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HVAC Technician in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Skilled trades

Colorado employs 8,940 HVAC technicians, with a statewide median of $65,200 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.

What HVAC technicians Earn in Colorado (May 2025)

Colorado median pay: $65,200 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $48,220
Experienced (75th percentile): $82,010
Top earners (90th percentile): $103,640
Employed in Colorado: 8,940
U.S. median (for comparison): $59,810 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for HVAC technicians in major Colorado markets:

Denver: $71,580 (4,360 employed)
Boulder: $71,080 (340 employed)
Fort Collins: $66,290 (930 employed)
Greeley: $62,020 (410 employed)
Colorado Springs: $61,460 (950 employed)
Grand Junction: $60,540 (260 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 $65,200 median is worth closer to $63,240 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)

Colorado is projected to grow HVAC technicians employment +28.3%, faster than the +8.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,120 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Colorado License and Certification Requirements

Local mechanical/HVAC license (city-issued) + federal EPA 608 — regulated by the Local municipal building departments (Colorado has no statewide HVAC license).

There is no Colorado state HVAC license — get hired as a helper/apprentice with an HVAC company to start earning.
Earn the federal EPA Section 608 certification, required to handle refrigerants.
Obtain the local mechanical/HVAC license your city or county requires (e.g., Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora) for the work you'll do.

Official requirements: Local municipal building departments (Colorado has no statewide HVAC license) →

Training in Colorado

A community-college HVAC certificate (6–12 months) plus EPA 608 is a fast on-ramp. ABC and UA also run HVAC/refrigeration apprenticeships. Confirm the exact license with the city where you'll work.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:

Emily Griffith Technical College — Certificate
Front Range Community College — Certificate / Associate
Intellitec College-Colorado Springs — Associate
Intellitec College-Grand Junction — Associate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want hands-on technical work with a shorter training runway than many licensed trades.

Think twice if: Extreme weather, attics, crawl spaces, and seasonal busy periods sound miserable.

Why it's resilient: Heating and cooling work combines mechanical diagnosis, in-person repair, weather-driven urgency, and local service trust.

First Steps

Compare local HVAC certificate programs and entry-level helper roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do HVAC technicians make in Colorado?

The median wage for HVAC technicians in Colorado is $65,200 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,220, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $103,640. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a HVAC Technician in Colorado?

Local mechanical/HVAC license (city-issued) + federal EPA 608, overseen by the Local municipal building departments (Colorado has no statewide HVAC license). There is no Colorado state HVAC license — get hired as a helper/apprentice with an HVAC company to start earning.

Is being a HVAC Technician a good career in Colorado?

Heating and cooling work combines mechanical diagnosis, in-person repair, weather-driven urgency, and local service trust.

Which Colorado metros pay HVAC technicians the most?

Among Colorado metro areas, Denver leads at $71,580, followed by Boulder ($71,080), Fort Collins ($66,290). 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 a HVAC Technician in Colorado?

Real Colorado options include Emily Griffith Technical College, Front Range Community College, Intellitec College-Colorado Springs. Most HVAC technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is HVAC Technician a growing career in Colorado?

Colorado projects HVAC technicians employment to change +28.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,120 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 49-9021. Licensing summary compiled from the Local municipal building departments (Colorado has no statewide HVAC license) (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.