Here is a comprehensive career guide for Carpenters considering a move to Denver, Colorado.

---

Carpenters in Denver, CO: A Local Career Guide

As someone who has tracked the construction trade in the Front Range for years, I can tell you that Denver isn't just another booming city—it's a complex ecosystem of urban infill, historic preservation, and high-end custom work. If you're a skilled carpenter with a tape measure and a level, this city has plenty to keep you busy. But before you pack your tools, you need to understand the local market, the cost of living, and the specific pathways to steady work. This guide breaks down the real numbers, the neighborhoods, and the insider tips to help you decide if the Mile High City is your next career move.

The Salary Picture: Where Denver Stands

Let’s start with the data. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analysis, the median salary for a carpenter in Denver is $57,859 per year, with an hourly rate of $27.82. This sits slightly above the national average of $56,920, a common premium for the region's higher cost of living. The metro area supports approximately 1,433 jobs for carpenters, and the 10-year job growth projection is a solid 5%.

Here’s how earnings typically break down by experience level. These figures are estimates based on local union scales, non-union contractor pay, and job postings in the Denver metro.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$45,000 - $52,000	Basic framing, finishing work under supervision, material handling, site cleanup.
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$55,000 - $65,000	Reading blueprints, complex formwork, window/door installation, leading small crews.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$65,000 - $78,000	Project management, custom millwork, troubleshooting structural issues, mentoring.
Expert/Foreman	$80,000+ (with overtime)	Full crew management, bidding, client relations, specialty work (historical, high-end).

Comparison to Other CO Cities: Denver pays well, but it’s not the highest in the state. Boulder and Aspen typically offer higher wages ($62,000 - $65,000 median) due to intense demand and higher living costs. Colorado Springs and Fort Collins are closer to the Denver median or slightly below, but with a lower cost of living. If your primary goal is maximizing take-home pay relative to expenses, Denver is a strong, stable choice.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $57,859 salary sounds reasonable, but Denver’s housing market is notoriously expensive. Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single carpenter earning the median wage.

Assumptions: Filing as Single, claiming 1 allowance (standard), using 2023 tax brackets and CO state tax (4.4%). Federal tax is estimated. Rent is for a 1BR apartment. Data sources: ADP Salary Paycheck Calculator, Zillow/ local rental data.

Category	Monthly Amount	Details
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,821	$57,859 / 12
Estimated Taxes (Fed + CO)	~$950	Varies by deductions; this is a standard estimate.
Net Monthly Take-Home	~$3,871	Your actual cash in hand.
Average 1BR Rent	$1,835	This is the metro average; varies by neighborhood.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	Older buildings may have higher bills.
Car Insurance & Fuel	$350	Denver drivers face high insurance rates.
Groceries & Food	$400
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$300	Varies widely; union jobs often include this.
Tools & Work Clothes	$100	Ongoing maintenance and replacement.
Remaining / Savings	$636	Buffer for emergencies, retirement, or discretionary spending.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median home price in the Denver metro is approximately $580,000. For a standard 20% down payment, you’d need $116,000. On a $57,859 salary, a lender would likely approve a mortgage of around $250,000 - $300,000, which won't get you far in most Denver neighborhoods. Insider Tip: Many local carpenters buy homes in suburbs like Aurora, Lakewood, or Arvada, where prices are more realistic for a single-income trade worker. Buying is a long-term goal, often achieved with a partner’s income or after advancing to a foreman/ expert level salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Denver's Major Employers

Denver’s construction market is a mix of large commercial firms, mid-sized custom builders, and specialty subcontractors. Here are the key players and where to find work:

1. Hensel Phelps: One of the largest employee-owned general contractors in the U.S., headquartered in Greeley but with a massive Denver footprint. They handle major public works, hospitals (like the new Colorado Children’s Hospital campus), and large commercial projects. They offer exceptional benefits and a path to ownership. Hiring is steady but competitive; they value safety and long-term employees.

2. Saunders Construction: A premier Colorado-based GC focusing on complex projects like the Denver Art Museum expansions and high-rise offices. They have a strong reputation for quality and often hire journey-level carpenters for superintendent and foreman roles. Their projects are concentrated in downtown and the Central Corridor.

3. GE Johnson Construction: Based in Colorado Springs, they are a major force in the Denver metro, especially on healthcare and higher education projects (e.g., University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus). They have a "work hard, play hard" culture and are known for promoting from within.

4. E&L Construction (Franchise): This is a leading commercial framing and drywall subcontractor. For a carpenter, this is a goldmine of steady, repetitive work. They handle framing for many of the big GCs listed above. It’s a great place to cut your teeth on fast-paced commercial projects.

5. Local Home Builders (e.g., Scott Homes, Thrive Home Builders): For residential carpenters, these semi-custom and production builders in the Denver Metro area offer consistent work. They focus on energy-efficient homes in suburbs like Littleton and Highlands Ranch. The pace is more predictable than commercial, but seasonal slowdowns can occur.

6. Union Contractors (through Front Range Carpenters Council): If you’re a union carpenter, you’ll work with signatory contractors like Risinger Construction or Brinkmann Constructors. The union provides steady wages, benefits, and training. The Front Range Carpenters Council is your one-stop shop for job referrals.

Hiring Trends: The market is shifting towards sustainable building and modular construction. Carpenters with experience in mass timber (CLT), Passive House standards, or prefabrication are increasingly in demand. The commercial sector is stronger than residential right now, with a focus on healthcare, data centers, and industrial projects.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado does not have a state-level license for journeyman carpenters. Instead, licensing is handled at the local municipal or county level. This is a critical piece of information.

• Denver: The City and County of Denver requires a Carpenter License for any employee performing carpentry work on projects valued over $2,500. You must apply through the Denver Development Services, provide proof of experience (typically 4 years or 8,000 hours), and pass an exam. The application fee is around $250, and the exam fee is approximately $150.
• Other Jurisdictions: Aurora, Lakewood, Boulder, and other municipalities have their own requirements. Always check with the local building department where you plan to work. Many contractors will help you navigate this process.
• State Contractor License: If you plan to start your own business and pull permits as a general contractor, you need a Colorado Residential or Commercial Contractor License through the Colorado Licensing Board. This requires passing an exam, proving financial stability, and having a qualified supervisor (often you, the owner) who is a journeyman with experience.

Timeline: If you have your experience documented, you can get a local carpenter license in 2-4 weeks. Starting a contracting business is a 3-6 month process due to exam scheduling and paperwork.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Denver is a city of distinct neighborhoods, and each has a different vibe for trade workers.

1. Wash Park / Washington Park: A classic, affordable (relatively) neighborhood near the city center. Great for commuting to downtown jobs. Rent for a 1BR is around $1,600 - $1,800. It’s walkable, has good parks, and is full of young professionals and tradespeople. Commute to most job sites is under 20 minutes.
2. Aurora: The eastern suburb is a haven for tradespeople. It’s more affordable ($1,400 - $1,600 for a 1BR), has less traffic, and is close to the growing E-470 corridor and Denver International Airport (DIA) projects. You’ll find a strong community of construction workers here. The downside is a longer commute to downtown Denver (30-45 mins).
3. Berkeley / Tennyson Street: In northwest Denver, this area is trendy but still has pockets of affordability. It’s near the I-25 corridor, making commutes to the mountains or Denver Tech Center (DTC) easier. Rent is higher here ($1,800 - $2,000), but the lifestyle—great breweries, local shops—appeals to many. A good fit for a carpenter who wants city life without the downtown price tag.
4. Englewood: South of Denver, this city has its own identity and is a hub for the construction trades. It’s affordable ($1,500 - $1,700 for a 1BR), has easy access to I-25 and US-285, and is home to many small- to mid-sized contractors. The commute to downtown is 20-30 minutes.
5. Montbello / Green Valley Ranch: Located in far northeast Denver, these neighborhoods are among the most affordable in the city ($1,300 - $1,500 for a 1BR). They are close to major distribution centers and the airport, offering steady work opportunities. It’s a diverse, working-class community with a strong sense of neighborhood pride.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Sticking with carpentry in Denver offers a clear path to advancement, especially if you’re strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: General carpentry pays the median, but specialties command more.
  • Millwork & Finish Carpentry: High-end custom homes and luxury commercial interiors can push earnings to $75,000 - $90,000.
  • Formwork: Specialized concrete form carpenters on large civil projects can make $65,000 - $80,000.
  • Sustainable Building: Expertise in green building (LEED, Passive House) can lead to consulting roles or premium rates.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Journeyman to Foreman: The first major leap. You’ll manage a crew, order materials, and interface with the superintendent. Pay jumps to the $65,000 - $75,000 range.
  2. Foreman to Superintendent: You’ll oversee multiple trades, manage budgets and schedules for an entire project. This is a salaried position, often $85,000 - $110,000+.
  3. Field to Office: With additional training (like a degree in construction management from MSU Denver or CU Denver), you can move into project management or estimating.
  4. Business Ownership: Many successful carpenters in Denver start their own small companies, focusing on niches like kitchen remodels, deck building, or historical restoration.

10-Year Outlook (5% Growth): The 5% job growth is solid, driven by population influx, aging housing stock needing repairs, and ongoing commercial development. However, growth in the residential sector may be tempered by higher interest rates. The commercial and institutional sectors (healthcare, education, data centers) appear the most resilient. The key to long-term stability will be adaptability—learning new materials, codes, and techniques.

The Verdict: Is Denver Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Job Market: Steady demand across commercial, residential, and public works.	High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are a major financial strain.
Competitive Wages: Pay is above the national average, with clear paths to higher earnings.	Traffic & Commutes: Denver’s infrastructure is strained; peak hour traffic can be brutal.
Diverse Projects: From historic homes in Capitol Hill to high-tech labs, the work is varied.	Weather: The "dry climate" means more sun, but also more tool corrosion and harsh winters.
Outdoor Lifestyle: World-class hiking, skiing, and camping are in your backyard.	Licensing Complexity: Navigating multiple local jurisdictions can be a hassle.
Union Presence: Strong union offers stability, benefits, and training.	Homeownership Challenge: Affording a home on a single trade income is difficult.

Final Recommendation: Denver is an excellent choice for a journeyman or mid-level carpenter who values a dynamic work environment, is willing to live in a suburb or shared housing to manage costs, and prioritizes a high quality of life with outdoor access. It’s less ideal for an entry-level apprentice without a partner’s income or savings, or for someone whose primary goal is quick homeownership. If you specialize, are willing to work overtime, and plan for the long term, Denver can be a rewarding career home.

FAQs

1. I’m a union carpenter. Will I find work easily in Denver?
Yes. The Front Range Carpenters Council has a strong presence and steady work through signatory contractors. However, the union hall operates on a referral system, so building a reputation for reliability and skill is key to getting sent out. It’s wise to contact the local before moving.

2. What’s the best way to find a job before I move?
Use Indeed.com and LinkedIn, but focus on local job boards like BuiltInColorado.com and the websites of major employers listed above. Reach out to the Front Range Carpenters Council (if union) or local contractor associations. Be upfront that you’re relocating; many firms interview remotely.

3. Do I need my own tools?
Absolutely. A basic carpenter’s kit (level, tape, hammer, saws, etc.) is expected. For commercial work, you may need to provide a cordless tool set. Inspectors in Denver are strict, so having proper tools is non-negotiable.

4. How does the weather affect the carpentry trade here?
Denver has a dry climate, which is good for wood but means more dust and potential for wood movement. Winters can be cold, but snow is often light. Commercial projects have seasonal slowdowns, but interior work continues. The biggest challenge is the intense UV sun—it degrades materials and tools faster than in humid climates.

5. Is it better to work for a large GC or a small custom builder?
It depends on your career stage. Large GCs (Hensel Phelps, Saunders) offer better benefits, training, and a path to management. Small builders offer more hands-on, varied work and a closer-knit team. Many carpenters start with a small builder to gain breadth of experience, then move to a large GC for stability and advancement.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Licensing Board, Denver Development Services, Front Range Carpenters Council, Zillow Rental Data, U.S. Census Bureau.