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Sheet Metal Worker in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Skilled trades

Colorado employs 1,660 sheet metal workers, with a statewide median of $57,880 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.

What Sheet metal workers Earn in Colorado (May 2025)

Colorado median pay: $57,880 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $43,780
Experienced (75th percentile): $70,400
Top earners (90th percentile): $83,550
Employed in Colorado: 1,660
U.S. median (for comparison): $60,750 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for sheet metal workers in major Colorado markets:

Denver: $61,620 (880 employed)
Boulder: $55,640 (60 employed)
Fort Collins: $52,640 (80 employed)
Greeley: $50,020 (120 employed)
Grand Junction: $49,010 (90 employed)
Colorado Springs: $47,550 (180 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 $57,880 median is worth closer to $56,140 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)

Colorado is projected to grow sheet metal workers employment +16.7%, faster than the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 180 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Colorado License and Certification Requirements

No state license; SMART/SMACNA apprenticeship — regulated by the No Colorado state license — SMART apprenticeship path.

Colorado does not license sheet-metal workers.
Apply to a SMART sheet-metal apprenticeship (earn-while-you-learn, ~4–5 years).
Complete on-the-job training plus related instruction in fabrication and HVAC duct work.

Official requirements: No Colorado state license — SMART apprenticeship path →

Training in Colorado

Combines fabrication and HVAC install. Union (SMART/SMACNA) training centers are the main entry; commercial construction drives demand.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:

Aims Community College — Certificate / Associate
Colorado Mesa University — Certificate / Associate
Colorado Mountain College — Certificate
Community College of Denver — Certificate / Associate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who like precision fabrication work and are comfortable with rooftops, ladders, and construction sites.

Think twice if: Sharp metal edges, heights, loud fabrication shops, and seasonal outdoor work sound unappealing.

Why it's resilient: Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, and building components — skilled licensed work requiring physical presence on every job.

First Steps

Look for SMART (International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers) apprenticeship openings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do sheet metal workers make in Colorado?

The median wage for sheet metal workers in Colorado is $57,880 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $43,780, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $83,550. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Sheet Metal Worker in Colorado?

No state license; SMART/SMACNA apprenticeship, overseen by the No Colorado state license — SMART apprenticeship path. Colorado does not license sheet-metal workers.

Is being a Sheet Metal Worker a good career in Colorado?

Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, and building components — skilled licensed work requiring physical presence on every job.

Which Colorado metros pay sheet metal workers the most?

Among Colorado metro areas, Denver leads at $61,620, followed by Boulder ($55,640), Fort Collins ($52,640). 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 Sheet Metal Worker in Colorado?

Real Colorado options include Aims Community College, Colorado Mesa University, Colorado Mountain College. Most sheet metal workers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Sheet Metal Worker a growing career in Colorado?

Colorado projects sheet metal workers employment to change +16.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 180 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 47-2211. Licensing summary compiled from the No Colorado state license — SMART apprenticeship path (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.