Auto Technician in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Colorado employs 12,300 auto technicians, with a statewide median of $61,280 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What Auto technicians Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $61,280 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $39,550
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $78,300
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $93,830
- Employed in Colorado
- 12,300
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $49,670 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for auto technicians in major Colorado markets:
- Boulder
- $63,950 (670 employed)
- Denver
- $61,960 (6,340 employed)
- Fort Collins
- $61,610 (790 employed)
- Greeley
- $60,920 (600 employed)
- Colorado Springs
- $60,710 (1,600 employed)
- Grand Junction
- $58,200 (400 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Colorado
Prices in Colorado run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $61,280 median is worth closer to $59,437 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)
Colorado is projected to grow auto technicians employment +10.4%, faster than the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,330 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Colorado License and Certification Requirements
No state license; ASE certification (voluntary) — regulated by the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard.
- Colorado does not license auto technicians.
- Train through a community-college automotive program or a dealer/independent shop apprenticeship.
- Earn ASE certifications (A1–A8) as you gain experience — they drive pay and hiring.
Official requirements: No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard →
Training in Colorado
Manufacturer-specific training (e.g., dealer programs) plus ASE certs are the fastest way to raise your rate. EV/hybrid skills are increasingly valuable.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:
- Aims Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Arapahoe Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Colorado Mesa University — Certificate / Associate
- Colorado Mountain College — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Mechanical thinkers who like troubleshooting tangible systems.
Think twice if: You want clean, quiet work or dislike changing technology and tight labor times.
Why it's resilient: Vehicles still need physical diagnosis, repair, inspection, and customer trust, even as tools get smarter.
First Steps
Look into ASE-aligned programs, apprenticeships, and entry-level shop roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do auto technicians make in Colorado?
The median wage for auto technicians in Colorado is $61,280 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $39,550, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $93,830. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Auto Technician in Colorado?
No state license; ASE certification (voluntary), overseen by the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard. Colorado does not license auto technicians.
Is being an Auto Technician a good career in Colorado?
Vehicles still need physical diagnosis, repair, inspection, and customer trust, even as tools get smarter.
Which Colorado metros pay auto technicians the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Boulder leads at $63,950, followed by Denver ($61,960), Fort Collins ($61,610). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Auto Technician in Colorado?
Real Colorado options include Aims Community College, Arapahoe Community College, Colorado Mesa University. Most auto technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Auto Technician a growing career in Colorado?
Colorado projects auto technicians employment to change +10.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,330 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Colorado statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-3023. Licensing summary compiled from the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Colorado wages · Colorado licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.