Welder in Denver, CO

As a career analyst who’s spent years talking to tradespeople in Denver, I can tell you that moving here as a welder isn't just about the job—it's about the lifestyle trade-off. Denver is a high-altitude, high-cost city with a booming construction and manufacturing sector, but it's also where you'll pay a premium for rent and deal with I-25 traffic. This guide is designed to give you the unvarnished data and local insights to decide if the Mile High City is your next professional home.

Let's get straight to the numbers and the ground-level reality.

The Salary Picture: Where Denver Stands

The welding landscape in Denver is defined by a mix of old-school fabrication shops, modern aerospace manufacturing, and steady infrastructure work. While the national average for welders is $49,590/year, Denver slightly outpaces it with a median salary of $50,408/year or $24.23/hour. This is a critical point: you're earning about 1.6% more than the national average to live in a city that’s roughly 5.5% more expensive than the U.S. average (Cost of Living Index: 105.5).

Here’s how earnings typically break down by experience level in the Denver metro area. Note that these are realistic estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the region, not just the median figure.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Typical Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $48,000	$19.25 - $23.00
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$48,000 - $62,000	$23.00 - $29.80
Senior (8-15 years)	$62,000 - $78,000	$29.80 - $37.50
Expert/Supervisor (15+ yrs)	$78,000 - $95,000+	$37.50 - $45.60+

How does this compare to other Colorado cities?

• Colorado Springs: Slightly lower median (~$48,500) but with a lower cost of living. Strong military and aerospace focus (Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman).
• Fort Collins: Similar to Denver (~$50,000) but with a more limited job market, heavily skewed toward manufacturing and agriculture.
• Grand Junction: Lower median (~$45,000) but significantly cheaper housing and a hub for western slope industries like mining and oil/gas.

The key takeaway: Denver offers the highest salary potential and the most diverse job opportunities in the state, but you'll pay for it in living expenses.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally honest about your monthly budget. A single filer earning $50,408/year (the Denver median) takes home approximately $3,250/month after federal taxes, Colorado's flat 4.4% state income tax, and FICA (assuming no other deductions like 401k). This is a crucial starting point.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Median-Earning Welder

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,250	After taxes & deductions
Rent (1BR Apt)	-$1,835	Denver average
Utilities	-$150	Electricity, gas, internet
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	Denver is a car-dependent city
Fuel	-$120	Commutes are long; gas is >$3/gal
Groceries/Personal	-$350
Health Insurance	-$200	(If not employer-paid)
Remaining Discretionary	$145	Savings, entertainment, repairs

Can they afford to buy a home?
In short, not on a single median salary. The median home price in the Denver metro is around $580,000. With a 20% down payment ($116,000), a mortgage, taxes, and insurance would likely exceed $3,200/month—over 98% of take-home pay. Homeownership in Denver is largely feasible for dual-income households or welders in senior/specialist roles earning $70k+. Renting is the practical reality for most.

Insider Tip: Many welders I've spoken with in the Aurora and Lakewood areas live with roommates or have a spouse/partner with an income to comfortably afford housing. The $145 discretionary margin is tight; unexpected car repairs or medical bills can quickly derail finances.

Where the Jobs Are: Denver's Major Employers

Denver’s welding job market is anchored in several key sectors: aerospace, energy, construction, and infrastructure. The 1,433 jobs in the metro area are not evenly distributed. The highest demand is for welders proficient in MIG, TIG, and flux-cored processes, with AWS certification being a near-universal requirement.

Here are specific local employers and hiring trends:

1. Lockheed Martin (Aerospace & Defense): Located in the Southeast Denver/Elizabeth Park area. They hire for high-precision, TIG welding on aircraft and spacecraft components. Hiring is steady but competitive; they prioritize veterans and those with clearances. Trends show a strong push toward additive manufacturing (3D printing with metals), where welding skills are transferable.

2. GE Healthcare (Manufacturing): Their large facility in Southwest Denver (near Sheridan) manufactures medical imaging equipment. They need welders for stainless steel fabrication, often requiring sanitary welds (used in food/pharma). Hiring is project-based, aligning with new product launches.

3. Xcel Energy (Infrastructure & Power): Xcel’s Denver metro operations require welders for maintaining and upgrading natural gas pipelines and power grid infrastructure. This is union work (IBEW, though welders may be under a different local). Jobs are field-based, requiring travel to substations and pipeline sites across the Front Range. Stable, with good benefits.

4. Schuff Steel (Structural Steel): A major fabricator in Commerce City, just northeast of Denver. They handle large-scale projects like stadiums, bridges, and skyscrapers. Hiring is heavily tied to the construction cycle—busy in spring/summer, slower in winter. They need welders certified in structural steel (FCAW, SMAW). Insider Insight: This is a fast-paced, production-oriented environment. Overtime is common during peak season.

5. Western States Cat (Heavy Equipment): Based in Thornton, this Caterpillar dealer needs welders for repairing heavy machinery (bulldozers, excavators). It’s a great niche for those who enjoy problem-solving and field work. Hiring trends are directly linked to the construction and mining industries in Colorado and Wyoming.

6. City & County of Denver (Public Works): The city itself employs welders for maintaining the municipal fleet (garbage trucks, snowplows) and infrastructure projects. Jobs are posted on the City of Denver careers website. They offer strong benefits and job security but may have a longer hiring process.

Hiring Trend: There's a noticeable shift toward welders with robotic welding programming (Fanuc, Lincoln Electric systems) and certifications in advanced alloys (Inconel, titanium) for aerospace. Traditional structural welders are in steady demand, but automation is creeping in.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado does not have a state-level welder license. Your credentials are based on certifications, primarily from the American Welding Society (AWS). However, certain jobs, especially in construction or public works, may require local certifications.

Key Requirements & Costs:

• AWS Certification: The most recognized credential. You'll need a specific certification for the process (e.g., AWS D1.1 for structural steel, ASME Section IX for pressure vessels). Cost: $300 - $800 for certification testing (varies by lab).
• Colorado Department of Labor & Employment (CDLE): For public works projects, you may need a Colorado Welder Certification. This is typically an additional test administered by approved third-party labs. Cost: $100 - $250.
• Union Membership: Joining a local union (e.g., Ironworkers Local 24, Pipefitters Local 208) often provides certification training and job placement. Dues are typically 1.5-2.5% of earnings.
• Timeline to Get Started: If you're already a certified welder, you can start applying to jobs immediately. If you need certification, a 2-4 week course at a community college (like Emily Griffith Technical College in Denver) plus testing can get you certified in under two months.

Insider Tip: Don't just get one AWS certification. In Denver, having AWS D1.1 (Structural) and AWS D1.6 (Stainless Steel) makes you a much more versatile candidate for shops like Schuff and GE Healthcare.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Your choice of neighborhood will drastically affect your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Denver is a sprawling city, and industrial zones are often on the outskirts.

Neighborhood	Typical Rent (1BR)	Commute to Major Employers	Vibe & Pros/Cons
Aurora (East Side)	$1,650 - $1,900	20-40 mins to Lockheed, Xcel (Commerce City)	Pro: Affordable, diverse, direct access to I-70/E-470 for commutes. Con: Less walkable, car-centric.
Lakewood (West Side)	$1,700 - $2,000	25-45 mins to Schuff, GE Healthcare, Xcel	Pro: Closer to mountains for recreation, more established suburbs. Con: Can be pricey; traffic on 6th Ave/Wadsworth.
Thornton/Commerce City	$1,550 - $1,850	15-30 mins to Western States Cat, Schuff, Xcel	Pro: Lowest rents near industrial hubs, quiet suburbs. Con: Fewer dining/entertainment options.
Englewood (South)	$1,800 - $2,100	20-30 mins to Lockheed, GE, Schuff	Pro: Central location between Denver & Tech Center, good mix of old and new. Con: Can be noisy near major roads.
Denver (Montbello / Globeville)	$1,600 - $1,900	15-25 mins to most central employers	Pro: Close to downtown, airport access. Con: Older housing stock, some areas have crime concerns.

Commuting Reality: In Denver, a 20-mile commute can take 45 minutes during rush hour. Many welders opt for a 4x4 truck or SUV for winter driving and to reach remote job sites. Budget for a car payment and insurance; public transit (RTD) doesn't service industrial areas well.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for welders in Colorado is projected at 2%, which is slower than the national average (2.6% per BLS). This doesn't mean there are fewer jobs; it means the market is mature. Growth will come from specialization and experience.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement:

• Pipe Welding (ASME IX): Can command a 10-15% premium over structural welders. Essential for Xcel, oil/gas, and brewery work (yes, Denver has a huge craft beer industry needing stainless steel tanks).
• Aerospace Welding (TIG on Exotic Alloys): Premium of 15-20%. This is the highest-paying niche, primarily at Lockheed Martin.
• Welding Inspector (CWI): Moving from the booth to inspection can boost pay to $70k - $90k. Requires AWS Certified Welding Inspector credential.
• Supervisory/Management: With 5+ years, you can move into a lead or shop foreman role, often crossing the $75k threshold.

10-Year Outlook: Automation will reduce demand for entry-level, repetitive welding jobs. However, demand for skilled, certified welders who can work with robotics, read complex blueprints, and troubleshoot will remain strong. The push for renewable energy (wind turbine towers, solar panel frames) and infrastructure repair (drinking water pipelines, bridges) will sustain long-term demand. The key is to specialize early—don't stay in general fabrication forever.

The Verdict: Is Denver Right for You?

Here’s a final, balanced look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Robust job market with diverse sectors (aerospace, energy, construction).	High cost of living, especially rent ($1,835 avg for 1BR).
Slightly higher median wage ($50,408) than the national average.	Median home price ($580k) is out of reach for most single-earner welders.
Strong union presence and good benefits for infrastructure jobs.	Traffic congestion on I-25, I-70, and US-36 can be brutal.
Unparalleled access to outdoor recreation (hiking, skiing, camping).	Job growth (2%) is modest; competition is fierce for top-tier aerospace roles.
Vibrant, growing metro area (716,577 pop.) with many cultural amenities.	Seasonal air quality issues (ozone in summer, inversions in winter) can affect outdoor workers.

Final Recommendation:
Denver is a strong choice for a certified mid-career welder (3-7 years experience) who values career diversity and outdoor lifestyle over low-cost living. It is not ideal for an entry-level welder unless you have a financial cushion for high rent or a roommate situation. If your goal is to buy a home quickly, consider starting in a lower-cost Colorado city like Colorado Springs or Pueblo and then moving to Denver after gaining 2-3 years of experience and a higher wage.

FAQs

1. Do I need to move to Denver to get a welding job here?
Not necessarily, but it significantly increases your chances. Many local employers prefer candidates who can interview in person and start quickly. If you're relocating, have a minimum of 3 months' living expenses saved.

2. What's the weather like for outdoor welding jobs?
Denver has 300 days of sunshine, but it's extreme. Summers can be hot (90°F+), and winters are cold with snow. Outdoor welders need to prepare for both. Most fabrication shops are indoors, but field work (Xcel, construction) is exposed.

3. Is certification from Emily Griffith Technical College worth it?
Yes, for beginners. Their program is respected locally and often has direct pipelines to employers like Schuff and local fab shops. It's a cost-effective way to get AWS certified versus a private welding school.

4. Can I make a living as a freelance welder in Denver?
It's challenging but possible. You'll need a strong network, a well-equipped mobile welding rig, and insurance. The best niche is small repair work for residents, breweries, and art installations. Steady employment is more reliable for financial stability.

5. What's the best way to find jobs beyond the big employers?
Check Indeed, LinkedIn, and the Colorado Department of Labor's job board. Also, join local Facebook groups like "Colorado Welders" or "Denver Trade Jobs." Word-of-mouth is powerful in the trades—let people know you're looking.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Colorado Department of Labor & Employment, Zillow Rent Index, Cost of Living Index by Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), American Welding Society (AWS).