What does a Carpenter in Colorado do? Well, among other things, a carpenter in Colorado is responsible for measuring, cutting, and shaping a handful of materials, including wood, plastic, and fiberglass, while fabricating fixtures and structures like doors and windows from them. Naturally, a career in the field requires lots of training.
It also requires meeting a few requirements set by the state, employers, and relevant training programs. Candidates looking to become familiar with these requirements will be glad to know that we have highlighted them in comprehensive detail below.
Those who want a clear picture of other relevant information, including top schools and career projections, will also find them on this page.
How to Become a Carpenter in Colorado
The following are the key requirements for becoming a carpenter in Colorado.
Basic Requirements
The basic requirements to become a carpenter in Colorado include being at least 17 years old, having a high school diploma or GED, and being proficient in certain mathematics and geometry subjects.
All of these will make the next steps of the process much more convenient.
Apprenticeship Training
By enrolling in an apprenticeship program, aspiring carpenters in Colorado set themselves on a path to receive complete and robust training. This is because apprenticeship programs typically strike a balance between classroom training and hands-on training.
Candidates will learn in real-world environments under the tutelage of experienced and successful carpenters in the state.
These programs are typically organized by employers, professional organizations, government initiatives, and trade unions in the state.
Academic Training
Academic training is an alternative to or an addition to apprenticeship programs. Candidates may enroll in trade and technical schools for such training.
The duration depends on the degree in sight. Some programs can be completed in a few weeks, while others take months or years.
Securing Employment
To make it easier for them to secure employment after completing their basic training, aspiring carpenters in Colorado may choose to specialize in a particular area of carpentry (green carpentry, for instance) and obtain a professional credential.
We explore various available options below.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Colorado does not issue a specific license to carpenters, meaning professionals in this field may begin their careers without worrying about registration or a state licensing exam.
Those who want professional credentials to stand out, further their careers, or specialize may consider any nationally recognized organizations offering such credentials. These include the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the US Green Building Council, and the National Wood Flooring Association.
OSHA and the Red Cross also offer specific safety and adherence certifications that are mandatory for specific projects or useful for pursuing career opportunities.
Top Carpentry Schools in Colorado
Below are some of the most prominent carpentry schools for students in Colorado.
Emily Griffith Technical College
Denver, CO Online + Campus
Emily Griffith Technical College is one of the most popular trade schools in the state. It has a reputation for producing successful graduates. The school offers a modern carpentry program with a strong apprenticeship element.
Tuition
$1,610 - $6,700Contact
admissions@emilygriffith.edu
(720) 423-4700
Red Rocks Community College
Jefferson, CO Online + Campus
Another popular school in the state with a successful track record, Red Rocks Community College, offers a construction technology program through which aspiring carpenters may start their careers on the right track.
Tuition
$4,471 - $16,135Contact
rrcc.admissions@rrcc.edu
(303) 914-6600
Notable Mentions
Other notable mentions include Pike State Community College, Southwest Mountain States Carpenters Training Fund for apprenticeship training, and Aims Community College in Greeley.
Explore Carpentry Schools by City:
Salary & Career Outlook
Carpenters in Colorado earn a mean annual salary of $64,641, about 3% higher than the national average for other states. Of course, your actual salary as a carpenter in Colorado may be higher or lower than this figure, depending on a few factors, including experience, work establishment, and location.
Those on the lower income spectrum usually earn around $41,955 per year, while those in the top ten percent earn as high as $99,594.
Some high-paying cities to practice as a carpenter in Colorado include Boulder, with an average annual salary of $77,445; Fort Collins, with an annual average salary of $67,441, Aurora with an annual average salary of $66,892, Golden with an annual average salary of $66,237, and Denver with an annual average salary of $64,649.