Trades & Labor Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

Welder Salary in Colorado

The median welder salary in Colorado is $50,301 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $47,010.

Median Salary
$50,301
vs National
+$3,291
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Welder Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for welder compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for welder pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $50,301 per year, welders in Colorado earn $3,291 more than the national median of $47,010.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning welder salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: welders at the 10th percentile earn $35,524, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $75,756 — a $40,232 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $61,113.

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for welders across the country.

Welder Salary in Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level welder earns around $34,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,760 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,240
+$2,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,360
+$3,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,760
+$4,760 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $35,524
25th Percentile $41,516
Median (50th) $50,301
75th Percentile $62,274
90th Percentile $75,756

Welder Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for welders in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Welder in Colorado

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Colorado has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook in Colorado

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Colorado's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Colorado

How much does a Welder make in Colorado? ▼
The median welder salary in Colorado is $50,301 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $35,524 (10th percentile) to $75,756 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,301, a welder in Colorado earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for welders? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for welder pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level welders earn $34,240, while senior professionals earn $72,760.
How does Colorado compare to other states for welder salary? ▼
The highest paying state for welders is Hawaii at $83,678. Colorado's median of $50,301 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Connecticut ($52,651) and Maryland ($51,711).
What is the entry-level welder salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level welder in Colorado earns approximately $34,240 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $72,760.
What city in Colorado pays welders the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for welders, with a median salary of $61,113. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.