Trades & Labor Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Welder Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median welder salary in Denver, CO is $53,591 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 6.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$53,591
vs State Avg
+$3,290
vs National
+$6,581
Cost of Living
112%

Welder Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median welder salary of $53,591, which is $3,290 above the Colorado state average of $50,301. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $53,591 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $47,849. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for welders in Denver spans from $37,848 at the 10th percentile to $80,712 at the 90th percentile — a $42,864 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,480, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,520. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Welder Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level welder earns around $36,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,480
+$4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,720
+$6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,520
+$9,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $37,848
25th Percentile $44,232
Median (50th) $53,591
75th Percentile $66,348
90th Percentile $80,712

Welder Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$61,113
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$50,771
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$50,301
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$47,950
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Welder in Denver

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Denver 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 Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Welder Jobs in Denver

Browse open welder positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Denver

How much does a Welder make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median welder salary in Denver, Colorado is $53,591 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $37,848 (10th percentile) to $80,712 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,591, a welder in Denver earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for welder pay? ▼
Denver's median welder salary of $53,591 is 6.5% above the Colorado state average of $50,301. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $53,591 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Denver? ▼
Most welder positions in Denver 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.