Electrician in Broomfield, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Broomfield Stands

As a local who's watched this city grow from a quiet suburb into a bustling hub, I can tell you the electrician trade here is stable, but it's not a gold rush. The demand is driven by the endless new construction in Superior and the ongoing maintenance of the older stock in Broomfield proper. You're not going to get the sky-high wages of a Denver union job, but you're also not dealing with the brutal traffic of the I-25 corridor every day. The numbers back this up. The median salary for an electrician in the Broomfield metro area is $62,565/year, which breaks down to a solid $30.08/hour. This sits slightly above the national average of $61,550/year, a small but meaningful premium for working in Colorado's competitive market.

The job market is modest but consistent. There are approximately 230 electrician jobs in the metro area, a testament to the steady demand from both residential and commercial sectors. The 10-year job growth projection is 11%, which aligns with the national trend but is fueled locally by the expansion of the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport area and the tech and healthcare corridors along US-36.

Here’s how experience translates into pay in our market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Key Factors in Broomfield
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $55,000	Often starts with residential service companies or as a first-year apprentice on commercial sites in Superior. Expect to do a lot of rough-in work on new builds.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$62,565 (Median) - $75,000	Licensed journeyman. You can command this salary with a Colorado Journeyman Electrician license. Residential service, commercial tenant finishes, and smaller industrial jobs.
Senior (8-15 years)	$75,000 - $90,000	Master electrician potential. You'll be leading crews on projects like the new medical offices near Avista Adventist Hospital or overseeing electrical for the Amazon fulfillment centers in the metro.
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$90,000+	This is for those who get into niche areas: industrial controls, solar/battery integration (huge in Colorado), or high-voltage work for Xcel Energy. These roles are fewer but pay a significant premium.

Compared to other Colorado cities, Broomfield is a mid-tier market. Denver proper offers higher wages but at the cost of a much higher cost of living and commute. Boulder is similar to Broomfield but with a more tech-focused, high-end residential market. Fort Collins is a close competitor, with a similar median salary but a different industrial base (Anheuser-Busch, Woodward). Colorado Springs has a lower cost of living but also lower median wages for electricians, often anchored by military and defense contractor work.

Insider Tip: The $62,565 median figure is a reliable benchmark, but your ceiling is determined by specialization. A journeyman who can also program VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives) for the HVAC systems in Broomfield's data centers will always earn more than one who only does standard residential wiring.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what that $62,565 means for your daily life in Broomfield. The Cost of Living Index here is 105.5, meaning it's about 5.5% more expensive than the national average. The biggest bite comes from housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,835/month. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single electrician earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax)

• Gross Monthly Income: $62,565 / 12 = $5,214

Post-Tax & Essential Expenses (Estimated)

• Federal & State Taxes (Est. 25%): -$1,304 (This includes Colorado's 4.4% flat tax)

• Take-Home Pay: $3,910

• Rent (1BR Avg): -$1,835

• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): -$250

• Groceries: -$400

• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: -$500

• Health Insurance (if not employer-paid): -$300

• Miscellaneous (Phone, Entertainment, etc.): -$300

• Remaining for Savings/Debt: $325

This budget is tight but manageable for a single person. The key is finding a place slightly below the average rent. Sharing a 2-bedroom in a neighborhood like Broomfield Heights can drop your housing cost to around $1,200-$1,400/month, freeing up significant cash.

Can they afford to buy a home? It's challenging on a single median income. The median home price in Broomfield is around $550,000. A 20% down payment is $110,000. With a monthly take-home of $3,910, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $2,800/month, which is over 70% of your take-home pay—well above the recommended 30%. Buying is more feasible with a dual-income household or after several years of career advancement into the senior/$90,000+ range.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for electricians in Broomfield is strong, driven by three local factors: 1) The continued expansion of the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport and its supporting logistics/industrial parks, 2) The push for sustainability and energy efficiency in Colorado's building codes, and 3) The growth of the healthcare sector around Avista Adventist Hospital and SCL Health.

To maximize your earnings, you need to move beyond general wiring. Here are the specialty premiums and paths available locally:

1. Renewable Energy Integration: Colorado's climate and energy policies make solar and battery storage a booming field. Companies like Namaste Solar and local electrical contractors are constantly seeking electricians with NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification. This can add a 10-20% premium to your base salary. The new community solar gardens in the area require specialized installation and maintenance.
2. Industrial Controls & Automation: With Amazon's fulfillment centers in nearby Thornton and commerce parks in Superior, there's demand for electricians who understand PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and motor controls. This is a path to the $90,000+ expert tier. Certifications from Siemens or Allen-Bradley are highly valued.
3. Low-Voltage & Smart Home Systems: The luxury residential market in neighborhoods like The Club at Ravenna and the commercial tech offices along US-36 need electricians skilled in structured cabling, home automation (Control4, Crestron), and security systems. This is a growing niche.
4. Master Electrician & Contractor Licensing: The ultimate career move is obtaining your Colorado Master Electrician license and starting your own small contracting business. This allows you to bid on projects directly and keep more of the profit. The local market supports small, reputable shops that specialize in residential remodels or small commercial projects.

10-Year Outlook: In a decade, we'll see more hybrid electricians—those who can handle traditional power, data, and renewable systems. The most successful will be those who adapt to Colorado's evolving building codes, which increasingly mandate EV charging infrastructure and high-efficiency systems. The 11% job growth will be concentrated in these specialty areas.

The Verdict: Is Broomfield Right for You?

Broomfield offers a balanced, family-friendly environment with a solid job market for skilled trades. It's not a place for fast, explosive wealth, but it provides a clear path to a comfortable, stable career. Here’s a direct look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Stable Demand: Consistent residential and commercial work, insulated from extreme economic swings.	High Housing Costs: Rent and home prices are significant barriers, especially on a single income.
Manageable Commutes: Unlike Denver, you can often live within 15-20 minutes of your job site.	Limited High-Paying Union Jobs: The IBEW Local 68 presence is stronger in Denver. Most work here is non-union.
Outdoor Access: Easy weekend trips to the Flatirons, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Eldora for skiing.	Specialization Required: To reach the top of the pay scale, you must invest in ongoing training and certifications.
Quality of Life: Excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, and a clean, modern city feel.	Competitive Market for Specialists: While there's demand, you're competing with other skilled tradespeople for the best specialty roles.
Diverse Employer Base: From data centers to hospitals, not reliant on one industry.	Cost of Living Pressure: The 105.5 index means groceries, services, and taxes eat into your budget more than in cheaper states.

Final Recommendation: Broomfield is an excellent choice for electricians who are mid-career (journeyman level) and value stability and quality of life over maximum salary potential. It's ideal for those with families or who enjoy outdoor activities. It's less ideal for apprentices just starting out, as the high cost of living can be a squeeze, or for those seeking the highest possible wages without specializing. If you're willing to get licensed, pursue a specialty like solar or controls, and budget wisely, Broomfield can provide a rewarding career and a great place to call home.

FAQs

1. Do I need a Colorado license to work as an electrician in Broomfield?
Yes, absolutely. The Colorado Electrical Board, under the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), requires either a Journeyman or Master Electrician license for most electrical work. You must complete an approved apprenticeship (typically 4 years/8,000 hours) and pass the state exam. Working without a license can result in fines and stop-work orders. Start at the Colorado DORA website for exact requirements.

2. How is the job market for non-union electricians?
Very strong. While the IBEW is active in the broader metro area, the majority of residential and small-to-mid-sized commercial work in Broomfield is done by open-shop contractors. Companies like Sierra Electric, WESCO, and numerous local residential service firms are major hirers. Networking at the Colorado Electrical Contractors Association (CECA) events is key.

3. What's the best way to find an apprenticeship locally?
Contact the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Rocky Mountain Chapter or the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Rocky Mountain Chapter. They sponsor apprenticeship programs and have direct ties to local contractors. Also, check job postings on Indeed and the Broomfield Enterprise for "apprentice" or "helper" positions. Be prepared for a competitive application process.

4. How does the weather impact the work?
Colorado's climate means seasonal variations. Summers are busy with new construction and outdoor projects. Winters can slow down exterior work but increase demand for service calls (heating system issues, holiday lighting) and indoor commercial projects. Snow days can cause delays, so having a flexible schedule is beneficial.

5. Are there opportunities to work in Denver while living in Broomfield?
Yes, and many do. The commute to central Denver can be 30-45 minutes against traffic, which is manageable. Many electricians in Broomfield work for companies based in Denver or Aurora but live here for the better quality of life and schools. This gives you access to a larger job pool without having to live in the urban core. Just factor in the commute time and gas costs.