Pipefitter in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Colorado employs 10,080 pipefitters, with a statewide median of $63,240 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What Pipefitters Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $63,240 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $47,770
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $78,740
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $100,240
- Employed in Colorado
- 10,080
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,970 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pipefitters in major Colorado markets:
- Boulder
- $64,890 (420 employed)
- Denver
- $63,900 (5,750 employed)
- Grand Junction
- $61,430 (300 employed)
- Fort Collins
- $60,610 (800 employed)
- Colorado Springs
- $60,510 (1,060 employed)
- Greeley
- $59,350 (520 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 $63,240 median is worth closer to $61,339 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)
Colorado is projected to grow pipefitters employment +22.6%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,190 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Colorado License and Certification Requirements
No state pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship — regulated by the No standalone Colorado license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work falls under the Plumbing Board).
- Colorado has no separate license for industrial pipefitting.
- Apply to a United Association (UA) local apprenticeship (~5 years, earn-while-you-learn).
- Note: if your work includes plumbing-scope piping, you'll need a Colorado plumbing license from the State Plumbing Board.
Training in Colorado
High pay in industrial, mechanical, and HVAC piping. UA locals (Denver area) run the main apprenticeship pipelines.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:
- Emily Griffith Technical College — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want strong union wages and enjoy precision mechanical work in industrial or commercial settings.
Think twice if: Industrial job sites, confined spaces, and working with high-pressure systems sound dangerous rather than interesting.
Why it's resilient: Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.
First Steps
Contact UA (United Association) Local pipefitter apprenticeship programs in your area — separate from plumber apprenticeships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pipefitters make in Colorado?
The median wage for pipefitters in Colorado is $63,240 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,770, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $100,240. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Pipefitter in Colorado?
No state pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship, overseen by the No standalone Colorado license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work falls under the Plumbing Board). Colorado has no separate license for industrial pipefitting.
Is being a Pipefitter a good career in Colorado?
Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.
Which Colorado metros pay pipefitters the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Boulder leads at $64,890, followed by Denver ($63,900), Grand Junction ($61,430). 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 Pipefitter in Colorado?
Real Colorado options include Emily Griffith Technical College. Most pipefitters start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Pipefitter a growing career in Colorado?
Colorado projects pipefitters employment to change +22.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,190 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 47-2152. Licensing summary compiled from the No standalone Colorado license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work falls under the Plumbing Board) (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.