HVAC Technician Apprenticeship in Colorado

Wages, programs & career outlook
CO Median Salary
$63,420/yr
+6% vs. national
National Median
$59,810/yr
CO Employment
8,870
HVAC Technicians employed
CO Sponsors
963
Registered programs

Colorado Wage Spread

Annual wages for HVAC Technicians in Colorado across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$46,600
25th %ile
$50,900
Median
$63,420
75th %ile
$80,010
90th %ile
$100,790

HVAC Technician Apprenticeship in Colorado

HVAC Technicians in Colorado earn $63,420/yr at the median — 32% above the $48,060 national average across all occupations. A solid middle-class income that typically comes without student debt.

The $63,420 median edges out the national average of $59,810 by 6%. Colorado is an above-average but not exceptional market for HVAC Technician apprenticeships.

Job growth for HVAC Technicians is projected at 8.1% through 2034. Combined with 40,100 annual openings from retirements and expansion, apprenticeship completers are well-positioned.

With 2.2% of the nation's HVAC Technicians (8,870 workers), Colorado sits in the middle of the pack. Apprenticeship programs exist but may concentrate in metro areas rather than spread statewide.

Expect a 4-year commitment for a HVAC Technician apprenticeship: 8,000 hours of supervised field work alongside coursework in mechanical systems, refrigerant handling, and equipment diagnostics. Pay starts lower but scales up — most programs bump wages every six months.

Colorado's 963 registered apprenticeship sponsors create one of the more competitive markets for program placement. Candidates should apply to multiple programs, as the most popular ones fill quickly.

The earning trajectory in Colorado is solid: a HVAC Technician starting near $46,600/yr can work toward $100,790 at the 90th percentile. The $54,190 progression typically takes 10-15 years of steady advancement.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Colorado

963 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Colorado. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Alamosa Workforce Center Alamosa
Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc. Alamosa
Action Industries Arvada
Barber-Nichols LLC. Arvada Jefferson County
DICKERSON Arvada
Designs by Gabriele Arvada
ELITE REFRIGERATION Arvada
Elevate Hair Studio Arvada Jefferson County
FLOYD'S 99 ARVADA Arvada
Footers Catering Arvada
GeriAides LLC Arvada Jefferson County
Happy Cones Arvada
Heat and Frost Insulators JATC Arvada Adams County
Lumin8 Transportation Technologies LLC Arvada Jefferson County
Peak Elevator Performance Group Arvada Jefferson County
Ruder Built Arvada Jefferson County
STANDARD MECHANICAL INC Arvada
The Butchery Arvada
The Goddard School - Arvada Arvada
The Headquarter Arvada
The Sharpest Fades Arvada
Aspen Valley Hospital Aspen
City of Aspen Utilities Aspen Pitkin County
Early Learning Center Aspen Aspen
AQUA CUTS Aurora
+ 5 more sponsors in Colorado

Frequently Asked Questions

What do HVAC Technicians earn in Colorado?
The BLS reports a median wage of $63,420/yr for HVAC Technicians in Colorado (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
What is the length of a HVAC Technician apprenticeship program?
A typical HVAC Technician apprenticeship lasts approximately 4 years (8,000 hours of on-the-job training). The program combines paid work experience with related classroom instruction.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for HVAC Technicians?
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn over 4 years with no tuition cost. Trade school is faster (6-24 months) but costs money upfront. Both can lead to the same journeyman credential.
Are HVAC Technician jobs growing?
The BLS projects 8.1% employment growth for HVAC Technicians through 2034 — strong demand. About 40100 positions open annually through both growth and retirements.
Where can I apply for a HVAC Technician apprenticeship in Colorado?
There are 963 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Colorado. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
How much do HVAC Technician apprentices earn?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $31,710/yr in Colorado). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

HVAC Technician in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Colorado

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.