Carpenter in Broomfield, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Broomfield Stands

As a carpenter looking at Broomfield, you're looking at a market that's solidly above the national average but sits in a competitive Colorado landscape. The median salary for a carpenter here is $57,859/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.82/hour. To put that in perspective, the national average for carpenters is $56,920/year, so you're earning about $939/year more than the typical U.S. carpenter. The metro area (which includes Broomfield and its immediate surroundings) has an estimated 153 jobs for carpenters, with a 10-year job growth projection of 5%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's stable—indicating consistent demand in a region that's constantly building and renovating.

Where does this put you compared to other Colorado cities? Broomfield is unique because it's part of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro but has its own distinct economy. It's generally more affordable than Denver proper but offers higher salaries than more rural parts of the state like Grand Junction or Pueblo. For a mid-career carpenter, this is a sweet spot: you get metro-level pay without the extreme cost of living found in downtown Denver or Aspen.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in Broomfield:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$42,000 - $49,000	Basic framing, assisting senior carpenters, material handling
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$52,000 - $62,000	Independent project work, finish carpentry, reading blueprints
Senior	8-15 years	$60,000 - $72,000	Leading crews, complex custom builds, project management
Expert/Owner	15+ years	$70,000+	Specialized work (e.g., historic restoration), business ownership, high-end residential

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry benchmarks, centered on the median salary of $57,859/year.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. A carpenter earning the median salary of $57,859/year in Broomfield will take home significantly less after taxes and living expenses. Here's a practical monthly breakdown for a single person:

Gross Monthly Income: $4,821
Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~ $1,150 (assuming single filer with standard deduction)
Net Monthly Income (Take-Home): ~ $3,671

Now, let's factor in rent. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Broomfield is $1,835/month. This means housing alone consumes nearly 50% of your net income—a tight but manageable budget if you're disciplined.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Net Income: $3,671
• Rent (1BR Avg): $1,835
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: $1,836

Can you afford to buy a home? It's challenging on a single carpenter's income. The median home price in Broomfield is around $600,000. A 20% down payment would be $120,000, and a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $2,800/month. This would be over 75% of your net income, which is not financially advisable. However, with a dual-income household, careful saving, or moving into a senior/expert role, homeownership becomes more attainable. Many local carpenters live in more affordable neighboring areas like Westminster or Thornton and commute.

Where the Jobs Are: Broomfield's Major Employers

Broomfield's economy is a mix of residential construction, light industrial, and tech-adjacent commercial work. The job market for carpenters is driven by both large-scale developers and smaller custom builders. Here are the key local employers you should know:

1. Satterfield & Associates: A premier custom home builder based in Broomfield. They specialize in high-end residential projects in neighborhoods like Anthem Ranch and Wildcat Ridge. They often seek experienced finish carpenters and project managers. Hiring is steady, with a focus on craftsmanship over speed.
2. Broomfield Urban Renewal Authority (BURA): While not a direct employer, BURA oversees major development projects like the Broomfield Town Square and redevelopments along the US-36 corridor. This drives contract work for framing, structural, and commercial carpentry firms. Keep an eye on their projects for bidding opportunities.
3. Mortenson Construction (Local Office): While headquartered in Denver, Mortenson has a significant presence in the north metro area and works on large commercial projects, including data centers and corporate campuses in and around Broomfield. They hire for commercial carpentry roles, offering competitive pay and benefits.
4. Local Custom Home Builders (e.g., Landmark Homes, Thrive Home Builders): These regional builders have a strong presence in Broomfield's master-planned communities. They offer steady employment for production carpenters and are a great entry point for those looking to work on a variety of home styles.
5. Specialty Renovation Firms: Companies like Apex Carpentry & Remodeling (a local favorite) focus entirely on residential renovations. This work is often more variable but pays well for skilled finish carpenters. Many carpenters in Broomfield eventually start their own small renovation businesses.
6. Self-Employment/Small Crews: A significant portion of the 153 jobs in the metro are filled by self-employed carpenters or small 2-3 person crews. Platforms like Nextdoor and local Facebook groups are used heavily in Broomfield to find small jobs. Building a reputation in neighborhoods like The Club at Ravenna or Broadlands can lead to consistent word-of-mouth work.

Hiring Trends: The demand is strongest in the residential sector, particularly for energy-efficient and "smart" home builds. There's also consistent work in maintaining and remodeling the older housing stock in east Broomfield and nearby Federal Heights. Commercial work is tied to the tech and aerospace sectors along the US-36 corridor.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado does not have a statewide journeyman carpenter license. However, there are key requirements and certifications that will make you more employable and allow you to bid on certain projects.

• State Requirements: For most residential carpentry work, no state license is required. However, if you plan to work on commercial projects or become a general contractor, you will need to register with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) as a licensed contractor.
• Key Certifications:
  • OSHA 10-Hour/30-Hour Construction Safety: Often required by employers, especially larger ones like Mortenson. Cost: $60-$150.
  • EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) Certification: Mandatory if you work on pre-1978 homes (common in parts of Broomfield and nearby suburbs). This ensures you handle lead paint safely. Cost: $200-$300.
  • First Aid/CPR: Highly recommended, especially for self-employed carpenters. Cost: $75-$120.
• Timeline & Costs: You can start working immediately after gaining experience. To become a licensed contractor (which allows you to pull permits and run your own business), you need:
  1. Four years of experience (minimum).
  2. Pass the Colorado Business and Law Exam.
  3. Provide proof of financial responsibility (bond).
  4. Total Cost: ~$800-$1,200 for exams, registration, and bonds.
     Insider Tip: Many carpenters work for a licensed contractor for several years before starting their own business. This is the most common path to licensure.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Broomfield offers a range of options, from quiet suburbs to areas closer to Denver.

1. The Club at Ravenna (West Broomfield): This is a golf-course community with a mix of large single-family homes. It's a hub for high-end custom builds and renovations. Commute to most job sites in Broomfield is under 15 minutes. Rent is higher here; expect $2,000+ for a 1BR.
2. Broadlands (East Broomfield): A master-planned community with parks, trails, and a mix of housing. It's family-friendly and has a steady stream of remodel work. Commute is excellent to all parts of Broomfield. A 1BR apartment rents for $1,700-$1,900.
3. Broomfield Heights (Old Town): The area around Midtown and City Park. You'll find older homes (1950s-70s) that are prime targets for renovation. It's central, walkable, and has a lower cost of living. A 1BR in an older complex can be found for $1,500-$1,700.
4. Westminster (Adjacent City): Just south of Broomfield, Westminster offers a significant cost saving. The Westminster Promenade area has a lot of commercial and residential work. Commute to Broomfield is 10-20 minutes via US-36. A 1BR averages $1,650/month.
5. Thornton (Adjacent City): North and east of Broomfield, Thornton is more affordable and has a large stock of newer tract homes, which are great for production carpentry work. Commute is 15-25 minutes. Rent for a 1BR averages $1,550/month.

Insider Tip: Many carpenters live in Westminster or Thornton to save on rent and are willing to commute. The savings can be substantial—$200-$300/month—which can go towards tools, savings, or a down payment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 5% 10-year job growth indicates a stable, not booming, market. The real growth for a carpenter in Broomfield comes from specialization and moving into management or business ownership.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Finish Carpentry (Cabinets, Trim, Millwork): Can command $5-$10/hour more than production framing. High demand in custom homes in Ravenna and Anthem Ranch.
  • Green Building (Energy Star, Net Zero): With Colorado's focus on sustainability, carpenters with certifications from the US Green Building Council (LEED) or EarthCraft can earn a premium.
  • Historic Restoration: Work on older homes in east Broomfield or nearby Arvada can be lucrative but requires specific skills.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Carpenter → Lead Carpenter → Project Manager: Move from hands-on work to overseeing crews and timelines for a builder like Satterfield.
  2. Carpenter → Specialty Contractor: Focus solely on a niche like decking, fencing, or fireplace mantels. This is a common path to higher income.
  3. Carpenter → Business Owner: Start your own small contracting business. This is where the highest earnings potential lies but also carries the most risk and administrative burden.
• 10-Year Outlook: The market will remain stable. The biggest driver will be the continued expansion of the US-36 corridor and the aging housing stock. Carpenters who adapt to new materials (like advanced composites) and technologies (CAD for custom designs) will be most in demand.

The Verdict: Is Broomfield Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong local market with diverse project types (residential, commercial, renovation).	High cost of living, especially rent, which can be tight on a carpenter's salary.
Proximity to Denver without the extreme commute or costs.	Not a "boomtown"—job growth is steady, not explosive, so competition exists.
High quality of life with excellent outdoor recreation (Broomfield County Commons, trails).	Homeownership is a major challenge for single-income households.
Stable industry with consistent demand for skilled trades.	Seasonal work can be a factor; winter slowdowns may require planning.
Multiple pathways for advancement, from specialization to business ownership.	Licensing for contractors requires significant experience and upfront investment.

Final Recommendation: Broomfield is an excellent choice for a carpenter who values stability, quality of life, and a clear path to advancement. It's not the place for someone looking to get rich quick in a booming market, but it's a fantastic long-term career base. If you're willing to live in a slightly more affordable adjacent city (Westminster/Thornton) and focus on developing a specialty, you can build a very comfortable life here. For a young, single carpenter, the rent will be a stretch, but with careful budgeting and a solid career trajectory, Broomfield offers a realistic and rewarding future.

FAQs

1. Do I need a license to work as a carpenter in Broomfield?
No, for most residential carpentry work, no state or city license is required. However, if you want to start your own business, you'll need to register as a licensed contractor with Colorado DORA.

2. How competitive is the job market for a new carpenter?
It's moderately competitive. The 153 jobs in the metro are split between experienced journeymen and entry-level helpers. To stand out, get your OSHA 30 and EPA RRP certifications before you start applying. Networking with local builders is key.

3. Is the cost of living really as high as it seems?
Yes, but it's manageable. The Cost of Living Index of 105.5 (5.5% above the U.S. average) is driven primarily by housing. Other expenses like groceries and transportation are closer to the national average. Living with a roommate or in an adjacent city can mitigate this.

4. What's the best way to find carpentry work in Broomfield?
Start with online job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn) for larger companies like Mortenson and local builders. Then, join local Facebook groups like "Broomfield Contractor Network" or "West Metro CO Handyman & Construction." Many small jobs are found through word-of-mouth on Nextdoor in neighborhoods like Broadlands.

5. Can I make more than the median salary of $57,859?
Absolutely. Many carpenters earn more by specializing (finish carpentry), taking on overtime, or moving into lead/supervisor roles. Those who start their own business have the highest earning potential, though it comes with more risk. The median is a starting point—your income is directly tied to your skills, efficiency, and ability to network.