Trades & Labor Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Welder Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median welder salary in Boulder, CO is $61,113 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median and 21.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$61,113
vs State Avg
+$10,812
vs National
+$14,103
Cost of Living
128%

Welder Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median welder salary of $61,113, which is $10,812 above the Colorado state average of $50,301. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $61,113 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $47,745. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for welders in Boulder spans from $43,160 at the 10th percentile to $92,040 at the 90th percentile — a $48,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,600, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,400. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Welder Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level welder earns around $41,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,600
+$9,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,400
+$14,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,400
+$20,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $43,160
25th Percentile $50,440
Median (50th) $61,113
75th Percentile $75,660
90th Percentile $92,040

Welder Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Welder in Boulder

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Welder Jobs in Boulder

Browse open welder positions in Boulder, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Boulder

How much does a Welder make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median welder salary in Boulder, Colorado is $61,113 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $43,160 (10th percentile) to $92,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $61,113, a welder in Boulder earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for welder pay? ▼
Boulder's median welder salary of $61,113 is 21.5% above the Colorado state average of $50,301. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $61,113 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Boulder? ▼
Most welder positions in Boulder require a high school diploma. Key skills include MIG/TIG Welding, Blueprint Reading, Metal Fabrication, Quality Inspection. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.