Colorado Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Colorado
Average Cost of Trade School in Colorado
Most trade programs in Colorado are offered through public technical schools and community colleges. The tuition figures below are a baseline for many career programs, while total out-of-pocket cost can vary by trade due to lab time, tools, and certification or licensing requirements.
In Colorado, rapid Front Range growth and mountain-region needs can influence demand for construction, mechanical, and service trades.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $3,584 higher than in-state on average.
| Colorado Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $3,703 |
|---|---|
| Colorado Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $7,287 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Trade type: Lab-heavy programs (welding, electrical, industrial maintenance) can carry higher equipment and lab fees than shorter programs (like CDL).
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Colorado
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you build skills through supervised work and related instruction. Your out-of-pocket costs are often minimal to none (as the apprentice). The employer will typically cover tuition, while you earn a salary. Potential out-of-pocket costs for apprenticeships may include supplies, tools, or travel.
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Colorado Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- Colorado trade programs commonly take 6–18 months for entry-level credentials, while apprenticeships frequently last 3–5 years depending on required hours and classroom instruction.
- Licensing requirements vary by trade and municipality. Some trades are regulated at the state level, while others are managed locally through permits and inspections—confirm requirements where you plan to work.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality—some paths require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Typical timelines by trade
| Trade | School (Typical) | Apprenticeship (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| Plumber | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | 6–18 months | 2–5 years |
| Welder | 4–12 months | 1–4 years |
| Carpenter | 3–12 months | 3–4 years |
| CDL Truck Driver | 1–3 months | 0–1 year |
Timelines are general ranges and can vary by program, employer, and licensing requirements.
Average Trade Wages in Colorado
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in Colorado. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $28.10 | $1,124 | $4,872 | $58,469 |
| AV Technician | $34.94 | $1,398 | $6,056 | $72,675 |
| Carpenter | $27.35 | $1,094 | $4,741 | $56,888 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $37.73 | $1,511 | $6,548 | $78,578 |
| CNC Machinist | $25.86 | $1,034 | $4,482 | $53,789 |
| Construction | $27.46 | $1,098 | $4,760 | $57,117 |
| Concrete Finisher | $30.11 | $1,204 | $5,219 | $62,629 |
| Diesel Technician | $31.22 | $1,249 | $5,412 | $64,938 |
| Electrician | $33.04 | $1,322 | $5,727 | $68,723 |
| Heavy Equipment | $26.94 | $1,064 | $4,612 | $55,347 |
| HVAC Technician | $30.47 | $1,219 | $5,282 | $63,382 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $30.12 | $1,205 | $5,222 | $62,661 |
| Ironworker | $28.70 | $1,150 | $4,984 | $59,802 |
| Lineworker | $44.97 | $1,799 | $7,796 | $93,547 |
| Marine Mechanic | $31.11 | $1,244 | $5,392 | $64,711 |
| Mason | $29.24 | $1,170 | $5,068 | $60,819 |
| Plumber | $34.96 | $1,383 | $5,993 | $71,918 |
| Roofer | $26.03 | $1,041 | $4,512 | $54,142 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $27.57 | $1,091 | $4,731 | $56,769 |
| Welder | $26.41 | $1,050 | $4,542 | $54,508 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
How Easy It Is to Find Trade Jobs in Colorado
Entry difficulty: Moderate, with strong metro and infrastructure demand. Colorado offers solid access to trade employment driven by population growth, infrastructure expansion, and ongoing maintenance needs, though competition can be higher in fast-growing metro areas. Licensing requirements exist in some trades but are generally manageable compared to more heavily regulated states.
Unlike states dominated by large-scale industrial facilities or year-round construction, Colorado’s trade demand is shaped by a mix of residential growth, commercial development, utilities, and climate-related maintenance. Rapid expansion along the Front Range, combined with aging infrastructure in mountain and rural areas, sustains demand for electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and general construction trades.
Seasonal weather can affect construction schedules in some regions, but population growth and infrastructure investment help offset downtime with steady year-round hiring across many trades.
What Actually Drives Trade Hiring in Colorado
- Population growth along the Front Range: Residential and commercial development supports ongoing demand for core construction trades.
- Utilities and infrastructure expansion: Power, water, and transportation systems require skilled maintenance and upgrade work.
- Climate-related building needs: Heating, insulation, and weather-resistant systems increase demand for HVAC and electrical trades.
- Public-sector projects: Transportation and municipal construction provide consistent trade employment.
Where Trade Jobs Are Concentrated — and Why
- Denver metro area: The state’s largest growth center, driving demand across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
- Colorado Springs: Military facilities, healthcare systems, and regional development support steady trade hiring.
- Mountain and resort regions: Ongoing maintenance, renovation, and infrastructure work sustains skilled trade roles.
Construction, Infrastructure, and Climate Anchors
Colorado’s trade workforce is supported by long-term growth and maintenance needs rather than short-term construction booms:
- Residential and commercial construction — Continued development supports framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trades.
- Utilities and transportation systems — Skilled trades maintain and expand essential infrastructure.
- Climate-resilient building systems — Heating, insulation, and energy systems drive specialized trade demand.
How Trade Workers Actually Get Hired in Colorado
Trade jobs in Colorado are commonly secured through contractor hiring, technical training programs, and apprenticeship pathways tied to metro growth:
- Contractor and subcontractor hiring: Many workers enter through local construction and specialty firms.
- Community colleges and trade schools: Programs feed directly into electrical, HVAC, and plumbing roles.
- Registered apprenticeships: Used across electrical and mechanical trades, particularly in urban markets.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Opportunities in Colorado
Colorado supports both union and non-union trade pathways. Union roles are more common on large commercial and public projects, while non-union contractors dominate residential and small commercial work, offering broader access and varied entry points.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal apprenticeship with classroom instruction and supervised jobsite training | Employer-led training; structure varies by contractor |
| Pay Progression | Defined wage steps tied to apprenticeship milestones | Raises based on experience, certifications, or employer policy |
| Benefits | Typically includes health insurance, pension, and retirement plans | Benefits vary widely; often depend on employer size |
| Project Types | Commercial, infrastructure, public works, and renewable energy | Residential, service work, small commercial projects |
| Best Fit For | Workers seeking structured training and large-project experience | Workers prioritizing flexibility and quicker job entry |