Welder Apprenticeship in Colorado

Wages, programs & career outlook
CO Median Salary
$57,200/yr
+12% vs. national
National Median
$51,000/yr
CO Employment
4,470
Welders employed
CO Sponsors
963
Registered programs

Colorado Wage Spread

Annual wages for Welders in Colorado across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$44,070
25th %ile
$48,360
Median
$57,200
75th %ile
$65,120
90th %ile
$77,690

Welder Apprenticeship in Colorado

The median Welder in Colorado earns $57,200 annually, outpacing the national all-occupation median by 19%. The trade offers a reliable path to financial stability in the state.

Colorado pays modestly above the national Welder median — $57,200 vs. $51,000, a 12% premium. Not a top-paying state, but above average.

The 2.2% growth projection is below average, but 45,600 replacement openings per year still create steady demand for trained Welders.

Colorado's 4,470 Welders represent just 1.0% of the national workforce. A thinner market means fewer apprenticeship sponsors and potentially longer waits for program openings.

The pathway to journeyman Welder takes 3 years of structured training — 6,000 hours total. Apprentices divide time between the jobsite and technical education in precision measurement, CNC operations, and metallurgy, earning progressively higher wages throughout.

The apprenticeship infrastructure in Colorado is extensive: 963 registered sponsors operate across the state. Union halls, contractors, and joint apprenticeship committees all accept applications.

Welder compensation in Colorado runs from $44,070 to $77,690 — a compressed $33,620 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

How much do Welders make in Colorado?
The BLS reports a median wage of $57,200/yr for Welders in Colorado (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
How long is a Welder apprenticeship?
Most Welder apprenticeships run 3 years. Apprentices work under a journeyman while attending classes, typically earning wages from day one with scheduled increases.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for Welders?
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn over 3 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 Welder jobs growing?
Demand for Welders is modest, with 2.2% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
Where can I apply for a Welder apprenticeship in Colorado?
Contact one of the 963 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Colorado, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
How much do Welder apprentices earn?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In Colorado, a first-year Welder apprentice might earn around $28,600/yr (roughly half the $57,200 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 3-year program.

Welder in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Colorado

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