Solar Installer in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Energy
Colorado employs 620 solar installers, with a statewide median of $49,730 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What Solar installers Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $49,730 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $45,930
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $56,280
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $76,170
- Employed in Colorado
- 620
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $51,860 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for solar installers in major Colorado markets:
- Denver
- $53,140 (280 employed)
- Grand Junction
- $47,620 (50 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 $49,730 median is worth closer to $48,235 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)
Colorado is projected to grow solar installers employment +38.4%, slower than the +42.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 90 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Colorado License and Certification Requirements
No solar-specific license; NABCEP certification is the credential — regulated by the No dedicated Colorado license — PV electrical work falls under electrical licensing.
- Colorado has no standalone solar license; the electrical portion of PV work must be performed by or under a Colorado-licensed electrician.
- Start as an installer/helper with a solar company to learn the trade.
- Earn the NABCEP PV Installation Professional credential to stand out and advance.
Training in Colorado
Colorado's strong solar market makes this a growing field. Pairing solar work with an electrical apprenticeship opens the highest-paying roles.
Where Solar installers Work in Colorado
Real Colorado power plants that employ solar installers include:
- Rush Creek Wind — Matheson
- Cheyenne Ridge Wind Farm — Cheyenne Wells
- Rocky Mountain Solar — Avondale
- Neptune Energy Center Hybrid — Boone
- Cedar Creek Wind — Grover
- Bronco Plains Wind, LLC — Flagler
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want fast entry into energy work and can handle roofs and outdoor labor.
Think twice if: You need high starting pay, indoor work, or stable hours from day one.
Why it's resilient: Installation is physical and local, though the work can be sensitive to incentives and construction cycles.
First Steps
Find local installers hiring helpers and compare NABCEP-aligned training options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar installers make in Colorado?
The median wage for solar installers in Colorado is $49,730 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $45,930, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $76,170. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Solar Installer in Colorado?
No solar-specific license; NABCEP certification is the credential, overseen by the No dedicated Colorado license — PV electrical work falls under electrical licensing. Colorado has no standalone solar license; the electrical portion of PV work must be performed by or under a Colorado-licensed electrician.
Is being a Solar Installer a good career in Colorado?
Installation is physical and local, though the work can be sensitive to incentives and construction cycles.
Which Colorado metros pay solar installers the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Denver leads at $53,140, followed by Grand Junction ($47,620). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Is Solar Installer a growing career in Colorado?
Colorado projects solar installers employment to change +38.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 90 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 47-2231. Licensing summary compiled from the No dedicated Colorado license — PV electrical work falls under electrical licensing (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; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
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.