Welder in Longmont, CO

As a Career Analyst who’s spent years mapping the job markets of Colorado’s Front Range, I can tell you that Longmont offers a unique blend of opportunity and affordability for skilled tradespeople like welders. It's not the booming hub of Denver or Boulder, but that's precisely its strength: steady demand, a lower cost of living, and a community that values skilled labor. This guide is built from local data, employer insights, and the real-world math of making a life here. Let's get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Longmont Stands

When you're evaluating a move, the raw salary number is just the starting point. For welders in the Longmont metro area (which includes Weld County), the data tells a specific story. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analyses, the median salary for a welder here is $49,575 per year. That breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.83/hour. It's important to note that this is nearly identical to the national average of $49,590/year, meaning Longmont isn't a high- or low-wage outlier for the trade. The market is stable, with approximately 198 welding jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 2%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates consistent demand, especially for those with the right skills and certifications.

To put this in perspective, let's break it down by experience level. While exact local data can be granular, we can project based on BLS occupational data and Colorado wage surveys.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Projected Annual Salary	Projected Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	0-2	$38,000 - $45,000	$18.27 - $21.63
Mid-Career	2-7	$49,575 (Median)	$23.83
Senior	7-15	$58,000 - $65,000	$27.88 - $31.25
Expert / Specialist	15+	$68,000 - $80,000+	$32.69 - $38.46+

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities:

• Denver Metro: Salaries are often 10-15% higher (median ~$55,000), but the cost of living is significantly steeper. Commutes can also be brutal.
• Fort Collins: Very similar to Longmont, with a slight premium (median ~$51,000) due to a larger manufacturing and tech presence.
• Colorado Springs: A strong market for defense and aerospace welding, often commanding a premium (median ~$52,000).
• Pueblo: Lower median salaries (~$44,000), but a much lower cost of living, appealing to some.

Insider Tip: The $49,575 median is a solid baseline, but your actual earnings hinge on specialization. A welder proficient in TIG welding for aerospace components will command a higher wage than a general fabrication welder. Longmont's proximity to Boulder's tech startups and Denver's aerospace companies creates niche opportunities for those who seek them.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's do the math. A median salary of $49,575 in Colorado means your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes will be roughly $38,000 - $40,000 annually, or about $3,167 - $3,333 per month. This is a simplified estimate, but it's crucial for budgeting.

Now, factor in housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Longmont is $1,548/month. According to the Cost of Living Index, Longmont sits at 99.9, just a hair below the U.S. average of 100. This means your dollar goes almost as far here as it does nationally, but housing is the primary cost driver.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single welder earning the median wage:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income (Take-Home)	$3,250	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$1,548	Average market rate
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	Varies seasonally
Groceries & Household	$400	For one person
Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance)	$350	Assuming a reliable used car
Health Insurance (Employer-Subsidized)	$150	Premium contribution
Retirement Savings (5%)	$200	401(k) match if available
Discretionary / Emergency Fund	$402	For everything else
Total Expenses	$3,250
Remaining Balance	$0

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the critical question. The median home price in Longmont is approximately $500,000. With a $49,575 salary, the 28/36 rule (a common lender guideline) suggests your maximum housing payment should be around $1,156/month. At current interest rates (hovering around 6-7%), a $500,000 home with a 10% down payment would have a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) closer to $2,800/month. This is well above what's affordable on a single median income.

Bottom Line: On a single median income, buying a home in Longmont is a significant stretch without a substantial down payment or a dual-income household. Renting a 1-bedroom is feasible but leaves little room for error or aggressive savings. Many local welders either live with roommates, have a working partner, or purchase in more affordable neighboring towns like Greeley or Evans, commuting in.

Where the Jobs Are: Longmont's Major Employers

Longmont’s economy is a mix of advanced manufacturing, food processing, and aerospace. Welders are the backbone of these industries. Here are the key employers you should have on your radar:

1. Sequentia Renewable Energy (Formerly BZ Energy): This is a major player in the renewable energy sector, manufacturing wind turbine towers. They are one of the largest employers of welders in the region. The work is heavy, structural welding, often requiring AWS certifications. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with waves of hiring tied to large project contracts.
2. Ball Aerospace (Boulder-based, but a major commuter draw): While the main facility is in Boulder, many employees live in Longmont. They require precision welders for aerospace components, often in clean-room environments. This is a premium, higher-paying specialty. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on candidates with clean-room experience and security clearances.
3. Morning Fresh Farms: A major dairy and food processing facility. Their welders are crucial for maintaining and modifying stainless steel dairy equipment (sanitary welding). This is a niche, in-demand skill. Hiring Trend: Consistent for maintenance welders, with project work for expansions.
4. Vail-Rose Construction / local fabrication shops: Longmont has a robust network of custom metal fabrication shops serving the construction, art, and agricultural sectors. Companies like Vail-Rose or Ironworks of Longmont offer variety in projects. Hiring Trend: Directly tied to the local construction market; steady but can fluctuate.
5. AeroControlex (now part of Parker Hannifin): Located in nearby Greeley, this is another aerospace manufacturing plant that draws from the Longmont talent pool. They need welders for high-precision components. Hiring Trend: Stable, with a focus on quality and process control.
6. Longmont United Hospital: While not a traditional employer, the facilities maintenance team hires welders for equipment repair and modification. Hiring Trend: Low volume, but very stable employment with excellent benefits.
7. City of Longmont (Public Works): The city’s water and public works departments employ welders for maintaining water infrastructure, park equipment, and vehicles. Hiring Trend: Civil service jobs with strict application processes; openings are posted on the city website.

Insider Tip: The most reliable way to find jobs isn't always Indeed. Check the "Careers" pages directly on these companies' websites. For local fabrication shops, a well-timed cold call or in-person visit can bypass the online portal entirely. Joining the Local 744 (Denver) or Local 549 (Northern Colorado) International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers can also provide access to union jobs at places like Ball Aerospace.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado does not have a state-level welding license. Your employability is based on your skills, experience, and—crucially—your certifications, primarily from the American Welding Society (AWS).

Key Requirements & Costs:

• AWS Certifications: The most recognized and sought-after are the AWS Certified Welder (CWI) certifications. These are performance-based tests on specific processes (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW) and positions.
• Cost of Certification: A typical AWS certification test at an accredited testing facility (like one in Denver or Fort Collins) costs $200 - $400 per process/position. Employers often cover the cost for new hires.
• Education & Training: While not mandated, a certificate or Associate's degree from a reputable technical school is highly advantageous. Front Range Community College (FRCC) in Fort Collins and Arapahoe Community College (Littleton) offer excellent welding programs. Tuition for a certificate program can range from $5,000 to $10,000, but financial aid is widely available.
• Timeline to Get Started:
  • With No Experience: 9-12 months for a certificate program + AWS certification. You can then apply for entry-level apprentice or helper positions.
  • With Experience: If you're already a certified welder, you can start applying immediately. It may take 1-3 months to secure a position.
  • For Specialization: Adding a specialty like TIG or orbital welding can take an additional 6-12 months of focused training.

State Safety Requirement: All workers, including welders, must complete a state-mandated Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Training for general industry. This is often provided by the employer during onboarding. If you pay for it yourself, it costs roughly $50-$100.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Where you live in Longmont affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown for a working welder.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
Central / Old Town	Walkable, historic, near restaurants and bars. Can be noisy. 10-15 min drive to most industrial parks.	$1,400 - $1,700	Someone who wants a social life without a commute.
South Longmont (near 119 Ave)	Quieter, more suburban, newer developments. 20-25 min commute to north-side employers like Sequentia.	$1,500 - $1,650	Families or those seeking a quieter, residential feel.
East Side (near 17th Ave)	Affordable, mix of older homes and apartments. Close to shopping (King Soopers, Walmart). 15-20 min to work.	$1,250 - $1,450	Budget-conscious individuals prioritizing affordability.
West Side (near Hover Rd)	More modern apartments, close to the Rec Center and parks. Easy access to US-285 for commutes to Denver/Boulder.	$1,600 - $1,800	Those who value outdoor recreation and a newer apartment.
Carriage Hills / The Fields	Master-planned communities on the far south/southeast edge. Very quiet, family-oriented. 25+ min commute to north industrial.	$1,650 - $1,900	Welders with families looking for a suburban lifestyle.

Insider Tip: Look for rentals in the East Side or Central areas first for the best balance of cost and convenience. The west side is pricier. For a more affordable option, consider the neighboring town of Frederick or Firestone, where rents can be 10-15% lower, with a 15-20 minute commute to Longmont.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Welding in Longmont isn't a dead-end job; it's a skill with a clear ladder. The 10-year job growth of 2% signals that advancement will come from specialization and taking on more responsibility, not just from new companies springing up.

Specialty Premiums:

• TIG Welding (GTAW): Essential for aerospace, food processing, and artistic work. Can add a 10-20% premium to your base wage.
• Stainless Steel Sanitary Welding: Critical for dairy and food plants. Highly valued and can command a premium similar to TIG.
• Structural Welding (SMAW, FCAW): The backbone of construction and tower manufacturing. Experience here is the foundation for supervision roles.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): An AWS certification that can double your salary potential, moving you from hands-on welding to quality control and management.

Advancement Paths:

1. Welder → Lead Hand / Crew Supervisor: You'll manage a small team, handle scheduling, and ensure quality. Requires strong communication and problem-solving skills.
2. Welder → Welding Engineer (Requires Degree): With a Bachelor's in Welding Engineering, you can move into design, process improvement, and project management. This is a long-term goal.
3. Welder → CWI / Quality Control: Transition into inspecting welds, ensuring code compliance, and training new welders.
4. Welder → Fabrication Shop Owner: Many skilled welders in Longmont start their own custom fabrication businesses, serving local artists, homeowners, and small businesses.

The Verdict: The path from a $49,575 median to a six-figure income is entirely achievable, but it requires intentional skill acquisition (specialty certifications) and career planning (moving into inspection or management). The local market rewards those who continuously upskill.

The Verdict: Is Longmont Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Compared to Front Range: Cost of living is reasonable, especially for a skilled trade.	Buying a Home is Challenging on a single median income.
Stable, Niche Job Market: Strong employers in aerospace, renewables, and food processing.	Slower Job Growth (2%) means you must be proactive about networking and skill-building.
Ideal Central Location: Easy commute to Boulder, Denver, and Fort Collins for more opportunities or amenities.	Limited Nightlife/Urban Culture compared to Denver or Boulder. It's a family-oriented town.
Outdoor Access: Gateway to the Rocky Mountains, with hiking, biking, and camping minutes away.	Public Transit is Limited; a reliable vehicle is a necessity.
Community Feel: A true "work-life balance" town where you can know your neighbors.	Competitive for Entry-Level: Having a certification from the start is almost mandatory.

Final Recommendation: Longmont is an excellent choice for a mid-career welder (3-7 years of experience) who is looking for a stable job where their skills are valued and they can afford a comfortable rental lifestyle. It's also great for entry-level welders who are ready to invest in a certification and start building experience with a reputable local employer. It may be a tough sell for a senior welder looking for the highest possible salary without an inspector certification, or for anyone whose primary goal is immediate homeownership without a significant down payment.

FAQs

1. I'm a welder from out of state. How do I get my credentials recognized?
Colorado doesn't have state licensure, so your AWS certifications are key. If you have them from a recognized testing facility, they are valid. If not, you'll likely need to retest at a Colorado-based AWS-accredited facility. Your prior experience on your resume is your strongest asset.

2. Is it worth getting a commercial driver's license (CDL) as a welder?
Absolutely. Many fabrication and construction shops prefer welders who can also drive a truck for deliveries or to job sites. Having a Class A or B CDL can make you a more versatile and valuable employee, and it can add a few dollars to your hourly rate.

3. What's the winter work situation like?
It's mixed. Outdoor structural welding (e.g., on wind towers) can slow or stop in extreme cold/snow. However, shop-based work (fabrication, aerospace, food processing) is year-round. A well-rounded welder with both shop and field experience will have the most consistent work.

4. Are there union jobs available?
Yes. The primary union for welders in the region is the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 549 (Northern Colorado). They represent workers at companies like Ball Aerospace. Union jobs offer strong benefits and