Carpenter in Lakewood, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

As a carpenter looking at Lakewood, you're looking at a market that pays slightly above the national average but doesn't quite crack the top tier of Colorado's construction hubs. The median salary for a carpenter in Lakewood is $57,859/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $27.82/hour. This is marginally better than the national average of $56,920/year, but you'll find it's a step behind the boomtowns of the Front Range.

To understand where you fit, let's break it down by experience. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings and industry surveys, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn't always break down by city for all trades.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Typical Hourly Rate	Key Role in Lakewood
Entry-Level	$42,000 - $48,000	$20 - $23	Apprentice, framing crew, finish carpentry helper
Mid-Level	$52,000 - $62,000	$25 - $30	Lead carpenter, remodel specialist, custom cabinet installer
Senior-Level	$65,000 - $75,000+	$31 - $36+	Project manager, site supervisor, master craftsman
Expert/Specialist	$80,000+	$38+	Business owner, high-end custom builder, specialty (e.g., timber framing)

Insider Tip: The 311 jobs available in the metro area (including Lakewood) often aren't posted on national boards. Many of the smaller, high-paying custom home builders in the foothills west of Lakewood hire through word-of-mouth. Your best bet is to network with suppliers like the local lumber yards in the Belmar area.

Compared to other Colorado cities:

• Denver: Salaries are 5-10% higher, but competition is fierce and commutes are brutal.
• Colorado Springs: Slightly lower salaries, but a more stable, military-adjacent construction market.
• Fort Collins: Comparable to Lakewood, but with a stronger focus on residential remodeling.
• Parker or Castle Rock: Similar pay, but these are more commuter suburbs with less of a "builder's town" vibe.

Lakewood's position is solid: it's a mature, established community with a steady demand for carpenters for renovations and infill projects, not just new subdivisions.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. With a median salary of $57,859, your take-home pay after Colorado state and federal taxes will be approximately $44,500 - $46,000 annually, or about $3,700 - $3,830 per month.

Now, factor in the cost of living. The average 1-bedroom rent in Lakewood is $1,835/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 105.5 (US avg = 100). Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a mid-level carpenter:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,750	Conservative estimate after taxes.
Rent (1BR Apt)	$1,835	The biggest expense. Could be lower in older complexes.
Utilities	$250	Electricity, gas, water, trash. Colorado winters add heating costs.
Groceries	$400	For one person.
Fuel/Transport	$300	Gas is expensive; consider a shorter commute.
Health Insurance	$150	If not fully covered by employer.
Car Insurance	$120	Higher rates in metro areas.
Food/Entertainment	$300	Modest budget for eating out, hobbies.
Savings/Debt	$395	Critical for tools, vehicle maintenance, and future.
Total Expenses	$3,750	This is a tight budget with little room for error.

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the million-dollar question, literally. The median home price in Lakewood is approximately $450,000. With a $57,859 salary, you're at the edge of affordability. Using standard 28/36 debt-to-income ratios, your maximum mortgage payment (including taxes & insurance) should be around $1,350/month. A $450,000 home with 5% down ($22,500) results in a monthly payment well over $2,500.

Verdict: Homeownership is a significant stretch for a median-income carpenter in Lakewood without a dual-income household or substantial savings. Renting is the more realistic option for the first several years.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood's construction market is driven by a mix of regional builders, local remodelers, and institutional projects. Here are the key players:

1. Satterfield Custom Builders: A high-end custom home builder based in the foothills, often hiring master carpenters for intricate timber frame and finish work. They pay premium wages but expect exceptional skill. Their projects are in the Genesee and Evergreen areas.
2. Boulder Creek Builders: A regional builder active in Lakewood's newer developments like the Belmar area. They hire for framing crews and site supervisors. It's a steady, production-oriented job.
3. Lakewood School District (Jeffco Public Schools): The district has a constant need for carpenters for maintenance, renovations (e.g., at Lakewood High School or Green Mountain Elementary), and facility upgrades. These are stable, union (IBEW) positions with excellent benefits.
4. St. Anthony Hospital (Centura Health): As a major employer in Lakewood, the hospital's facilities team employs carpenters for ongoing maintenance and renovation projects in a healthcare setting. The work environment is clean, but schedules can be non-traditional.
5. City of Lakewood Public Works: The city employs its own crew for building and maintaining parks, community centers (like the Lakewood Cultural Center), and infrastructure. These jobs are city, often with pension benefits.
6. Local Remodeling Firms: Companies like New Outlook Remodeling and Canyon Home Remodeling are always looking for skilled finish carpenters for kitchen and bath projects. This is the core of the local market—steady, reliable work that pays well for skilled tradespeople.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable shift from new construction to renovation and adaptive reuse. As the metro population (155,973) ages, older homes in neighborhoods like Cloverdale and Morse Park need significant updates. The 10-year job growth of 5% is modest, indicating a stable but not explosive market.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado does not require a state-level journeyman carpenter's license for general carpentry work. This is a common misconception. However, there are critical requirements and specializations:

1. General Carpentry: No state license. Your credibility comes from experience, certifications, and business insurance if you're self-employed.
2. Electrical, Plumbing, or HVAC: If you plan to do any of this work, you must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). This requires thousands of hours of apprenticeship and passing exams.
3. Contractor's License (for projects over $2,500): If you start your own business doing projects worth more than $2,500, you need a "Homeowner's Association" or "Residential" contractor license from DORA. This requires proof of insurance, a bond, and passing an exam.
4. Specialty Certifications: While not mandatory, certifications can boost your pay:
   • OSHA 30-Hour: Standard for safety. Cost: ~$150.
   • NCCER (National Center for Construction Education & Research): A nationally recognized credential. Cost: Varies by program.
   • Lead RRP Certification (EPA): Required for any work on pre-1978 homes. Cost: ~$200.

Timeline & Cost to Get Started:

• Unskilled Laborer to Journeyman: Typically 4 years through an apprenticeship (union or non-union). You earn while you learn. Local unions include the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) Local 70.
• Cost: Apprenticeship programs have minimal tuition. The main costs are tools and transportation.
• Insider Tip: Join the Colorado Home Builders Association or Associated General Contractors (AGC) Colorado Chapter. They offer networking and training resources that are invaluable for career growth.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live affects your commute, rent, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown for a carpenter in Lakewood:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's Good for Carpenters
Belmar	Urban, walkable, newer apartments. 20-min drive to downtown Denver.	$1,900	Central location. Easy access to I-25, I-70. Near major shopping, but high rent.
Morse Park	Established, quiet, single-family homes. 25-min drive to Denver.	$1,700	More affordable apartments. Close to job sites in older neighborhoods. Good for families.
Cloverdale	Older, industrial-chic area near the light rail. 15-min drive to Denver.	$1,650	Gentrifying, so rents are rising. Excellent transit access via W Line. Good for commuters.
Green Mountain	Suburban, near the foothills. 30-min drive to Denver.	$1,800	Scenic, quieter. Closer to custom home jobs in the foothills. More commute but better lifestyle.
Applewood	Mixed, with some mid-century homes and apartments. 25-min drive.	$1,750	Central location, good value. Near the Belmar area for work. Balanced option.

Insider Tip: If you're working for a builder in the foothills (like Satterfield), living in Green Mountain or Applewood will cut your commute significantly compared to living in Belmar. The savings on gas and time are worth the slightly longer drive to downtown Denver.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Lakewood, the path to higher earnings is through specialization and moving from labor to management.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command $5-10/hour more by mastering a niche. For example:

  • Finish Carpentry & Cabinetmaking: High demand for custom work in remodels.
  • Timber Framing & Structural: Requires advanced skills but pays top dollar.
  • Green Building & Energy Efficiency: With Colorado's focus on sustainability, knowledge of advanced framing and insulation can set you apart.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Apprentice -> Journeyman -> Lead Carpenter: The standard path.
  2. Lead Carpenter -> Site Supervisor/Project Manager: Requires strong organizational and communication skills.
  3. Employee -> Business Owner: Lakewood has a thriving small-business ecosystem. Starting your own one- or two-person remodeling company is a common and lucrative path.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is steady. The biggest opportunity lies in the aging housing stock. Lakewood's peak construction was the 1970s-80s; those homes need everything from kitchen updates to foundation repairs. Carpenters who specialize in whole-home renovations will never be out of work.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Market: Diverse employers (schools, hospitals, city, private builders).	High Rent: Takes a large chunk of your income, making savings difficult.
Central Location: Easy access to Denver, Golden, and the mountains.	Competitive Housing Market: Hard to buy a home on a single carpenter's income.
No State License for General Carpentry: Lower barrier to entry.	Modest Growth: Don't expect boomtown wages; it's a steady, sustainable market.
Multiple Career Paths: From union jobs to custom building to your own business.	Traffic: Commutes, especially to Denver, can be congested.
Quality of Life: Access to outdoor recreation, good schools, stable community.	Tool Cost: High rent leaves less disposable income for expensive tool investments.

Final Recommendation:
Lakewood is an excellent choice for a carpenter with 3-7 years of experience who values stability over explosive growth. It's perfect for someone looking to transition from production framing to more skilled, higher-paying remodel or custom work. It's not the best choice for an apprentice just starting out (the high cost of living is a barrier) or for someone solely chasing the highest possible salary (Denver or the oil/gas boomtowns of northern Colorado would be better).

If you're a skilled carpenter who wants a good work-life balance, access to diverse jobs, and a community where you can eventually start your own business, Lakewood is a solid, data-backed bet.

FAQs

Q: Is it worth joining a union in Lakewood?
A: For most carpenters, yes. The United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 70 offers higher base wages, excellent benefits (healthcare, pension), and structured training. Union jobs are common on public projects (school district, city) and large commercial sites. The downside is union dues and less flexibility. Weigh the benefits against your career goals.

Q: How do I find the best-paying jobs that aren't posted online?
A: Go to the source. Visit local lumber yards (like Stock Building Supply or Ferguson's) and introduce yourself. Ask for the "builder's desk." Talk to the contractors buying materials. Join the Colorado Home Builders Association's local events. The best jobs in Lakewood are filled through relationships, not job boards.

Q: What's the biggest mistake new carpenters make in Lakewood?
A: Underestimating the cost of living. Many arrive thinking the salary of $57,859 will go far, but after rent, taxes, and gas, they're stretched thin. Have at least 3 months of living expenses saved before moving. Also, don't skip on tool investment—a quality chop saw and nail gun are non-negotiable for professional work.

Q: Is the work seasonal?
A: There's a slight slowdown in deep winter (Jan-Feb), but it's not as bad as in colder states. Indoor work (remodels, finish carpentry) continues year-round. The busiest seasons are spring and summer. Many carpenters use slower months to take training courses or work on side projects.

Q: What's the single best piece of advice for a carpenter moving to Lakewood?
A: Buy a reliable truck and a good set of tools. Your vehicle is your office. In Lakewood, where jobs are spread out from Belmar to the foothills, having a dependable truck is essential. Also, a robust tool set (DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita) signals professionalism to potential employers and clients. It's a significant upfront cost, but it's an investment in your career.