The Carpenters' Guide to Colorado Springs, CO

As a career analyst who’s lived in Colorado Springs for over a decade, I’ve watched the construction industry ebb and flow with the city’s growth. It’s a unique market—driven by military presence, tech spillover from Denver, and a booming residential sector. This guide is for the practical-minded carpenter: someone who wants the data, the local insights, and a clear picture of what life here really costs. Forget the glossy brochures; we’re talking commute times, real rent, and which neighborhoods have the best lumberyards.

The Salary Picture: Where Colorado Springs Stands

The money in carpentry here is solid, but it’s not a gold rush. Compared to the national average, Colorado Springs sits almost exactly in the middle. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for this metro area reflects a stable market where skilled tradespeople are valued, but not necessarily at premium Denver rates. The key is understanding where you fit on the experience ladder.

Salary Data Snapshot:

• Median Salary: $56,476/year
• Hourly Rate: $27.15/hour
• National Average: $56,920/year
• Jobs in Metro: 977
• 10-Year Job Growth: 5%

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a useful benchmark, your earnings will vary dramatically by skill and certification. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local job postings and contractor interviews.

Experience Level	Typical Yearly Salary	Typical Hourly Rate	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$40,000 - $48,000	$19.25 - $23.00	Basic framing, site prep, material handling, following lead carpenter's directions.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$50,000 - $65,000	$24.00 - $31.25	Reading blueprints, complex framing, finish work, window/door installation, mentoring apprentices.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$65,000 - $80,000	$31.25 - $38.46	Project leading, custom carpentry, advanced finish work, client interaction, cost estimation.
Expert/Foreman (15+ yrs)	$80,000+	$38.46+	Full project management, crew supervision, high-end custom builds, business development.

Local Insight: Many senior carpenters in the Springs break the $80k mark not through hourly wages, but by running their own small crews for custom home builders or by specializing in high-end remodels in neighborhoods like Broadmoor.

How It Compares to Other CO Cities

Colorado Springs is a "middle market" in the state. It’s more affordable than Denver and Boulder, but wages don’t quite match the Front Range’s biggest metros.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Takeaway for Carpenters
Colorado Springs	$56,476	97.4	Best balance of pay and affordability. Strong local demand.
Denver Metro	~$62,000+	110+	Higher pay, but significantly higher rent and competition.
Grand Junction	~$52,000	94.5	Lower pay, lower cost. Less consistent large-project work.
Boulder	~$64,000	130+	Highest pay, but brutally expensive. Niche market.

The Bottom Line: You won’t get rich as a carpenter in Colorado Springs overnight, but you can build a very comfortable, stable living. The lower cost of living compared to Denver means your $56,476 median salary goes further here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally honest about the numbers. A median salary looks good on paper, but Colorado’s cost of living—driven by housing—changes the equation. Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a carpenter earning right at the median salary.

Assumptions: Single filer, taking the standard deduction, contributing to a 401(k) at 5%, and paying for a mid-tier health plan.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,706
• Estimated Deductions (Taxes, 401k, Health): ~$1,100
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,600/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Apartment): $1,408
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $250
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in Springs): $500
• Groceries & Household: $450
• Gas & Commute: $180
• Miscellaneous/Buffer: $812

This leaves a reasonable buffer for savings, tools, and entertainment. The $1,408/month rent is the biggest variable. If you find a roommate to split a 2BR, your housing cost drops to ~$900, freeing up over $500/month.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

This is the critical question. The median home price in Colorado Springs is hovering around $450,000. For a standard 20% down payment, you’d need $90,000. On a $56,476 salary, lenders will typically approve a mortgage up to $250,000-$280,000.

Verdict: Buying alone on a median carpenter's salary is very difficult for a single person. However, it’s not impossible with a partner’s income, a larger down payment (from years of saving or family help), or by looking at condos/townhomes in the $250k-$350k range. Many carpenters I know buy homes in their late 30s or 40s after building equity and saving. Patience and financial discipline are key.

Where the Jobs Are: Colorado Springs's Major Employers

The job market here is a mix of large-scale developers, military contractors, and custom builders. The 977 jobs in the metro are spread across these sectors. Hiring is steady, with a notable uptick in remodels and sustainable building projects.

1. Classic Homes: One of Colorado’s largest home builders. They have a constant need for framers, finish carpenters, and trim specialists for their developments in the northern suburbs (e.g., Banning Lewis Ranch). They often hire directly and offer benefits.
2. Village Homes: A prominent local builder known for quality custom and semi-custom homes. They work in high-end areas like the Broadmoor and Flying Horse. This is a great place for finish carpenters looking to showcase precision work.
3. The Home Depot (Multiple Locations): While retail, many experienced carpenters work here as Department Supervisors or in the Pro Desk, leveraging their expertise to connect with local contractors. It’s a good networking hub and a steady paycheck.
4. U.S. Army Garrison Fort Carson & Peterson Space Force Base: The military presence is a massive driver. Contractors like Amentum and Honeywell hire carpenters for facility maintenance, renovation, and construction projects on base. These jobs often come with federal clearances and solid benefits.
5. Local Remodeling Firms (e.g., R.E.A. Construction, Blue Spruce): The remodeling market is booming. Companies specializing in kitchen remodels, basement finishes, and additions are always looking for skilled lead carpenters. This is where you find more variety and client interaction.
6. Pikes Peak Community College (PPCC): PPCC’s Career and Technical Education division sometimes hires master carpenters as adjunct instructors for their construction programs. It’s a great way to transition into a more stable, less physically demanding role later in your career.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren’t posted on Indeed. Join the Colorado Springs Construction Professionals Facebook group. Contractors post gigs there constantly, from day labor to full-time positions.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado does not have a state-wide journeyman or master carpenter license. This is a common misconception. However, the regulatory landscape is crucial to understand.

• State Requirements: For general carpentry work, you do not need a state-issued license. However, if you are performing structural work (load-bearing walls, major framing) or operating as a General Contractor on projects over $2,500, you must obtain a license from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Professions and Occupations.
• General Contractor License: Requires proof of experience (typically 4 years), passing an exam, and securing a $15,000 surety bond. The exam fee is around $150, and the bond can cost $300-$800 annually.
• Timeline & Cost: If you’re starting from scratch, gathering the required experience documentation and studying for the exam can take 3-6 months. The total initial cost (exam, bond, application) can range from $800 to $1,500.
• Specialty Licenses: If you plan to install windows, doors, or roofing, you may need a specific license. Always check with DORA.

My Advice: Most carpenters work under a licensed contractor for years. If you want to start your own business, budget time and money for the licensing process. It’s a worthwhile investment for long-term earning potential.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live in the Springs affects your commute, your social life, and your access to materials. Traffic flow is generally north-south, so living near your work zone is smart.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical Rent (1BR)	Why It's Good for Carpenters
Powers Corridor (SE)	Suburban, sprawl, big-box stores. Easy access to Fort Carson.	$1,350	Central to many new developments (Classic Homes). Close to major lumberyards and Home Depot. Minimal commute to work sites.
Old Colorado City (West)	Historic, walkable, artsy. 15-min commute to downtown.	$1,500	Great for networking with local artisans. Home to smaller, boutique remodelers. More character, but older housing stock.
Northeast (Briargate/First & Main)	Family-oriented, newer builds, less character.	$1,450	Close to Peterson SFB. Many new commercial and residential projects. Modern amenities, but traffic can be gnarly on I-25.
Downtown/Tejon St	Urban, vibrant nightlife, older apartments.	$1,550	Walkable to tools shops and cafes. Best for young, single carpenters. Commutes to suburbs can be 20-30 mins.
Manitou Springs	Touristy, mountain town feel, tiny homes.	$1,600+	Unique custom work opportunities. High cost of living and tourist traffic. Ideal if you can find a remote or local workshop.

Insider Tip: For the best value and shortest commute to job sites, the Powers Corridor area is a carpenter’s logistical hub. You’re never more than 15 minutes from a major supplier.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 5% is modest but tells a story: steady, stable demand, not explosive growth. To accelerate your career, you need to specialize.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Custom Finish Carpentry: Can command rates 20-30% above the median. The ability to do flawless wainscoting, built-ins, and complex trim is in high demand for luxury builds.
  • Green/Sustainable Building: With Colorado’s focus on energy efficiency, knowledge of Passive House principles or advanced framing techniques can set you apart.
  • Heavy Framing/Structural: Foremen on large commercial or multi-family projects can earn well over $100k, but it’s physically demanding.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead Carpenter → Project Manager: Shift from physical work to scheduling, client management, and budgeting.
  2. Employee → Business Owner: Start your own small crew. The $15,000 bond is your biggest hurdle, but your network from years of work is your greatest asset.
  3. Field Work → Estimating/Sales: Use your hands-on knowledge to bid jobs for a larger firm. Less physical wear, more desk work.
• 10-Year Outlook: The military and tech sectors will continue to drive growth. Expect steady demand for residential remodels and energy retrofits. Competition will be highest for entry-level jobs, but true masters of the craft will always find work. The key is to never stop learning new techniques and materials.

The Verdict: Is Colorado Springs Right for You?

Pros and Cons for a Carpenter

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable job market (977 jobs) with diverse employers.	Housing costs are high relative to the median salary.
Lower cost of living than Denver/Boulder (Index 97.4).	Traffic on I-25 can be a daily grind, especially going north.
Year-round outdoor recreation—a great work-life balance.	The market is competitive; you need to be good, not just available.
No state journeyman license required for most carpentry work.	The 5% growth is steady, not explosive; don’t expect a hiring frenzy.
Access to high-end custom work in affluent neighborhoods.	Winters are mild but can be snowy; outdoor work slows for a month or two.

Final Recommendation:
Colorado Springs is an excellent choice for a carpenter who values stability, affordability, and a high quality of life. It’s not the place for someone looking to get rich quick, but it’s perfect for a skilled professional who wants to build a solid career and a comfortable life. If you have 3-5 years of experience, you can hit the ground running. Be prepared to budget carefully, especially in your first year, and focus on building a local network. The city rewards craftsmanship and reliability.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own tools to get hired?
Yes, absolutely. For any position beyond entry-level laborer, you are expected to have a full set of basic hand and power tools. For framing, that means a good circular saw, impact driver, hammer, tape measure, and safety gear. Companies may provide larger specialty tools.

2. Is the military work accessible to non-veterans?
Yes. Most contractor jobs on Fort Carson or Peterson SFB do not require you to be a veteran. However, many will require you to pass a background check and possibly obtain a base pass. Being a U.S. citizen is typically mandatory.

3. How do I find union carpenter jobs in Colorado Springs?
The local union is Colorado Carpenters Local 29 (headquartered in Denver). They represent carpenters on large commercial and industrial projects, including some at the military bases. Contact their Denver office to get on their out-of-work list and inquire about work in the Springs. It’s a different market than the residential side.

4. What’s the best way to network when I’m new to town?

1. Go to the Colorado Springs Home & Garden Show (happens twice a year). It’s a goldmine for meeting builders and remodelers.
2. Introduce yourself at local lumberyards like Builders FirstSource or 84 Lumber. The counter staff know every contractor.
3. Join the Colorado Springs Construction Professionals Facebook group.

5. Can I make a living doing only small repair jobs?
It’s possible but challenging. The median salary assumes full-time work with a company or on large projects. To build a business doing only small repairs, you’d need to charge premium rates ($75-$100+/hr) and have a relentless marketing strategy. Most successful solo carpenters start with a mix of small jobs and larger projects from a client referral base.