Electrician in Denver, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Denver Stands

As a local who's watched Denver's job market tighten over the past decade, I can tell you that electricians are in a strong position here. The city's relentless growth—fueled by tech, healthcare, and an influx of new residents—has created a steady demand for skilled trades. Let's break down what you can expect to earn.

The median salary for an electrician in Denver is $62,565/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.08. This is notably higher than the national average of $61,550/year, a premium you earn for dealing with Colorado's unique building codes and the city's high-altitude challenges. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are approximately 2,149 jobs for electricians in the metro area, with a projected 10-year job growth of 11%, which outpaces many other metro areas in the state.

Here’s how that salary typically breaks down by experience level:

Experience Level	Typical Denver Salary Range
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$58,000 - $72,000
Senior (8-15 years)	$73,000 - $88,000
Expert/Supervisor (15+ years)	$90,000 - $115,000+

When you compare Denver to other Colorado cities, you'll see a clear pattern. While Colorado Springs and Fort Collins offer a lower cost of living, Denver's density of commercial and residential projects—and union presence—drives wages up. Boulder has high wages but is even more expensive to live in. Denver strikes a balance: strong pay without the extreme housing costs of Boulder. For an electrician looking to maximize earnings and job opportunities, the Front Range—specifically the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro—is the sweet spot.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

So, you’re making the median salary of $62,565. What does that actually feel like in your pocket? Let's get real about Denver's cost of living.

First, your take-home pay after federal taxes, state income tax (4.4%), and FICA will be approximately $4,200 - $4,400 per month, depending on your filing status and deductions. Now, let's factor in rent.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Denver is $1,835/month. Using a conservative 30% of your gross income as a guideline for housing costs, your budget should be around $1,564 per month. This means renting a median-priced 1-bedroom is a slight stretch, but doable if you're willing to live in a slightly older building or a less central neighborhood. Most Denver electricians I know either split a larger apartment with a roommate or live in a studio/efficiency to keep costs down.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for an electrician earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Income (Take-Home)	$4,300	After all taxes and deductions
Rent (1BR Median)	$1,835
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	Older buildings can be drafty in winter
Car Payment & Insurance	$550	Essential for most job sites
Gas & Maintenance	$200	Commutes can be long
Groceries	$450
Health Insurance (Employer Portion)	$300	Varies widely
Discretionary/Personal	$715	For savings, entertainment, emergencies
Total	$4,300

Can they afford to buy a home? The median home price in Denver is over $600,000. For a 20% down payment, that’s $120,000. On a $62,565 salary, saving that amount would take years of strict budgeting, especially while paying high rent. Most electricians buying in Denver are either dual-income households or have moved up to a supervisory role ($90,000+) to qualify for a mortgage. It's a long-term goal, not an immediate reality for a median earner.

Where the Jobs Are: Denver's Major Employers

Denver isn't just a city of single-family homes; it's a hub of massive commercial, institutional, and infrastructure projects. Here are the major players where electricians find steady work:

1. M.E. Group (Madison Energy): A giant in the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) world. They handle major healthcare, higher education, and commercial projects. They're a top employer for licensed journeymen and are known for investing in apprenticeships. Hiring is steady, and they often have projects from the Tech Center to Boulder.
2. RM Electrical Group: A major contractor with a strong presence in data center work—huge in the Denver market with companies like Server Farm Realty and Meta building facilities east of the metro. They pay well for specialists in high-voltage and low-voltage systems.
3. AECOM / Jacobs Engineering: These global firms (both have large Denver offices) manage massive public infrastructure projects. Think Denver International Airport (DIA) expansions, light rail (RTD), and city facilities. Work is often long-term and can offer great benefits and pension plans.
4. UCHealth & SCL Health / CommonSpirit Health: Denver's booming healthcare sector means constant work in hospital expansions and renovations. These systems are building new facilities in suburbs like Highlands Ranch, Aurora (Anschutz Medical Campus), and Parker. Work requires knowledge of healthcare-grade electrical systems (redundant power, isolated grounds).
5. Denver Public Schools (DPS) & Douglas County School District: School districts are constantly upgrading lighting (to LED), security systems, and HVAC controls. This is a great source of stable, union-adjacent work with predictable schedules and summers off for major projects.
6. I.B.E.W. Local Union 68: This is the key hub for union electricians in Colorado. They have a large apprenticeship program and dispatch for major projects like the National Western Center redevelopment and the new airport hotel complex. Union work in Denver often pays above the median wage, especially for prevailing wage projects.

Insider Tip: The biggest hiring trend is for electricians with expertise in EV charging station installation and solar/battery systems. With Colorado's aggressive clean energy goals, this is a growing niche. Knowing your NEC (National Electrical Code) Annex D and Colorado's specific amendments is a huge plus.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado's licensing is managed by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) - Electrical Board. The process is straightforward but requires dedication.

Requirements:

1. Apprenticeship: Complete a state-approved apprenticeship (typically 4 years, 8,000 hours on-the-job training) or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Exam: Pass the Colorado Electrician Examination (based on the NEC, with Colorado amendments).
3. Insurance: You'll need proof of general liability insurance if you're contracting on your own.
4. Application: Submit the application with fees (around $150 for journeyman, $200 for contractor).

Timeline & Costs:

• Apprenticeship: 4 years (can be done through I.B.E.W. 68's program or non-union companies like M.E. Group). Apprentices start at ~$20/hour and progress to journeyman wage.
• Journeyman License: After completing apprenticeship and passing the exam. No additional cost beyond exam fees (~$100).
• Master Electrician License: Requires 2,000 additional hours as a journeyman and another exam. This is needed to pull permits for your own company.
• Total Estimated Cost (Apprenticeship to Journeyman): The apprenticeship itself is paid work; you earn while you learn. Exam and licensing fees are under $500 total.

Insider Tip: The Colorado exam is known for tricky questions on grounding and bonding in high-altitude environments (lower air density affects arc flash). Study materials specific to the Colorado amendments are worth the investment.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live in Denver impacts your commute, social life, and rent. Here’s a local’s take on neighborhoods that balance livability for tradespeople.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's Good for Electricians
Aurora	Suburban, family-friendly. Easy access to I-225 & I-70.	$1,400 - $1,600	More affordable rent. Close to Anschutz Medical Campus and major distribution centers. Commute to Denver proper is 25-40 mins.
Wheat Ridge / Lakewood	Established, quiet suburbs west of Denver.	$1,500 - $1,700	Great access to I-70 for mountain projects and clear commuting to downtown. Lower density means less parking stress.
Capitol Hill (Denver)	Urban, historic, walkable.	$1,500 - $1,800	For those who want city life. Easy commute to downtown job sites via bike or bus. Older buildings mean more renovation work.
Thornton / Northglenn	Family-oriented suburbs north of Denver.	$1,450 - $1,650	Growing commercial and residential areas. Close to I-25 for commuting south to the Tech Center or north to Boulder.
Green Valley Ranch (Denver)	Modern, planned community east of DIA.	$1,550 - $1,750	Proximity to massive new data centers and airport expansion projects. New construction everywhere.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-25 and I-70 is brutal during peak hours. If you're working in the Tech Center (south), living in Aurora or Greenwood Village can cut your commute to 20 minutes. For project work near Golden or the mountains, living west of the city (Lakewood) is key.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Denver offers clear paths for advancement, with significant pay jumps for those who specialize.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Data Center/High-Voltage Specialist: Can add $5-$10/hour to base wage due to the critical nature of the work.
  • Renewable Energy (Solar/Battery): Premium of $3-$7/hour as demand surges.
  • Fire Alarm Inspector: Certifications (like NICET) can add $500-$1,000/month.
  • Project Foreman/Superintendent: A jump from journeyman to foreman can mean a $15,000-$25,000 annual increase.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field Path: Apprentice -> Journeyman -> Foreman -> Project Superintendent -> Project Manager.
2. Specialist Path: Journeyman -> Master Electrician -> Contractor (starting your own small business, focusing on residential or a niche).
3. Education Path: Journeyman -> Instructor at a trade school or apprenticeship program (requires Master Electrician license in CO).

10-Year Outlook: With the 11% job growth and the push toward electrification (EVs, heat pumps, smart homes), the demand for qualified electricians will remain strong. The key to long-term earning power in Denver is specialization and obtaining your Master Electrician license, which allows you to control your own workload and rates. The rise of the "electrical contractor" who also handles smart home integrations is a growing trend in Denver's affluent suburbs.

The Verdict: Is Denver Right for You?

Pros for Electricians in Denver	Cons for Electricians in Denver
Strong Job Market & Growth (11%)	High Cost of Living – Rent is steep relative to median wage.
Above-Average Wages ($62,565 median)	Traffic & Commutes – Can be lengthy and frustrating.
Diverse Work (Commercial, Healthcare, Data Centers)	Licensing & Code Complexity – Colorado has its own amendments.
Union Strength (IBEW Local 68)	Competitive Housing Market – Buying a home is a huge challenge.
Outdoor Lifestyle Access – Mountains and trails are close.	Seasonal Work Slowdowns – Some residential work slows in deep winter.
Clear Career Advancement Paths	Transients & Competition – Many people move here, increasing labor competition.

Final Recommendation: Denver is an excellent choice for electricians who are mid-career or have a specialty and are willing to start as a renter in a suburb. It's not the best choice for a brand-new apprentice expecting to buy a home immediately. If you value career growth, diverse project types, and mountain access, and you can manage the rent, Denver is worth serious consideration. The key is to get your Colorado license, join a reputable company (like M.E. Group or a union shop), and specialize as soon as possible.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to retest to work as an electrician in Denver if I'm already licensed in another state?
A: Colorado does not have reciprocity with all states. You'll likely need to apply for a license by exam, showing proof of your out-of-state experience. Contact the Colorado Electrical Board for specifics.

Q: Is it better to join the union (IBEW 68) or go non-union in Denver?
A: It depends on your career goals. Union work offers higher wages, better benefits, and pension plans, especially on large commercial projects. Non-union shops can offer more flexibility and faster progression in smaller companies. Both are viable; it's about culture fit.

Q: How tough is the Colorado electrical exam?
A: It's challenging. It's an open-book NEC exam, but you must know it cold. The Colorado amendments, especially around grounding in high-altitude and snow-load requirements for outdoor work, are critical. Prep courses are highly recommended.

Q: Can I work as an electrician in Denver without a license?
A: No. Colorado requires a license for all electrical work. Working without one can result in fines and legal issues. Always verify your employer's license status.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for new electricians moving to Denver?
A: The cost of living is the top concern. Starting wages for apprentices are modest, and rent is high. Many new arrivals need a roommate or choose to live farther from the city center until they get their journeyman license and a pay raise.