Are you considering a career in the electrical trade? Denver, CO, offers a promising landscape for aspiring electricians, with the industry projected to reach $5.1 billion in market size by 2025 1. Electricians in Denver must begin with an apprenticeship, eventually pursuing either a journeyman electrician license or residential wireman license after completing extensive training 2. With national employment growth projected to rise 11% from 2023-2033 3, now is an opportune time to enter this field. The average salary for Electrical Engineer I in Denver is $83,514, with experienced professionals earning approximately $114,344 annually 4.
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. In Denver's evolving market, electricians also find opportunities in emerging fields like renewable energy systems and smart home automation.
The electrical trade requires both physical capability and technical knowledge:
Yes! To work professionally in the electrical trade in Denver, you'll need to obtain specific licenses from the State of Colorado. The primary licenses are:
Proof of training from an accredited program and verification by a supervising contractor is also required 5.
To become a licensed electrician, you'll start with a registered apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. In Denver, the typical requirements include:
Apprenticeships in Denver typically last 4-5 years and involve both classroom instruction and on-the-job training. During this time you'll earn while you learn, gaining vital experience and skills.
Key requirements:
After completing a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship, you qualify to apply for your journeyman electrician license.
If your focus will be on single-family homes or multifamily housing up to four stories, you can pursue the residential wireman license instead.
As you gain experience, consider specializations:
The electrical trade in Denver offers diverse career advancement paths:
| Career Path | Description | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
| Project Manager | Oversees electrical projects from planning to execution | Typically 2+ years as journeyman |
| Estimator | Calculates materials and costs for projects | 3-5 years field experience |
| Foreman Electrician | Supervises crews and coordinates work | 2-5 years in similar roles 2 |
| Automation Specialist | Focuses on industrial control systems | Additional 1-2 years training 9 |
| Renewable Energy Technician | Specializes in solar/wind energy systems | Specialized training required |
| Inspector | Ensures compliance with electrical codes | Advanced certification required |
Emerging opportunities in renewable energy, automation, and smart building technology are opening new career paths, driven by Denver's emphasis on sustainability and technological advancement 4.
Denver's growing economy and construction boom make it a favorable market for electricians. Key economic factors include:
| Position | Average Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer I | $83,514/year (range $72,819-$93,322) 1 |
| All Electrical Engineers | $114,344/year 4 |
| Automated Systems Electrician | $42-$50/hour 3 |
| Renewable Energy Specialist | $95K–$170K/year 10 |
| Journeyman Electrician | $25-$35/hour |
| Commercial Electrician | $26-$34/hour |
Regional factors like the high concentration of electrical establishments in Denver County and local workforce shortages are influencing the strong earning potential for qualified professionals 1.
The advancement of technology is reshaping the electrical trade landscape in Denver:
Skilled electricians with a hybrid of traditional electrical expertise and modern technological capabilities, especially in renewable energy and automation, are finding the most opportunities in Denver's evolving market 19.
The electrical industry in Denver faces several significant challenges:
Regional initiatives are addressing these challenges through:
Getting started in the electrical trade in Denver is an exciting opportunity to enter a high-demand, well-paying field. Whether you're finishing high school or considering a career change, following the steps outlined here will set you on the path to success. As you gain experience and build credentials, your opportunities in the electrical industry will continue to grow.
Use Gild to search for electrical apprenticeships and job openings in Denver. Gild brings thousands of electrical trade role openings together in one place, making it easier to find opportunities that match your goals and skills.
https://www.ibisworld.com/us/industry/colorado/electricians/14342/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
https://www.indeed.com/q-electrical-apprentice-l-denver,-co-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
https://www.ewweb.com/data-training/market-planning-guide/article/55245757/2025-market-planning-guide ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://dpo.colorado.gov/Electrical/Applications ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8
https://iecrm.org/how-to-get-an-electrician-license/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.emilygriffith.edu/programs/electrician-apprenticeship/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
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