How to Become a Machinists in Colorado
Machinists in Colorado earn a median salary of $60,200/year, which is 2% above the national average. Colorado has a state income tax of ~4.4%. After taxes and rent, a machinists takes home approximately $1,936/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a machinists can afford in Colorado
Becoming a machinists in Colorado
Meet education requirements
Machinists positions in Colorado typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Colorado. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many machinists positions in Colorado require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Colorado licensure or certification
Colorado may require specific licensing or professional certification for machinistss. Requirements vary by state, contact the Colorado Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Colorado
Colorado employs 2,800 machinists. The highest concentrations are in Boulder and Fort Collins-Loveland.
Machinists salary by metro area in Colorado
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder | $64K | $30.76/hr | 240 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland | $62K | $29.57/hr | 480 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial | $61K | $29.14/hr | 1,050 |
| Greeley | $58K | $28.05/hr | 260 |
| Colorado Springs | $58K | $27.65/hr | 380 |
| Pueblo | $57K | $27.52/hr | 90 |
| Grand Junction | $49K | $23.64/hr | 100 |
Machinists salary range in Colorado
Machinists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a machinists make in Colorado?▼
The median machinists salary in Colorado is $60,200 per year ($28.94/hr). This is 2% above the national median of $58,750. Salaries range from $44,650 to $84,510.
What are the requirements to become a machinists in Colorado?▼
Machinists positions in Colorado typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Colorado may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Colorado licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a machinists afford to live in Colorado?▼
At the median salary of $60,200, a machinists in Colorado would take home approximately $3,980/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $2,044/month, that's 51.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for machinists in Colorado?▼
The highest paying metro areas for machinists in Colorado are Boulder ($63,990), Fort Collins-Loveland ($61,500), Denver-Aurora-Centennial ($60,620). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Colorado have state income tax for machinists?▼
Yes, Colorado has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.4%. On a $60,200 salary, this means roughly $2,649/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.