Carpenter in Aurora, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Aurora Stands

As a carpenter, your earning potential in Aurora is solid, but location is key. Let’s break down what you can realistically expect based on your experience level. The data here is based on the most recent figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the Aurora metropolitan area.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate (Approx.)	Notes for Aurora
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $50,000	$19 - $24	You'll start on framing, roofing, or basic finish work under a lead. Competition is moderate.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$52,000 - $65,000	$25 - $31	Median Salary: $57,859/year is here. You can lead small crews, read complex plans, and work on custom projects.
Senior/Lead Carpenter (8-15 years)	$62,000 - $75,000+	$30 - $36+	Running crews, project estimation. Specialties in historical restoration or high-end custom cabinetry pay at the top end.
Expert/Foreman (15+ years)	$70,000 - $90,000+	$34 - $43+	Project management, complex commercial work, or owning your own small business. This is where you maximize earnings.

Regional Context: The national average for carpenters is $56,920/year. Aurora’s median of $57,859 is slightly above the national benchmark, which is a positive sign. However, Denver’s median is often $2-5K higher due to a denser concentration of high-end custom home builders and major commercial projects. Aurora offers a balance—strong demand with a slightly lower cost of living than its western neighbor. The metro area has 789 jobs for carpenters, indicating steady demand. The 10-year job growth is projected at 5%, which is about average for the field, meaning growth is steady but not explosive. Your real advantage in Aurora is the mix of residential, commercial, and federal work (due to proximity to Buckley Space Force Base and Aurora Medical Campus).

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the median. In Aurora, carpenters who specialize in commercial framing or HVAC/ductwork fabrication often earn 10-15% above the median. The key is aligning your skills with the biggest local projects.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. A median salary of $57,859 sounds good, but Aurora’s cost of living is a factor. The Cost of Living Index is 105.5 (US avg = 100), meaning you’ll pay about 5.5% more for goods and services than the national average. Housing is the biggest driver.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single carpenter earning the median salary.

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$4,821	($57,859 / 12)
Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA)	~$1,060	Assumes single filer, no dependents. CO has a flat 4.4% state tax.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$3,761	This is your starting point.
Rent (Average 1BR)	$1,835	Average 1BR Rent: $1,835/month
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	Varies by season; winter heating costs spike.
Groceries	$400	Aurora has competitive grocery prices.
Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance)	$450	You will need a reliable truck/van. Commutes can be long.
Health Insurance	$300	If not provided by employer.
Miscellaneous (Food out, tools, savings)	$500	Tools are a constant expense. A new miter saw is $400+.
Remaining	$26	This is tight, especially with tool costs.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the critical question. The median home price in Aurora is roughly $480,000. A 20% down payment is $96,000. With a net income of ~$3,761, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $480k home would be around $2,800/month, which is over 74% of your net income. This is not feasible on a single median salary. Homeownership typically becomes possible for a carpenter in Aurora in these scenarios:

1. Dual-income household: A partner’s income changes the math entirely.
2. Significant promotion: Moving into a lead or expert role ($70k+).
3. Business ownership: A successful solo operator or small crew owner can see much higher net income.
4. Buying in a less expensive area: Looking at homes in the $350k range (which exists, often in older neighborhoods east of I-225).

Insider Tip: Many local carpenters live in more affordable suburbs like Commerce City or Brighton (to the north) to afford a home, accepting a 30-45 minute commute to Aurora job sites. The trade-off is real: lower housing cost vs. more time and gas.

Where the Jobs Are: Aurora's Major Employers

Aurora’s job market for carpenters is diverse. It’s not just custom home builders; you’ll find work in healthcare, education, and federal projects. Here are the major local employers:

1. Healthcare Construction & Facilities:

   • UCHealth Aurora Medical Campus: A massive, ongoing project. They need carpenters for hospital room finishes, millwork, and ongoing renovations. Hiring is steady for skilled finish carpenters.
   • Children’s Hospital Colorado (Aurora): Similar to UCHealth, they have constant maintenance and expansion projects. Look for job postings for “Facilities Carpenter” or “Construction Carpenter.”
   • Hiring Trend: Hospitals pay well for steady, clean work. They value reliability and experience with commercial codes. Insider Tip: Get familiar with hospital-specific codes (like infection control) to stand out.

2. Commercial & Industrial Projects:

   • Buckley Space Force Base (Aurora): A huge source of federal contracting work. Companies like Balfour Beatty or Hensel Phelps often win contracts for barracks, office buildings, and hangar work. They hire local carpenters and subcontractors. Look for Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage jobs here—they pay significantly more than residential.
   • Amazon Fulfillment Centers (Aurora South): While not a direct employer for finish carpenters, the construction of these massive warehouses (and their maintenance) requires commercial framing and concrete formwork crews. General contractors like Rogers-O’Brien or GE Johnson are often involved.
   • Aurora Innovation District (near Anschutz): The area around the medical campus is constantly developing with new research buildings, labs, and mixed-use structures. Commercial GCs are always bidding these.

3. Residential & Custom Building:

   • Local Production Home Builders: Companies like Lennar, Toll Brothers (in higher-end Aurora neighborhoods like Saddle Rock), and KB Home have communities in the area. They hire for framing, trim, and concrete crews. Work is steady but can be fast-paced and repetitive.
   • Custom Builders & Remodelers: Aurora has a strong market for remodels, especially in older neighborhoods like East Colfax and Montview. Look for established local firms like Boulder Creek Builders or M&J Custom Homes. These jobs often pay more per hour but can be less consistent.
   • Trade Contractors: Companies like Allied Trades (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) often need carpenters for framing, ductwork, and finishing in residential and light commercial projects.

Hiring Trend: There’s a noticeable shift toward specialized skills. Carpenters who can also do metal stud framing, basic electrical/plumbing rough-in, or commercial door/hardware installation are in higher demand. The rise of modular construction is also creating jobs for carpenters in local fabrication shops.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren’t posted on big job boards. Join the Colorado Building & Construction Trades Council (Local 79) or the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Colorado. Many top subcontractors hire through word-of-mouth and union halls.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado has specific requirements for carpenters, especially if you’re working as a contractor.

• State Licensing (RBC - Residential Builder Contractor): If you plan to work on your own or run a crew on residential projects over $2,500, you need a license. The exam is based on the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC). The application fee is $375, and the exam fee is $150. You must also show proof of $5,000 in assets or a surety bond. The state does not have a journeyman license for carpenters, but many municipalities have their own requirements.
• City of Aurora Licenses: The City of Aurora requires a Home Improvement Contractor License for any work over $500. The fee is $100 annually. You must pass an open-book exam on the 2018 IRC, with a minimum passing score of 70%. Study materials are provided by the city.
• Timeline to Get Started:
  1. Study (1-2 months): Get the 2018 IRC code book and study guides. The Aurora exam is open-book, so knowing how to find sections quickly is key.
  2. Apply & Schedule (2 weeks): Submit your application and get your exam date.
  3. Take Exam & Get Licensed (1-2 weeks): Pass the exam, pay the fees, and receive your license.
  4. Total Time: 2-4 months from start to legal operation as a contractor.

Insider Tip: Even if you don’t plan to be a contractor, studying for the license exam is invaluable. It teaches you the local codes that set you apart from less-informed carpenters. Many employers will help cover licensing costs if you commit to them.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live in Aurora directly impacts your commute, cost of living, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of 4-5 key areas.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Pros for a Carpenter	Cons
Central Aurora (Near Colfax & Aurora City Center)	Urban, dense, older homes. Commute to most jobs is <20 mins.	$1,550	Close to job hubs (hospital, base). Older homes mean constant remodel work. More affordable.	Older housing stock in poor condition. Higher crime pockets. Less parking.
Aurora Highlands (East of I-225, near E-470)	Established, quiet, mid-century homes. Commute to east side jobs is easy.	$1,700	Strong neighborhood for remodels (kitchens, additions). Safe, good schools. Family-friendly.	Can be farther from downtown/medical campus. Traffic on E-470 (toll road).
Saddle Rock / Southshore (South Aurora)	Newer, master-planned, suburban. Commute to any job is 25-40 mins.	$1,950	You may work on the new homes here. Very low crime, new amenities. Great for families.	Expensive. Long commutes when going north to the base or hospital.
Montview / East Colfax (East of I-225, north of Colfax)	Transitional, diverse, mix of older homes and new builds. Commute is central.	$1,600	Prime location for working on large remodels and historic homes. Good transit access.	Inconsistent zoning and home conditions. Some areas are still developing.
Denver Stapleton / Central Park (Just west of Aurora, bordering)	Modern, dense, walkable. Commute to Aurora jobs is 15-25 mins.	$2,100	Working on high-end new construction and tight urban lots. Very high-end clientele.	Very expensive rent. Competitive job market. Less of a "carpenter's neighborhood."

Insider Tip: For a carpenter starting out, Central Aurora or Montview offer the best balance of affordable rent and proximity to a high volume of work (remodels, repairs, small additions). You can build your portfolio and network quickly without a long, expensive commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A carpenter’s career in Aurora isn’t linear; it’s about specialization and business acumen.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Commercial/Industrial: 10-15% above median. Requires knowledge of OSHA, commercial codes, and often union involvement.
  • Historic Restoration: 15-20% above median. Aurora has a few historic districts (e.g., Romare Bearden Park area). This is niche but lucrative.
  • Fine Finish & Cabinetry: 10-25% above median. Custom homes, high-end kitchens, and millwork shops in the area pay for artistry.
  • Concrete Formwork: 5-10% above median. Tied to the booming commercial and infrastructure projects.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Carpenter → Lead Carpenter → Project Manager: Common in residential and commercial GCs. Requires learning estimating, scheduling, and client management.
  2. Carpenter → Superintendent: For large commercial projects. You manage the entire job site, not just carpentry. High stress, high pay.
  3. Carpenter → Business Owner: The ultimate goal for many. Start with a truck and tools, build a client base for remodels and additions. Aurora’s growth makes this viable if you market well.
  4. Union Journeyman → Union Foreman/Estimator: The path in unionized commercial work. Good benefits, pension, but requires union membership and often starting as an apprentice.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is stable, not explosive. The biggest changes will be:

  • Technology: More use of CAD for planning, drones for site surveys, and software for project management (like Procore). Carpenters who adapt will have an edge.
  • Sustainability: Demand for energy-efficient building, solar-ready structures, and green materials is growing. Certifications in green building (like LEED) will be valuable.
  • Labor Shortage: An aging workforce means skilled, reliable carpenters will have more leverage for higher wages and better conditions, especially those willing to work in commercial and industrial sectors.

Insider Tip: Your most valuable tool for growth is your network. Join the Colorado Home Builders Association and attend local events. The person you work next to on a job at UCHealth might own a custom home building company in a few years.

The Verdict: Is Aurora Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Diverse Job Market: Not reliant on one industry (tech, healthcare, federal, residential).	High Housing Costs: Rent is steep; buying a home is difficult on a single median salary.
Stable Demand: 789 jobs and 5% growth provide job security.	Commute Can Be Long: Traffic on I-225 and E-470 is significant; living near work is key.
Moderate Climate: Four seasons with manageable winters (less snow than Denver foothills).	Cost of Living: Index of 105.5 means you pay a premium for groceries, goods, and services.
Proximity to Denver: Access to a larger metro area for jobs, events, and supplies.	Competition: You’re competing with Denver-based carpenters who may be willing to commute for higher pay.
Growth Opportunities: From commercial to residential, there are many paths to advance.	Tool & Truck Costs: Self-employed carpenters face high upfront and ongoing equipment expenses.

Final Recommendation:
Aurora is a strong, practical choice for a carpenter who is not single and looking to buy a home immediately. It’s ideal for:

• Mid-career carpenters (3-10 years) seeking to specialize and increase income.
• Those with a partner whose combined income supports homeownership.
• Self-starters who can tap into the remodel and light commercial market.

If you are a single, entry-level carpenter, Aurora is viable but tight. You’ll need roommates or to live in a more affordable suburb. The key is to specialize quickly—aim for commercial, industrial, or high-end residential work to push your salary above the median. For the right person, Aurora offers a balanced career with real growth potential in a dynamic, growing city.

FAQs

Q: How do I find my first carpentry job in Aurora?
A: Start with the big residential builders (Lennar, KB Home) as they often have hiring events. Check Indeed and ZipRecruiter