Carpenter in Pueblo, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Pueblo Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers, because that’s what matters when you’re weighing a move. As a carpenter in Pueblo, you’re looking at a median salary of $55,622 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.74/hour. To put that in perspective, the national average for carpenters is $56,920/year, so Pueblo sits just slightly below the U.S. average. That’s not a bad place to be, especially when you factor in the city’s low cost of living.

The local job market is stable but not booming. There are approximately 222 carpenter jobs in the Pueblo metropolitan area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 5%, which is modest but steady. This isn’t a boomtown for construction, but it’s a reliable market for skilled tradespeople. You won’t find the frantic pace of Denver or Colorado Springs, but that also means less competition and a more manageable work-life balance.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in Pueblo:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate Range
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $48,000	$19.23 - $23.08
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$50,000 - $62,000	$24.04 - $29.81
Senior (8-15 years)	$58,000 - $72,000	$27.88 - $34.62
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$65,000 - $85,000+	$31.25 - $40.87+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry data. The median sits firmly in the mid-level range.

Compared to other Colorado cities: Pueblo is more affordable than Denver (where the median is closer to $62,000) but offers lower salaries than Colorado Springs or Fort Collins. You’re trading a higher potential ceiling for a significantly lower cost of living. For a carpenter who owns their own tools and values stability over chasing the next big project, Pueblo can be a smart financial move.

Insider Tip: The median salary can be deceptive. Many local carpenters, especially those working for smaller contractors or doing side jobs, report cash income that isn’t fully captured in these figures. The real earning potential often comes from building a reputation for quality work in tight-knit neighborhoods like Bessemer or the East Side.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. If you earn the median salary of $55,622/year, your take-home pay after federal and state taxes (assuming single filer, standard deduction, and no dependents) will be approximately $42,800 per year, or about $3,567 per month. This is a rough estimate—your actual take-home will vary based on your tax situation, health insurance, and retirement contributions.

Now, let’s build a monthly budget for a single Carpenter living in Pueblo:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$881	Citywide average; can be lower in certain areas
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Trash)	$180	Varies by season; older homes can be less efficient
Groceries	$350	Pueblo has several affordable grocery stores
Transportation (Gas, Maintenance)	$250	Assumes a reliable vehicle is a must for job sites
Health Insurance (if not employer-provided)	$300	Varies widely; marketplace plans start around here
Tools & Work Expenses	$150	Ongoing maintenance, new blades, etc.
Miscellaneous (Cell, Internet, etc.)	$200
Total	$2,311
Monthly Savings/Discretionary	$1,256

This leaves a healthy buffer for savings, retirement (like a Simple IRA, common for small trade businesses), or discretionary spending. The key takeaway: the median salary supports a comfortable life in Pueblo, especially if you’re disciplined with your budget.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. Pueblo’s housing market is one of the most accessible in the state. The median home price is around $280,000. For a $55,622 annual income, a 20% down payment ($56,000) is a stretch for most, but it’s not impossible with savings. More commonly, local carpenters use FHA or VA loans with down payments as low as 3.5%. Your estimated monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $280,000 home would be roughly $1,600 - $1,800, depending on your rate. With your take-home pay and the budget above, this is feasible, especially if your partner also works. Many carpenters in Pueblo own homes, often in neighborhoods like the South Side or Pueblo West, where lots are larger and you can park your work truck and tools.

Insider Tip: The best way to buy a home here is often to start with a fixer-upper. As a carpenter, you have the skills to add value. Look for older homes in the East Side or Minnequa with “good bones” that you can renovate over time, building equity while honing your craft.

Where the Jobs Are: Pueblo's Major Employers

Pueblo’s construction market is driven by a mix of public projects, industrial work, and residential remodeling. Here are the key players:

1. City of Pueblo Public Works: The city is perpetually maintaining and improving infrastructure—roads, bridges, and public buildings. They hire carpenters for facility maintenance and special projects. Hiring is often seasonal and tied to the fiscal year (starts in January). Check the city’s website under “Jobs” or visit the Human Resources office at City Hall.

2. Pueblo School District 60: With over 30 schools, the district has a full-time maintenance crew. Carpenters here work on everything from classroom repairs to large-scale renovations. It’s a stable, union job with great benefits (PERS retirement). Positions are listed on the district’s employment page.

3. SteelWorks (formerly Colorado Fuel and Iron): This historic industrial site is now a museum and event space, but it still requires skilled trades for preservation work. The jobs are niche but prestigious. They also host events that require temporary construction setups.

4. St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center: Part of the Centura Health system, this hospital needs carpenters for ongoing facilities maintenance and renovation projects. Healthcare construction is a growing sector. Look for openings on the Centura Health careers site.

5. Private Residential Contractors: Pueblo has a vibrant community of small-to-mid-sized builders. Companies like K & K Construction, Pueblo West Builders, and Reno’s Construction are known for custom homes and remodels. The best way to find these jobs is through word-of-mouth at local supply houses like Pueblo Lumber or Ace Hardware on 4th Street.

6. Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU Pueblo): The university campus is a constant hub of activity. They hire carpenters for facilities management, often with a focus on sustainable building practices. Check the CSU Pueblo HR portal.

Hiring Trends: The market is steady. The biggest demand is for carpenters with experience in metal stud framing (for commercial work) and custom finish carpentry (for high-end residential). There’s also a niche for those skilled in historical preservation, given Pueblo’s many Victorian and early 20th-century homes. The 5% growth projection aligns with this—slow, sustainable demand rather than explosive growth.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado does not have a state-level journeyman carpenter license. This is a major advantage for entry into the trade. However, there are important certifications and requirements to be aware of.

• State Licensing Board: The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Division of Professions and Occupations oversees contractor licensing, not individual carpenters. To work as a carpenter, you need to be employed by a licensed contractor or become licensed yourself if you’re going solo.
• Contractor License (If Going Solo): To start your own carpentry business, you’ll need a General Contractor License from DORA. This requires passing an exam, providing proof of insurance, and posting a bond. The cost for the license itself is a few hundred dollars, but the bond and insurance can run several thousand. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks from application to approval.
• OSHA Certification: While not state-mandated, OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour certifications are expected by most reputable employers. Courses cost $100 - $200 and can be taken online or in person at Pueblo Community College (PCC).
• Apprenticeship: The most common path. Join a registered apprenticeship program through the Colorado Home Builders Association or a local union (like the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Local 187). Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction over 3-4 years. You earn while you learn, starting at a percentage of the journeyman wage (often 50-60%).

Timeline to Get Started:

• 0-3 Months: Get your OSHA 10, start applying for entry-level helper positions with local contractors.
• 3-6 Months: Secure an apprenticeship or a steady job with a contractor. Begin building your tool collection.
• 1-3 Years: Complete apprenticeship, become a journeyman, and command higher wages.
• 3+ Years: Consider specializing (e.g., finish carpentry, framing) or pursuing your contractor license.

Insider Tip: The most critical “license” in Pueblo is your reputation. In a city of 111,000, word travels fast. Do excellent work, show up on time, and be reliable. That will open more doors than any certificate.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Your choice of neighborhood affects your commute, cost of living, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It’s Good for Carpenters
Bessemer	Industrial, working-class, tight-knit. Central location, 10-15 min commute to most job sites.	$750 - $900	Close to industrial parks and the steelworks. Affordable housing. Strong community feel.
East Side	Historic, diverse, near downtown. Older homes with character. 10-20 min commute.	$800 - $1,000	Prime area for remodeling projects. Proximity to downtown restaurants and culture.
Pueblo West	Suburban, spread-out, family-friendly. 20-30 min commute to central Pueblo.	$950 - $1,200	Larger lots, perfect for storing work trucks/trailers. Newer homes, steady construction.
South Side	Residential, quiet, close to the river. 15-25 min commute.	$850 - $1,100	Growing area with new builds. Good schools, safe. Popular with young families.
Minnequa	Historic, near the river and Medical Center. 10-15 min commute.	$700 - $900	Affordable, with great potential for fixer-uppers. Close to St. Mary-Corwin jobs.

Insider Tip: If you’re a solo carpenter or small contractor, consider renting a small shop or garage in Bessemer or Industrial Park areas. Zoning is more flexible, and you won’t bother neighbors with early morning tool noise.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Pueblo, career growth for carpenters is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about honing a specialty or branching out on your own.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Finish Carpentry & Custom Millwork: Can command 10-15% above base rate. High-end remodelers and custom home builders are always looking for skilled trim, cabinet, and stair builders.
  • Metal Stud Framing: Essential for commercial work (schools, hospitals). Pay is comparable to wood framing but often more consistent.
  • Historical Restoration: A rare but valuable skill in Pueblo’s older neighborhoods. Premium pay for specialists who can replicate historic details.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Journeyman to Lead Carpenter: Take on more responsibility, manage small crews, and interface with clients.
  2. Project Manager: With additional training in scheduling and estimating (PCC offers courses), you can move into a salaried management role with a larger contractor.
  3. Business Owner: The most common path for ambitious carpenters. Start with small jobs, build a client list, and scale up. Pueblo’s lower overhead makes this feasible.
  4. Teaching/Training: Experienced carpenters can become instructors at Pueblo Community College’s trades program.

10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is steady. The demand will be driven by:

• Aging Housing Stock: Pueblo’s median home age is over 50 years. Remodels and repairs are constant.
• Industrial & Institutional Work: Ongoing maintenance and upgrades at CSU Pueblo, the hospital, and industrial sites.
• Sustainable Building: A growing niche. Carpenters with knowledge of energy-efficient construction will have an edge.

Insider Tip: Diversify your skillset. A carpenter who can also handle basic plumbing, electrical, or drywall can offer “handyman” services, which are in high demand for Pueblo’s rental market and older homes.

The Verdict: Is Pueblo Right for You?

Pueblo isn’t for everyone, but for the right carpenter, it can be a perfect fit. Here’s a balanced look:

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further than in Denver or Boulder.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries and project opportunities are limited compared to major metros.
Stable, Predictable Market: Steady demand for repairs, remodels, and public projects.	Slower Pace: Fewer massive, fast-track construction projects.
Strong Community: It’s easy to build a reputation and a network.	Limited Nightlife & Culture: Quieter city life; fewer amenities than larger cities.
High Homeownership Potential: Affordable real estate lets you own a home and workshop.	Economic Challenges: Pueblo’s economy is less diverse; some sectors can be volatile.
Great Work-Life Balance: Less traffic, shorter commutes, more time for family/hobbies.	Competitive for Top-Tier Jobs: The best specialty positions can be hard to land without connections.

Final Recommendation: Pueblo is an excellent choice for journeyman carpenters seeking stability, homeownership, and a balanced lifestyle. It’s ideal for those who value community over hustle, and for skilled finish carpenters or remodelers who can tap into the historic housing market. If you’re an ambitious apprentice looking to work on landmark skyscrapers or massive commercial developments, you might be better served in Denver or Colorado Springs. But for a carpenter who wants to own a home, work with solid contractors, and enjoy the Colorado lifestyle without the price tag, Pueblo is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own tools to get a job in Pueblo?
Yes, absolutely. For entry-level helper positions, you’ll at least need a basic tool belt with a hammer, tape measure, speed square, and utility knife. Most employers expect you to have your own hand tools. Power tools are often provided by the employer, but many seasoned carpenters prefer their own. Budget $500-$1,000 for a solid starter set.

2. Is the union strong in Pueblo?
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Local 187, is active in southern Colorado, including Pueblo. Union jobs offer higher pay, better benefits, and pension plans. However, the majority of residential work in Pueblo is with non-union contractors. It’s a personal choice—union work is more common on commercial and public projects.

3. What’s the winter work situation like?
Pueblo has mild winters compared to the mountains, but snow and cold can slow exterior work. A good contractor will have indoor projects (framing interiors, finish work) or maintenance contracts to keep crews busy. Having a specialty that’s not weather-dependent (e.g., finish carpentry, cabinetmaking) is an advantage.

4. How do I find a place to rent with a work truck?
Many older rentals, especially in Bessemer or Minnequa, have driveways or garages suitable for parking a truck. Always ask the landlord upfront. Pueblo West is great if you need more space, but the commute is longer. Apps like Zillow or Facebook Marketplace are useful, but word-of-mouth through your contractor network is often the best way to find a good rental.

5. Can I make more than the median salary as a self-employed carpenter?
Yes, but it comes with the risks of business ownership. Successful solo carpenters in Pueblo often earn $70,000+ by focusing on high-margin work like custom remodels and building a strong referral network. The key is managing your overhead (insurance, vehicle, tools) and pricing your work competitively while reflecting your skill. Start small, build a portfolio, and grow organically.