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What is the average salary in Boulder, CO?

The average salary in Boulder, CO is $77,718 per year.

Boulder, Colorado, offers attractive salary opportunities across various industries. Professionals in the area enjoy competitive pay, with an average yearly salary of $77,718. This figure reflects the high earning potential available in the region.


Salaries vary by industry, with some sectors offering particularly high earnings. For example, individuals in the technology and scientific fields often see the highest incomes. These top earners can make over $200,000 per year. Other notable high-paying fields include education, finance, and healthcare. Professionals in these areas also enjoy robust compensation packages.

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What are the best paying jobs in Boulder, CO?

Boulder, Colorado, offers a variety of well-paying job opportunities across different sectors. Some of the top-paying roles include General Dentist, Solutions Architect, and Architect, each with an average salary exceeding $135,000. These jobs provide a good balance between high earnings and professional growth, making them attractive to many job seekers. Additionally, roles such as Principal Engineer, Software Engineer, and Product Manager also offer competitive salaries, further enhancing Boulder's appeal as a prime location for career advancement.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boulder, CO, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $308,100 and Dental Hygienist with the lowest at $122,983.
  1. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $308,100
    A General Dentist examines patients' teeth and gums. They treat cavities, perform cleanings, and educate patients. They work in private practices or clinics. Experienced dentists earn higher salaries.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Boulder, CO


  2. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $189,605
    A Solutions Architect designs and plans IT systems. They work with companies to find the best tech solutions. This role fits those with tech and business skills. Large firms and tech companies hire these experts.
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  3. Architect
    Average Salary: $178,994
    An Architect designs buildings and other structures. They balance aesthetics with practicality. They work with clients and engineers. Top earners usually have advanced degrees and experience.
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  4. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $167,814
    A Principal Engineer leads projects and teams. They make big decisions and solve complex problems. They often have years of experience. Tech and engineering companies value their skills.
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  5. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $151,823
    A Software Engineer develops software. They write code and fix bugs. They work in tech companies or software firms. Experience and skills in programming languages can boost earnings.
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  6. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $147,738
    A Product Manager oversees the development of products. They work with teams to create new features. They need good communication and leadership skills. Tech and consumer goods companies hire them.
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  7. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $141,548
    A Systems Engineer maintains and improves IT systems. They troubleshoot issues and manage hardware and software. They work in various industries. Experience and certifications can increase pay.
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  8. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $137,561
    A Nurse Practitioner provides healthcare services. They diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in hospitals or clinics. Additional training and certifications can lead to higher earnings.
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  9. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $136,160
    A Pharmacist dispenses medications and offers advice on their use. They work in pharmacies or hospitals. They must have a degree and pass exams. Experience can boost their salary.
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  10. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $122,983
    A Dental Hygienist cleans teeth and examines the mouth. They educate patients on oral health. They work in dental offices. They need a degree and license. Experience often leads to higher pay.
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What are the best paying jobs in Boulder, CO without a degree?

Boulder, CO offers several high-paying job opportunities for those without a college degree. One such job is Restaurant Manager, with an average salary of around $61,543. Another option is Irrigation Technician, which pays around $58,829 on average. These roles provide a chance to earn a good income in a desirable location. In addition to Restaurant Managers and Irrigation Technicians, Boulder provides other well-paying jobs. For example, Service Team Members earn about $50,432 on average, while Kitchen Managers earn around $48,376. Landscapers, Housekeeping staff, and Groundskeepers also earn solid wages, ranging from $44,196 to $44,946. These positions offer good opportunities for those seeking solid pay without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boulder, CO without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $61,543 and Meat Cutter with the lowest at $39,811.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $61,543
    Manage daily operations at local eateries. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work with popular chains and local gems.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Boulder, CO


  2. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $58,829
    Install and maintain irrigation systems. Serve landscaping companies and homeowners. Ensure efficient water use in gardens and parks.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Boulder, CO


  3. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $50,432
    Provide excellent customer service at cafes and restaurants. Prepare and serve food and drinks. Work with fast-paced teams to meet customer needs.
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  4. Seafood Team Member
    Average Salary: $48,538
    Prepare and serve seafood dishes at popular seafood restaurants. Work in a fast-paced environment. Serve a variety of local and international seafood options.
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  5. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $48,376
    Oversee kitchen staff and operations in dining establishments. Ensure food quality and safety. Coordinate with chefs and servers for smooth service.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Boulder, CO


  6. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $44,946
    Maintain outdoor spaces for homes and businesses. Plant flowers, trees, and shrubs. Use hand and power tools to shape gardens and lawns.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Boulder, CO


  7. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $44,274
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels and resorts. Ensure a high standard of cleanliness. Work with other staff to provide excellent guest experiences.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Boulder, CO


  8. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $44,196
    Maintain parks and public spaces. Mow lawns, trim trees, and clean areas. Work outdoors to keep spaces attractive and safe.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Boulder, CO


  9. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,346
    Prepare ingredients and cook meals in fast-paced kitchens. Work under pressure to meet orders. Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure timely service.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Boulder, CO


  10. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $39,811
    Slice and package meat for grocery stores. Ensure portion sizes and quality. Work with fresh and frozen meat to meet customer needs.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Boulder, CO

Which companies offer the top salaries in Boulder, CO?

Job seekers looking for the best-paying companies in Boulder, CO, will find several options in tech and consulting sectors. Google stands out with the highest average salary at $186,081. Following closely, Amazon.com offers an average salary of $183,530. Workday, Apple, and KPMG also provide competitive pay, with averages ranging from $179,679 to $158,957. Other top-paying companies in Boulder include Northrop Grumman, Ascend Analytics, SciTec, BAE Systems, and Blue Canyon Technologies. These companies offer average salaries between $141,985 and $121,913. This range shows good opportunities for professionals seeking high compensation in a vibrant tech hub.
Graph displaying company salaries in Boulder, CO, highlighting Google with the highest at $186,081 and Blue Canyon Technologies with the lowest at $121,913.
  1. Google
    Average Salary: $186,081
    Google, a tech giant, offers cutting-edge projects and a culture of innovation. Their benefits include health care, vacation time, and a retirement plan.


  2. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $183,530
    Amazon is a leading e-commerce and cloud computing company. They offer a range of benefits like health care, retirement plans, and vacation time.


  3. Workday
    Average Salary: $179,679
    Workday provides cloud-based software for finance and human resources. They offer competitive salaries and benefits, including health care and vacation time.


  4. Apple
    Average Salary: $176,932
    Apple is a tech company known for its innovative products. They offer health care, retirement plans, and vacation time to their employees.


  5. KPMG
    Average Salary: $158,957
    KPMG is a professional services company with a focus on audit, tax, and advisory. They offer a range of benefits, including health care and retirement plans.


  6. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $141,985
    Northrop Grumman is a defense and aerospace company. They offer benefits like health care, retirement plans, and vacation time.


  7. Ascend Analytics
    Average Salary: $132,812
    Ascend Analytics provides data analytics and consulting services. They offer health care and vacation time to their employees.


  8. SciTec
    Average Salary: $130,653
    SciTec is a tech company that offers data analytics and consulting services. They provide health care and vacation time to their employees.


  9. BAE Systems
    Average Salary: $123,408
    BAE Systems is a defense and aerospace company. They offer a range of benefits, including health care and retirement plans.


  10. Blue Canyon Technologies
    Average Salary: $121,913
    Blue Canyon Technologies provides space technology and services. They offer health care and vacation time to their employees.

How does the cost of living in Boulder, CO compare to the national average?

Boulder, CO, shows a cost of living index significantly higher than the nationwide average. Housing costs in Boulder are about 97% above the national average, with an index of 197. This elevated cost impacts overall expenses, making Boulder an area of higher living costs compared to the rest of the country. The remaining sectors such as groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items also have cost indices that exceed the national average, further emphasizing Boulder's higher cost of living. Groceries, for example, are 15% above the average, while utilities and transportation hover slightly above.
Cost of living comparison graph for Boulder, CO vs. Nationwide: housing 97% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 1% higher, transportation 7% higher, healthcare 4% higher, miscellaneous 10% higher.

The cost of living in Boulder, CO, significantly exceeds the national average in several key areas, notably housing. The housing index in Boulder stands at 197, which is almost double the nationwide average of 100. This means that housing costs in Boulder are nearly twice as high as the average across the U.S. Despite this, Boulder's grocery costs are slightly higher than average at 115, while utilities and transportation costs closely match the national average, coming in at 101 and 107, respectively. Additionally, healthcare and miscellaneous expenses in Boulder are slightly above the national average but not dramatically so, with indices of 104 and 110, respectively.


Boulder offers a unique lifestyle that attracts many, but it comes with a higher price tag. The overall cost of living index in Boulder is elevated due to its housing index, which outpaces the national average by 97%. Job seekers must consider these costs when planning to relocate. Although some expenses, like groceries and utilities, are comparable to national averages, the high housing costs can be a significant factor in overall living expenses. This information helps job seekers make informed decisions about whether Boulder’s cost of living aligns with their budget and lifestyle expectations.

There are 1,534 job openings in Boulder, CO, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Boulder, CO

Discover what it's like to work in Boulder, CO. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
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Boulder, CO
1,534 Job Openings