Denver, CO offers 26.4% projected growth in welding jobs by 2024, with hourly wages ranging from $20.00 to $46.76 depending on skills and certification 12. This growing demand aligns with national projections showing 80,000 welding jobs needing to be filled annually through 2029 3. As Colorado's construction and advanced manufacturing sectors expand and older welders retire, a significant opportunity exists for those entering the trade. Whether you're a high school graduate or considering a career change, Denver provides multiple pathways to begin your journey as a welder. To help you take that first step, use Gild to explore current welding job openings and apprenticeship opportunities in the Denver area. For more details on job listings, check Indeed for Denver welding jobs or ZipRecruiter.
Welders in Denver are skilled professionals who use specialized techniques to join metal components in various industries. These tradespeople work extensively in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. In Denver, welders create structural frameworks for commercial buildings, fabricate industrial equipment components, and join piping systems in both residential and commercial contexts. This work often involves interpreting engineering drawings, maintaining welding equipment, and implementing quality control measures for weld joints.
Common welding methods include MIG (Gas Metal Arc Welding), SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding), and GTAW/TIG welding 4. Many Denver positions specifically seek expertise in structural welding for building frames and pipe welding for system installations. For insights into industry trends, visit the American Welding Society summit. As the industry evolves, welders may also work with automated systems or implement sustainable practices.
While Denver lacks universal licensing requirements, the American Welding Society (AWS) certification serves as the industry benchmark for qualified welders. This performance-based certification demonstrates proficiency in specific welding procedures like structural steel welding or sheet metal work 5. Many Denver employers prefer or require AWS certification when hiring for critical roles, especially in construction or pressure vessel applications. Learn more about AWS certification at the AWS Certified Welder Program.
Certification requires completing a performance qualification test at an AWS Accredited Testing Facility (ATF) according to QC7 standards 5. Once certified, welders must maintain qualifications by using the designated welding process regularly and submitting renewal documentation. This system ensures consistent industry standards across Denver employers and projects.
Denver area residents have access to several comprehensive welding training programs that prepare students for certification. Explore options like Lincoln Tech in Denver for specialized programs:
Lincoln Tech – Denver Campus
Community College of Denver (CCD)
Other Options:
| Program | Institution | Duration | Cost Range (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Intro Classes | Denver Tool Library | 1-day | $100-200 |
| Welding 1 Certificate | Emily Griffith Tech | 3-6 months | $3,000-5,000 |
| Welding Diploma | Lincoln Tech | 720 instructional hours (~6-9 months) | $10,000-15,000 |
| Advanced Welding | Lincoln Tech | 920 instructional hours (~9-12 months) | $15,000-20,000 |
| Associate Degree | Community College of Denver | 2 years | $5,000-20,000 (depending on residency) |
These options provide a comprehensive range of training durations and depths, allowing individuals to choose the most appropriate path based on career goals and resources.
Apprenticeships in Denver offer hands-on learning while earning wages. These programs typically combine classroom instruction with mentored, on-site work. To find opportunities:
While formal apprenticeships aren't standardized across all welding trades in Denver, most employers expect at least 3 years of relevant experience for specialized welding roles 4. Entry requirements typically include basic math skills and physical fitness to handle materials and equipment in various work environments.
To build a successful welding career in Denver, follow these critical steps:
Select an educational pathway aligned with your career objectives. For entry-level opportunities, a 720-hour diploma program at Lincoln Tech provides sufficient preparation 4. Visit Lincoln Tech for enrollment details.
Many Denver welders begin with entry-level positions that provide structured training. During this time, focus on mastering different welding positions (horizontal, vertical, overhead) and materials including carbon steel, aluminum, and stainless steel 7.
The AWS Certified Welder designation significantly enhances job prospects. Complete your certification by passing the required test at an AWS Accredited Testing Facility (ATF) 5. Consider multiple certifications covering different techniques to broaden your capabilities, with details available at the AWS site.
With training and certification complete, pursue your first professional welding position. Many Denver employers offer starting wages between $20.00 and $26.00 per hour increasing with experience 18.
Denver's construction boom and expanding manufacturing sector fuel strong welding demand. Colorado projected 26% growth in welding careers by 2024, far exceeding national averages 7. This growth reflects broader national trends, with the welding skills shortage anticipated to reach 360,000 welders by 2027 due to retirements and low industry entrants 5.
Several industry trends will continue shaping Denver's welding job market through 2025 and beyond:
Denver welders can expect competitive compensation compared to national averages. Current wage data reveals:
Colorado's statewide average wage stands at $23.41 per hour, highlighting Denver's premium compensation levels 5. This wage premium reflects Denver's robust construction sector and manufacturing activity. For more wage insights, visit ZipRecruiter or BLS data.
While the Denver job market shows an unemployment rate of 4.6% in 2025 9, welding positions remain in high demand across multiple sectors. Local employers, particularly in construction (37% unable to find qualified applicants) and manufacturing (35% job vacancies), continue to report significant hiring challenges 6.
Despite strong demand, Denver's welding workforce faces several challenges:
To address these challenges, Denver has expanded training solutions:
By addressing these challenges head-on, Denver ensures long-term opportunity for new welders entering this vital trade.
Use Gild to start exploring current welding job opportunities in Denver. Whether you're beginning a new career or expanding your existing technical skills, Denver's growing demand for qualified welders creates a promising path forward.
https://skillsetgroup.com/2024/01/05/how-do-you-get-a-welding-certification-in-colorado/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://www.ccd.edu/program/fabrication-welding ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
https://www.aws.org/certification-and-education/professional-certification/certified-welder-program/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8
https://www.lincolntech.edu/campus/denver-co/programs/welding-technology ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
https://catalog.ccd.edu/programs-courses/academic-pathways/industry-manufacturing-construction/fabrication-welding/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/CODLE/2025/04/18/file_attachments/3234279/employment-situation-2025-03.pdf ↩
