Welder in Broomfield, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Broomfield Stands

As a local who's watched the welding trade evolve here over the last decade, I can tell you Broomfield offers a stable, if modest, wage for skilled tradespeople. The median salary for a Welder here is $50,408/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $24.23/hour. This sits just slightly above the national average for Welders, which is $49,590/year, but it's crucial to understand the local context. The cost of living here is about 5.5% higher than the U.S. average (Cost of Living Index: 105.5), meaning your dollar doesn't stretch quite as far as it might in other parts of the country.

The welding job market in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metro Area, which Broomfield is a part of, is competitive but steady. There are approximately 153 welding jobs available in the metro at any given time. This isn't a boomtown for welders like some oil-rich regions, but it's a reliable market with a 10-year job growth projection of 2%. This growth is driven by the region's diverse industrial base, from aerospace and energy to construction and manufacturing. The key for a welder in Broomfield is specialization; general fabrication welding pays the base rate, but those with certifications in high-demand specialties like TIG, orbital welding, or inspection can command significantly higher pay.

To give you a clearer picture of earning potential, here’s a breakdown by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local market surveys and BLS data for the region, and they all center around the local median.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Broomfield Salary Range	Key Factors
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$38,000 - $45,000	Basic MIG welding, shop fabrication, positional welding. Often starts in production roles.
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$48,000 - $58,000	Proficiency in multiple processes (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW), blueprint reading, some certification.
Senior	8-15 years	$58,000 - $72,000	Specialized certifications (AWS D1.1, ASME), leadership/supervision, field work, NDE (Non-Destructive Evaluation) skills.
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$72,000+	Master welder, inspector (CWI), welding engineer support, high-pressure/exotic material expertise.

Comparing Broomfield to other Colorado cities:

• Denver: Salaries are similar ($50k-$55k median), but the cost of living is higher. Commuting from Broomfield to Denver is common.
• Colorado Springs: Slightly lower median wage ($48k-$52k), but also a lower cost of living. A strong aerospace and military market.
• Fort Collins: Comparable to Broomfield, with a similar mix of manufacturing and construction jobs.
• Pueblo: Lower median wage ($42k-$46k), but a significantly lower cost of living. Home to a major steel mill, offering different opportunities.

Broomfield's advantage is its strategic location. You're within a 30-minute drive of Denver's diverse job market, the aerospace hub in Jefferson County (Lakewood/Westminster), and the energy sector in the northern Front Range. You’re not stuck in one market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. Earning the median salary of $50,408/year in Broomfield requires a careful budget. After federal, state (Colorado has a flat 4.4% income tax), and FICA taxes, your net monthly take-home pay is approximately $3,200. This is a rough estimate and doesn't account for 401(k) contributions or health insurance premiums, which would lower this figure.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single person earning $50,408/year ($4,200/month gross).

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income (After Taxes)	$3,200	Based on standard deductions for a single filer in CO.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,835	This is the average for Broomfield. You can find lower ($1,600) in older complexes or higher ($2,000+) in new builds.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water/Internet)	-$250	Varies by season; winters are higher due to heating.
Groceries	-$350	Broomfield has standard grocery prices (King Soopers, Safeway).
Car Payment/Insurance/Fuel	-$450	Essential in Broomfield. Public transit exists but is limited for industrial sites.
Health Insurance	-$300	If provided by employer, this cost is lower. This is an estimated out-of-pocket premium.
Miscellaneous (Food, Fun, Savings)	+$15	$15 left over. This is the reality for many at this income level.

This budget is tight. The $1,835/month rent for a one-bedroom apartment consumes about 57% of your net income. The standard rule of thumb is to keep rent below 30% of your gross income. At the median salary, renting a typical 1BR in Broomfield is a significant stretch.

Can you afford to buy a home? With a $50,408 salary, the general rule is you can afford a home priced at about 3-3.5 times your annual income, which is roughly $150,000 - $175,000. The median home value in Broomfield is over $500,000. Therefore, on a single median welder's income, buying a home in Broomfield is not feasible without a significant down payment, a second income, or a move to a lower-cost town. Many Broomfield welders I know live in apartments, rent with roommates, or live further out in suburbs like Thornton or Westminster where housing is slightly cheaper, accepting a longer commute.

Where the Jobs Are: Broomfield's Major Employers

Broomfield's economy is a mix of energy, tech, and light manufacturing. While not a heavy industrial city like Pueblo, it has a solid base of employers who need skilled welders for fabrication, maintenance, and repair.

1. Suncor Energy (Refinery): Located just north in Commerce City, this is one of the region's largest industrial employers. They have a massive maintenance and turnaround workforce, including welders for process piping, pressure vessels, and structural steel. Hiring is cyclical, with major projects driving demand. They offer excellent benefits and often provide extensive in-house training.
2. Ball Corporation: Headquartered in Broomfield, Ball is a global leader in metal and plastic packaging. Their aerospace and metal beverage container divisions require welders for machinery maintenance and custom metal fabrication. This is a more stable, year-round employer compared to project-based construction firms.
3. Siemens Energy: With a major presence in the metro area, Siemens is involved in energy power services and manufacturing. They need welders for turbine and compressor repair, often requiring high-precision TIG welding on exotic alloys. This is a high-skill, high-pay niche.
4. Local Government & Public Works (Broomfield Public Works): The City and County of Broomfield employs welders for maintaining infrastructure. This includes repairing water and sewer lines, building municipal equipment, and working on public facilities. These jobs offer great job security, government benefits, and a pension, though the pay scale may be slightly lower than private sector.
5. Aerospace Supply Chain Companies: Look for companies like Lockheed Martin (further south in Littleton) and Northrop Grumman (in nearby Adams County). They have hundreds of aerospace and defense contractors in the region that need welders for precision fabrication on aircraft and spacecraft components. This is a prime area for those with clean-room or high-precision welding experience.
6. Commercial Construction & Fabrication Shops: Broomfield has numerous smaller shops that fabricate everything from structural steel for buildings to custom metal art and equipment. Companies like Monarch Metal Works or Western Steel Buildings (further north) are examples. These roles are often project-based and can be more volatile but offer a chance to work on a wide variety of projects.
7. Energy Sector (Oil & Gas Service Companies): While the headquarters are in Denver, many service companies have yards and operations in the northern suburbs, including Broomfield and Westminster. Companies like Nabors Industries or Precision Drilling hire welders for rig maintenance, pipeline repair, and downhole tool fabrication. This sector is tied to commodity prices but can offer high-paying overtime.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable shift towards welders who are also skilled in inspection. Holding an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credential can open doors to higher-paying quality control roles. Furthermore, familiarity with robotic welding cell operation and programming is becoming a valuable asset in manufacturing settings like Ball Corp. Hiring is steady, but the best jobs are never posted on Indeed; they’re filled through the local union (Ironworkers Local 24 or Pipefitters Local 208) or through personal networks.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado does not have a state-level licensing requirement for welders. This is common for the trade. However, this doesn't mean there are no credentials. Your "license" comes from certifications tied to the job and the employer.

Key Requirements & Costs:

• Education: A post-secondary certificate or associate's degree from a reputable technical school is the fastest entry. Pikes Peak Community College (for Colorado Springs area) or Colorado Community College System schools offer strong programs. In the Broomfield area, Front Range Community College (in Westminster) has excellent welding programs. Expect to pay $5,000 - $15,000 for a certificate program.
• Certifications: The most important is from the American Welding Society (AWS). The most common is the AWS Certified Welder test, which is often employer-specific (you test to a particular code, like D1.1 for structural steel). A test typically costs $100 - $400 per process/position, paid for by you or your employer.
• Advanced Certifications: For higher pay, consider the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) exam. This is a three-day, comprehensive test with a cost of about $1,700 (excluding study materials). It's a significant investment but pays for itself quickly.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL): For field welders who drive a company truck or trailer, a Class B CDL is often required. This adds $500 - $1,000 in training costs.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Fast Track (3-6 months): Complete a short-term welding certificate program (600-800 hours). Get a few entry-level AWS certifications. Apply for production welder jobs.
• Standard Path (1-2 years): Complete an associate's degree. Gain proficiency in multiple processes. Earn a few more specialized certs. Target mid-career roles or union apprenticeships.
• Long-Term (3-5 years): Gain field experience, earn a CWI or other advanced certs, and move into supervision, inspection, or specialized niches.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Choosing where to live in Broomfield depends on your job location, lifestyle, and budget. Commute times can vary significantly.

1. Central Broomfield (Near 120th & Wadsworth):
   • Commute: Excellent. You're within 10 minutes of I-25 and US-36, making commutes north to Suncor or south to Denver straightforward.
   • Lifestyle: Urban-suburban mix. Close to shopping, restaurants, and the Broomfield Event Center. Most apartments are here.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,750 - $1,950/month for a 1BR. This is the average for Broomfield.
2. The Broadlands (North Broomfield):
   • Commute: Very good for jobs in Westminster, Thornton, or north Denver. A bit longer to get to Suncor (20-25 mins).
   • Lifestyle: Newer, master-planned community with parks, trails, and a younger family vibe. Less "industrial" feel.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,850 - $2,100/month. Newer construction commands a premium.
3. Rocky Flats (Southwest Broomfield):
   • Commute: The best for commutes south to Lakewood, Golden, or the Denver Tech Center.
   • Lifestyle: Adjacent to the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge. More suburban, with single-family homes dominating. Quieter.
   • Rent Estimate: Harder to find apartments; most rentals are houses. 1BR in a complex might be $1,700 - $1,900, but houses start at $2,400+.
4. Westminster (Adjacent to Broomfield):
   • Commute: Very good. Shares borders with Broomfield, and you can find better rental deals just outside the city limits.
   • Lifestyle: More affordable, with a mix of older and new neighborhoods. Access to the Westminster Promenade and close to Front Range Community College.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,800/month for a 1BR. Insider tip: Look for rentals near the Westminster "Old Town" area for slightly lower prices and character.
5. Superior (South of Broomfield):
   • Commute: Good for southbound commutes. Can be congested on US-36 during rush hour.
   • Lifestyle: Upscale, with excellent schools and a tight-knit community. More expensive, but you get more for your money.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,900 - $2,200/month for a 1BR. This is likely outside the median welder's budget unless combined with a partner's income.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Welding in Broomfield isn't just a job; it's a career with multiple paths. The 2% job growth indicates stability, not explosive growth, so advancement relies on specialization.

Specialty Premiums:

• TIG Welding (GTAW): Essential for aerospace, food-grade, and pharmaceutical work. Can add a $3-$8/hour premium.
• Orbital Welding: For precision piping in the semiconductor or biotech industry. A very high-demand, high-skill niche.
• NDE/Inspection: Becoming an AWS CWI or earning radiographic (RT) or ultrasonic (UT) testing certifications can double your salary, moving you from the field to an inspector role.
• Underwater Welding: While not common in landlocked CO, commercial divers with welding skills can find niches in dam maintenance and inland water projects, commanding very high rates.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field to Shop: Start in the field (construction, pipeline) for higher initial pay and overtime, then move to a shop role for better stability and benefits as you age.
2. Welder to Supervisor: Gain experience, learn project management, and move into a lead or foreman position.
3. Welder to Inspector: The most common and lucrative path. Requires experience and certification, but moves you into a less physically demanding, higher-paid role.
4. Welder to Engineer: With additional education (a bachelor's in welding engineering or a related field), you can work in design, testing, and quality assurance for large manufacturers or engineering firms.

10-Year Outlook: The 2% growth is steady but slow. The welders who will thrive are those who adapt. Automation is changing the shop floor, but it creates new jobs for those who can program and maintain robotic cells. The push for renewable energy (wind turbine tower fabrication, hydrogen pipeline welding) will create new opportunities. The aging workforce means experienced welders will be in high demand for supervision and inspection. The key is continuous learning.

The Verdict: Is Broomfield Right for You?

For a welder considering a move, Broomfield offers a balance of opportunity and quality of life, but it's not for everyone. Here’s a clear breakdown.

Pros	Cons
Proximity to Diverse Markets: Easy access to aerospace, energy, and construction jobs across the Front Range.	High Cost of Living: The median welder's salary ($50,408) doesn't align well with the $1,835 average rent, making a single-income budget very tight.
Quality of Life: Excellent parks, trails (like the Broomfield Trail system), and proximity to the mountains for weekend recreation.	Competitive Market: The 153 metro jobs attract applicants from all over. Specialization is key to stand out.
Stable, Year-Round Work: No extreme weather shutdowns like in the northern Rockies or Midwest.	Limited Local Heavy Industry: The largest employers are in suburbs; you may need to commute for the best shop jobs.
Good Public Services: The city is well-run, with good schools and public amenities.	**2% Job Growth is