | Housing booms along the Front Range require electricians and HVAC techs |
| Green Energy Sector | Solar, wind, and efficiency retrofits drive skilled trade jobs |
| Quality Training | Robust community college and union apprenticeship networks |
“Colorado's trades are the backbone of our housing and infrastructure workforce.” - U.S. Department of Labor2
⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in Colorado
| Trade | Avg. Salary3 | Training Time | License Required? | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $62,560 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Electrician Guide |
| HVAC Technician | $55,730 | 6-24 months | ✅ Yes | HVAC Guide |
| Plumber | $61,440 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Plumber Guide |
| Welder | $50,670 | 6-18 months | ❌ Optional (certs) | Welder Guide |
| Solar Installer | $50,810 | 3-12 months | ❌ Optional (some CEC) | Solar Guide |
| Carpenter | $50,990 | 6-24 months | ❌ No | Carpenter Guide |
| Mold Inspector | $54,000 | 1-6 months | ❌ No (Voluntary cert) | Mold Guide |
🧰 Colorado Apprenticeships & Schools
Colorado supports registered apprenticeships and career-focused programs at technical colleges and community colleges.
| Training Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 3-5 years | Paid, often union-backed, hands-on learning |
| Community College | 6-24 months | Degree and certificate programs available statewide |
| On-the-Job Training | Varies | Offered by some solar, welding, and construction employers |
“Colorado's apprenticeship and career pathway programs are key to filling the skills gap.” - Colorado Department of Labor4
🏫 Trade Schools in Colorado
Colorado has a statewide network of accredited trade schools and technical colleges offering short-term, career-focused programs in welding, HVAC, solar, and more.
🎓 Tip: Public trade schools in Colorado often qualify for Pell Grants and Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) support.
Why Attend Trade School in Colorado?
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Accredited Training | HLC- and COE-accredited programs meet employer standards |
| Fast Turnaround | Many trades offer 6-18 month completion paths |
| Financial Support | FAFSA, WIOA, and COSI funds available |
| Regional Access | Schools in Denver, Pueblo, Grand Junction, and more |
| Job Placement | Many schools connect grads directly to employers |
Explore Accredited Schools
- Best Trade Schools in Colorado (2025) - Compare programs, costs, and outcomes.
- Financial Aid for Trade School
- How Long is Trade School?
🏛️ Colorado Licensing Agencies
| Trade | Licensing Agency |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies - DORA |
| Plumber | Colorado DORA - State Plumbing Board |
| HVAC Technician | Local licensing by municipality (no statewide HVAC license) |
| Solar Installer | Colorado Electrical Board (for solar wiring) |
| Mold Inspector | No license required statewide; private certifications accepted |
📈 Colorado Trade Career Outlook
| Trade | Median Salary3 | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $62,560 | 9% |
| HVAC Technician | $55,730 | 10% |
| Plumber | $61,440 | 8% |
| Welder | $50,670 | 3% |
| Solar Installer | $50,810 | 20% |
| Carpenter | $50,990 | 2% |
| Mold Inspector | $54,000 | 6% |
✅ Ready to Start a Trade Career in Colorado?
Pick a trade, choose your path, and start building your future. Colorado's economy needs skilled tradespeople-and the demand is only growing.
📚 Citations
-
U.S. Census Bureau - Colorado Growth Stats: https://www.census.gov ↩
-
U.S. Department of Labor - Apprenticeship Resources: https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (CO): https://www.bls.gov/oes ↩ ↩
-
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment - Apprenticeship Info: https://cdle.colorado.gov ↩
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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