Construction Painter Apprenticeship in Colorado

Wages, programs & career outlook
CO Median Salary
$50,650/yr
+4% vs. national
National Median
$48,660/yr
CO Employment
3,700
Construction Painters employed
CO Sponsors
963
Registered programs

Colorado Wage Spread

Annual wages for Construction Painters in Colorado across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$39,200
25th %ile
$47,620
Median
$50,650
75th %ile
$59,110
90th %ile
$65,430

Construction Painter Apprenticeship in Colorado

At $50,650 per year, Construction Painter wages in Colorado are near the national median of $48,060. Combine that with zero tuition and the effective return exceeds what the raw salary suggests.

The $50,650 median in Colorado is within striking distance of the $48,660 national figure. Average wages, but apprenticeships here may still offer strong local placement.

Employment for Construction Painters is projected to grow 3.8% through 2034, roughly in line with the overall economy. About 28,100 positions open annually through both growth and replacement.

With 3,700 Construction Painters employed (1.8% of the U.S. total), Colorado is a smaller market for this trade. Apprenticeship seekers may find limited local options and should explore neighboring states.

A Construction Painter apprenticeship runs 3 years at 6,000 hours. The time-based structure means you're logging real work alongside experienced tradespeople from week one, learning blueprint reading, building codes, and material estimation in evening or weekend classes.

Finding a Construction Painter apprenticeship in Colorado starts with a broad search — 963 organizations sponsor registered programs. Community colleges, trade unions, and independent employers all participate.

Construction Painter compensation in Colorado runs from $39,200 to $65,430 — a compressed $26,230 range. Less wage variation typically means more predictable career economics but fewer breakout earning opportunities.

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 Construction Painters earn in Colorado?
The BLS reports a median wage of $50,650/yr for Construction Painters in Colorado (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
How long is a Construction Painter apprenticeship?
A typical Construction Painter apprenticeship lasts approximately 3 years (6,000 hours of on-the-job training). The program combines paid work experience with related classroom instruction.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for Construction Painters?
Apprenticeships offer paid training with no tuition, while trade school requires upfront costs but may be shorter. Many Construction Painters combine both — starting with trade school basics before entering an apprenticeship.
Are Construction Painter jobs growing?
The BLS projects 3.8% employment growth for Construction Painters through 2034 — steady demand. About 28100 positions open annually through both growth and retirements.
Where can I apply for a Construction Painter 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 Construction Painter apprentices earn?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $25,325/yr in Colorado). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Construction Painter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Colorado

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