3 registered apprenticeship programs in Colorado. Starting wages from $19.25/hr, advancing to $27.50/hr at journeyman level.
$19.25/hr
Starting wage
$27.50/hr
Journeyman wage
4–5 years
Program length
3
Registered programs
Programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL RAPIDS) and/or the CO state apprenticeship agency. Contact programs directly for current enrollment windows and openings.
| Program | Sponsor | Duration | Wage progression |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC/R Apprenticeship — Colorado JATC | UA Local 208 — Plumbers & Steamfitters, Denver | 5 years / 10,000 OJT hours | 50% → 60% → 70% → 80% → 90% of journeyman rate |
| Sheet Metal Apprenticeship — SMWIA Local 9 Colorado | Sheet Metal Workers Local 9 | 5 years / 9,000 OJT hours | 48% → 58% → 68% → 78% → 90% of journeyman rate |
| Commercial HVAC Apprenticeship — Colorado PHCC | Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Colorado | 4 years | $18/hr → $21/hr → $24/hr → $27/hr |
Wages shown use the standard DOL apprenticeship progression schedule applied to the Colorado journeyman median of $27.50/hr (BLS OEWS 2024, SOC 49-9021). Actual rates depend on the specific program sponsor.
| Stage | % of journeyman | Estimated hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (0–12 months) | 50% | $13.75/hr |
| Year 2 (12–24 months) | 60% | $16.50/hr |
| Year 3 (24–36 months) | 70% | $19.25/hr |
| Year 4 (36–48 months) | 80% | $22.00/hr |
| Year 5 / Journeyman | 100% | $27.50/hr |
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment — Apprenticeship
https://cdle.colorado.gov/workforce-development/apprenticeshipRegister your apprenticeship, verify program sponsors, and find additional registered programs not listed here.
No apprentice listings are active in Colorado right now. Check back soon, or browse entry-level HVAC jobs across the country.
Browse all apprentice jobsMost registered HVAC apprenticeship programs in Colorado take 4–5 years, combining on-the-job training (OJT) hours with related technical instruction (RTI).
Entry-level apprentices in Colorado typically start around $19.25/hour (≈50% of journeyman rate). By program completion, wages reach approximately $27.50/hour.
Must be at least 18 years old High school diploma or GED equivalent Valid driver's license Able to lift 50 lbs and work in confined spaces Pass a drug screening prior to enrollment Ability to work at altitude (Denver metro is 5,280 ft) Individual program sponsors may have additional requirements.
Wage data sourced from BLS OEWS 2024 (SOC 49-9021). Program information reflects DOL RAPIDS database patterns as of 2026. Contact individual program sponsors for current enrollment status and exact wage schedules.
