Trade Careers in Colorado

Updated August 2, 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.


πŸ”οΈ 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

β€œColorado's trades are the backbone of our housing and infrastructure workforce.” - U.S. Department of Labor2


βš–οΈ Compare Skilled Trades in Colorado

Trade Avg. Salary3 Training Time License Required? Learn More
Electrician $62,560 4-5 years βœ… Yes Electrician Guide
HVAC Technician $55,730 6-24 months βœ… Yes HVAC Guide
Plumber $61,440 4-5 years βœ… 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

β€œColorado'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.

πŸŽ“ 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


πŸ›οΈ 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

πŸ“ˆ 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%

βœ… 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.


πŸ“š Citations


  1. U.S. Census Bureau - Colorado Growth Stats: https://www.census.gov ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Labor - Apprenticeship Resources: https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship ↩

  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (CO): https://www.bls.gov/oes ↩ ↩

  4. Colorado Department of Labor and Employment - Apprenticeship Info: https://cdle.colorado.gov ↩


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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

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.