Denver, CO Summary
Comprehensive 2026 salary benchmarking for electricians in Denver, CO, featuring an average annual wage of $76,968 ($37.00/hr) per Glassdoor. Apprentices start near $50K-$58K, journeymen earn around $75K-$95K, and master electricians command $90K-$130K+, with strong demand from data centers, renewables, and EV infrastructure.
Salary Overview
Compared to National Average: Denver electricians earn about $76,968 per year ($37.00/hr) per Glassdoor, approximately 23% above the BLS national median electrician wage of $62,350.
Comparable Metro Area Salary Analysis
Higher than Colorado Springs (~$65.8K) and Fort Collins (~$59.6K); comparable to Washington D.C. ($77,543), Chicago ($74,239), and Philadelphia ($74,362) per Glassdoor 2026. Below the Bay Area markets (San Francisco $101,596, San Jose $91,942) and Seattle ($87,255).
Factors Influencing Local Salary
- High demand from construction and data centers
- Union presence (IBEW Local 68)
- Experience and licensing levels
- Cost of living and specializations (e.g., high-altitude wiring, renewables)
Salary by Career Stage
- Apprentice (Years 1-2): $50K-$58K ($24-$28/hr)
- Apprentice (Years 3-4): $62K-$72K ($30-$35/hr)
- Journeyman: $75K-$95K ($36-$46/hr); union journeymen can reach $112K-$123K
- Master / Foreman: $95K-$135K+ ($46-$65/hr)
Job Outlook and Market Trends
Projected 9% national job growth through 2034 (BLS), with Colorado expected to outpace the national rate due to data centers, renewables, EV infrastructure, and retirements in the Denver metro area.
Guidance for Professionals and Employers
Field service owners: Benchmark journeyman pay at $36-$46/hr; adjust billable rates to $130-$160/hr for 25-35% margins amid labor shortages. Offer signing bonuses, take-home vehicles, and paid certifications to compete with union scale and attract specialists in data centers and renewables.
Job seekers: look for opportunities with data centers and the commercial energy sector
Cost of Living Context
Denver's median housing ($1,800+/mo for a 1BR) consumes roughly 35% of the local median salary. The Denver electrician's 23% pay premium over BLS national is partially offset by 20-30% higher cost of living, yielding similar real purchasing power to a $60K-$65K salary in an average U.S. metro.
Popular Benefits Offered
- Union health & welfare (no employee premiums)
- Pension and annuity contributions
- Paid training and apprenticeships
- Signing bonuses and tool allowances
