Four seasons with cold winters, hot spells in summer, and elevation-driven extremes keep heating systems under heavy load across Colorado. Average pay runs $71,330/year — 10.1% above the national average — with 8,940 techs employed across Fort Collins, Denver, and Boulder.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$48,220
entry-level
25th Pct
$58,050
early career
Median
$65,200
typical wage
75th Pct
$82,010
experienced
90th Pct
$103,640
senior tech
Wage data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Metro Markets
Metro-level salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025. Cities ranked by HVAC employment count.
Licensing
Authority: Local building departments (Denver Community Planning & Development primary)
License type: Varies by municipality (Denver: Class A/B Mechanical Supervisor + D-11 Contractor)
Threshold or scope: All trade licensing at local level
Continuing education: Varies by municipality
Key details: Denver Class A: unlimited. Class B: limited. D-11: heating, ventilation, refrigeration contractor.
For the most current licensing rules, fees, and reciprocity details, always consult the state authority.
Apprenticeship Programs
5
Verified Programs
Apprenticeship sponsor data verified through union local primary sources, state Building Trades directories, and apprenticeship.gov.
Training
Program details vary by school. Verify cost, duration, and certification requirements directly with each institution.
Industry Density
Contracting Businesses
515
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
8,940
SOC 49-9021
14.92¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#27 of 51
State Energy Rank
Establishment data from BLS QCEW NAICS 238222. Employment from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Electricity rates from EIA Electric Power Annual 2024.
Climate Profile
5B
Cool-Dry
heating_dominant
Colorado is in a Cool-Dry zone where heating demand defines the HVAC market. Furnace, boiler, and heat pump work dominate the trade, with emergency winter service driving demand. Summer cooling work is shorter but real.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in Colorado earn a mean annual wage of $71,330, about 10.1% above the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $48,220, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $103,640. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Colorado are Denver with about 4,360 HVAC mechanics, Colorado Springs with about 950 HVAC mechanics, and Fort Collins with about 930 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Colorado are Front Range Community College, Emily Griffith Technical College, and Red Rocks Community College. Programs typically run 6–24 months and prepare graduates for EPA Section 608 certification and entry-level positions. See our trade schools directory for full program details.
Have a different question? Reach our team at team@findhvacjobs.com.
