Salaries in Boulder, CO

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Boulder, CO?

The average salary in Boulder, CO is $68,059 per year.

Boulder, CO, offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average salary in Boulder is around $68,059. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape of the city, which includes a mix of tech, education, healthcare, and outdoor recreation sectors. Salaries tend to be higher in tech and healthcare, with many positions offering six-figure incomes.


The salary distribution shows a clear trend of higher earnings in specialized roles. For instance, the top 10% of earners make over $150,000 annually. This includes positions in software development, engineering, and scientific research. Lower-paying jobs, such as retail and hospitality, still provide a decent income. However, the higher-paying sectors offer more significant opportunities for career growth and financial stability.

View jobs in Boulder, CO

What are the best paying jobs in Boulder, CO?

Boulder, Colorado, offers a variety of high-paying jobs across different industries. General dentists lead the list with an average salary of $318,029. This profession combines medical expertise with business skills, making it a lucrative choice. Other top-paying jobs include product managers, earning around $143,630, and nurse practitioners, with an average salary of $140,150. These roles require specialized skills and education but offer excellent compensation. Systems engineers and software engineers also rank high, with salaries around $140,000 and $137,000, respectively. Pharmacists, physical scientists, and electrical engineers also enjoy competitive pay. These jobs reflect Boulder's strong tech and healthcare sectors, providing job seekers with many opportunities for a rewarding career.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boulder, CO, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $318,029 and Dental Hygienist with the lowest at $113,399.
  1. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $318,029
    This role involves diagnosing and treating patients' oral health issues. Dentists work in clinics and private practices. They use advanced technology to ensure patient comfort and satisfaction. Many dentists in Boulder work with local health organizations.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Boulder, CO


  2. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $143,630
    Product managers lead the development of new products. They work closely with teams to bring ideas to life. In Boulder, product managers often collaborate with tech companies. They focus on creating innovative solutions that meet market needs.
    Find Product Manager jobs in Boulder, CO


  3. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $140,150
    Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They diagnose and treat illnesses. In Boulder, nurse practitioners work in hospitals and clinics. They often partner with local health services to improve patient care.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Boulder, CO


  4. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $139,953
    Systems engineers design and maintain computer systems. They ensure systems run smoothly. In Boulder, systems engineers work for tech firms and research institutions. They focus on creating efficient and reliable systems.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO


  5. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $137,381
    Software engineers develop and test software applications. They work on projects for various industries. In Boulder, software engineers often collaborate with tech companies. They create software that meets user needs and enhances functionality.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO


  6. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $136,595
    Pharmacists dispense medications and provide health advice. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. In Boulder, pharmacists often work with local health providers. They ensure patients receive the right medications and understand their use.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Boulder, CO


  7. Physical Scientist
    Average Salary: $129,282
    Physical scientists study natural phenomena. They conduct experiments and analyze data. In Boulder, physical scientists often work for research institutions. They focus on areas like physics, chemistry, and environmental science.
    Find Physical Scientist jobs in Boulder, CO


  8. Electrical Engineer
    Average Salary: $118,067
    Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems. They work on projects for various industries. In Boulder, electrical engineers often collaborate with tech companies. They create systems that power modern technology.
    Find Electrical Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO


  9. Solar Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $114,691
    Solar sales representatives promote solar energy solutions. They work with businesses and homeowners. In Boulder, they often partner with local energy companies. They focus on educating customers about the benefits of solar energy.
    Find Solar Sales Representative jobs in Boulder, CO


  10. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $113,399
    Dental hygienists clean teeth and educate patients. They work in dental offices. In Boulder, dental hygienists often collaborate with local health services. They focus on promoting good oral health and preventing dental issues.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Boulder, CO

What are the best paying jobs in Boulder, CO without a degree?

Boulder, Colorado, offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Restaurant managers can earn up to $57,265 annually, overseeing daily operations and staff. Irrigation technicians also enjoy good pay, with salaries around $55,277, as they manage water systems for landscapes and crops. Other well-paying roles include kitchen managers, arborist climbers, and groundskeepers, all earning over $40,000 per year. These positions provide valuable opportunities for those seeking stable, rewarding work without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boulder, CO without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $57,265 and Server with the lowest at $38,121.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $57,265
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work in upscale dining or casual eateries.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Boulder, CO


  2. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $55,277
    Install and maintain irrigation systems. Work on lawns, gardens, and commercial properties. Use tools and machinery to ensure proper water flow.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Boulder, CO


  3. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $50,231
    Supervise kitchen staff and operations. Ensure food quality and safety. Coordinate with chefs and servers to keep the kitchen running smoothly.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Boulder, CO


  4. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $46,611
    Climb trees to trim and prune branches. Ensure tree health and safety. Work in parks, residential areas, and commercial properties.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Boulder, CO


  5. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $41,925
    Maintain the grounds of properties. Mow lawns, trim hedges, and plant flowers. Ensure the area looks clean and well-kept.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Boulder, CO


  6. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,831
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in restaurants, cafes, and catering services. Follow recipes and ensure food quality.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Boulder, CO


  7. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $40,783
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels, motels, or other establishments. Ensure a tidy and welcoming environment. Follow cleaning protocols and standards.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Boulder, CO


  8. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $39,993
    Design and maintain landscapes. Plant flowers, shrubs, and trees. Work on residential and commercial properties. Use tools to shape the land.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Boulder, CO


  9. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $38,942
    Support servers in a restaurant. Take orders, serve food, and clear tables. Work in a busy environment. Ensure customers have a good experience.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Boulder, CO


  10. Server
    Average Salary: $38,121
    Serve food and drinks to customers. Take orders and provide recommendations. Work in a fast-paced setting. Ensure a pleasant dining experience.
    Find Server jobs in Boulder, CO

Which companies offer the top salaries in Boulder, CO?

Boulder, CO, offers a range of high-paying job opportunities. Companies like Apple, Workday, and Boulder Dental Center lead the way, offering some of the best salaries in the area. Apple tops the list with an average salary of $173,042. Workday and Boulder Dental Center follow closely, with average salaries of $168,905 and $167,586, respectively. Other notable companies include Amazon.com, Northrop Grumman, and KPMG. These companies provide competitive salaries, with averages ranging from $145,817 to $151,805. Parsons, SciTec, BAE Systems, and Blue Canyon Technologies also offer attractive salaries, making Boulder a great place for job seekers looking for good pay.
Graph displaying company salaries in Boulder, CO, highlighting Apple with the highest at $173,042 and Blue Canyon Technologies with the lowest at $118,857.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $173,042
    Apple is a global tech giant known for its innovative products. It offers competitive salaries and benefits.


  2. Workday
    Average Salary: $168,905
    Workday is a leading provider of enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources. It values its employees and offers good compensation.


  3. Boulder Dental Center
    Average Salary: $167,586
    Boulder Dental Center is a top dental practice in Boulder, offering excellent salaries and a supportive work environment.


  4. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $151,805
    Amazon is a global e-commerce leader. It provides a dynamic work environment with competitive pay.


  5. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $145,817
    Northrop Grumman is a defense contractor. It offers solid salaries and benefits for its employees.


  6. KPMG
    Average Salary: $143,582
    KPMG is a leading professional services firm. It provides good compensation and career growth opportunities.


  7. Parsons
    Average Salary: $136,889
    Parsons is a technology company. It offers a range of benefits and competitive salaries.


  8. SciTec
    Average Salary: $128,580
    SciTec is a software development company. It provides good pay and a collaborative work environment.


  9. BAE Systems
    Average Salary: $123,810
    BAE Systems is a defense and aerospace company. It offers solid compensation and benefits.


  10. Blue Canyon Technologies
    Average Salary: $118,857
    Blue Canyon Technologies is a small aerospace company. It offers competitive salaries and a chance to work on cutting-edge projects.

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

Boulder, CO, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The cost of living index in Boulder stands at 120, which is 20% higher than the national average of 100. This increase is largely driven by the housing index, which is 82% above the average. Other categories like groceries and utilities also slightly exceed the national average, making Boulder a more expensive place to live overall.
Cost of living comparison graph for Boulder, CO vs. Nationwide: housing 82% higher, groceries 5% higher, utilities 3% higher, transportation 8% higher, healthcare 3% lower, miscellaneous 10% higher.

Boulder, Colorado, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. The housing index in Boulder stands at 182, indicating that housing costs are 82% higher than the national average. This significant increase reflects the demand for housing in this popular area, which attracts many due to its scenic beauty and outdoor activities.


Other expenses in Boulder also show variations from the national average. For instance, groceries cost 5% more, with an index of 105. Utilities are slightly above the average at 103, while transportation costs are 8% higher at 108. Healthcare costs are slightly lower, with an index of 97, meaning they are 3% cheaper than the national average. Miscellaneous expenses, such as entertainment and personal care, are 10% higher, with an index of 110. These factors combine to make Boulder a place where living expenses are notably higher than the national average.

There are 2,376 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.
City
Overview
Boulder, CO
2,376 Job Openings