How Welders in Colorado get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical Colorado compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $46,900 | $35,700 | $61,000 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $58,300 | $44,300 | $75,800 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $67,100 | $51,000 | $87,200 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $80,500 | $61,200 | $104,600 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $91,200 | $69,300 | $118,500 |
Pay varies sharply within Colorado. Major metros usually outpay state-wide averages.
| Metro | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Colorado |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $67,500 | $51,300 | $87,800 | +1% |
Top occupations by median pay in Colorado — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in Colorado
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Welder salary in Colorado is $67,100 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $51,000 and the 75th at $87,200.
Pay-wise, Colorado sits +17% above the national Welder median ($57,300). That makes it one of the stronger markets — though cost of living should always be factored in alongside raw salary.
Senior Welders (10–14 years of experience) in Colorado earn around $80,500 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $91,200 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), Colorado ranks 12th for Welder pay. The highest-paying state pays around $80,300 on average.
The median is a benchmark, not a verdict. Your exact market value depends on your experience and education — plus your specific employer's pay band. Run the free calculator for a personalized number.
Get my personal salary report →