What is the average salary in Boulder, CO?
Boulder, CO, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in Boulder is $71,864. This figure reflects a diverse job market with many high-paying positions. The salary distribution shows that most jobs pay between $32,500 and $194,045 annually.
The top-paying jobs in Boulder include roles in technology, healthcare, and education. These positions often require specialized skills and advanced degrees. For instance, software developers and data scientists earn around $113,273 to $129,427 per year. Healthcare professionals, such as physicians and pharmacists, can expect salaries between $145,582 and $194,045 annually. Educators, particularly those in higher education, also enjoy good compensation, with salaries ranging from $64,809 to $177,891 per year.
What are the best paying jobs in Boulder, CO?

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General Dentist
Average Salary: $318,096
This role involves diagnosing and treating oral health issues. Dentists work in private practices and clinics. They use advanced technology to ensure patient care. Many dentists in the area work with local health organizations.
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Architect
Average Salary: $172,787
Architects design buildings and spaces. They work with clients to create functional and beautiful designs. Many architects in Boulder collaborate with tech firms and startups. They focus on sustainable and innovative designs.
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Principal Engineer
Average Salary: $160,880
Principal Engineers lead engineering projects. They oversee teams and ensure projects meet goals. These engineers often work in tech companies. They focus on developing new technologies and improving existing systems.
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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $144,897
Software Engineers create and maintain software applications. They work on developing new features and fixing bugs. Many software engineers in Boulder work for tech companies. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products.
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Systems Engineer
Average Salary: $141,500
Systems Engineers manage and integrate systems. They ensure that all parts of a system work together smoothly. These engineers often work in tech and healthcare sectors. They focus on improving system efficiency and reliability.
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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $138,058
Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They diagnose and treat illnesses. Many NPs in Boulder work in clinics and hospitals. They often collaborate with doctors and other healthcare providers to ensure patient care.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $137,900
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide health advice. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. Pharmacists in Boulder often collaborate with local healthcare providers. They ensure patients understand their medications and use them correctly.
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Product Manager
Average Salary: $137,576
Product Managers oversee the development of products. They work with teams to define product features. Many product managers in Boulder work in tech and healthcare companies. They focus on creating products that meet customer needs.
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Physical Scientist
Average Salary: $128,721
Physical Scientists conduct research and experiments. They analyze data to understand physical phenomena. Many scientists in Boulder work in research institutions. They focus on areas like environmental science and materials science.
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Electrical Engineer
Average Salary: $121,589
Electrical Engineers design and develop electrical systems. They work on projects ranging from power generation to electronics. Many electrical engineers in Boulder work in tech companies. They focus on creating innovative and efficient electrical solutions.
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What are the best paying jobs in Boulder, CO without a degree?

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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $60,283
Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, ensure customer satisfaction, and handle finances. Work in popular eateries like Boulder Beer Company and The Laughing Goat.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $57,417
Install and maintain irrigation systems. Ensure proper water flow and system efficiency. Companies like Boulder Irrigation and Water Supply rely on skilled technicians.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $49,302
Supervise kitchen staff and operations. Ensure food quality and safety. Work in high-demand restaurants such as The Laughing Goat and Boulder Beer Company.
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Seafood Team Member
Average Salary: $47,955
Prepare and serve seafood dishes. Maintain a clean and efficient kitchen. Opportunities exist in seafood restaurants like The Laughing Goat.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $42,913
Maintain the grounds of parks and properties. Perform landscaping tasks and ensure a clean environment. Work for city parks and private properties.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $42,785
Clean and maintain guest rooms and public areas. Ensure a high standard of cleanliness. Opportunities in hotels and resorts like the Boulder Marriott.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $41,933
Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Plant flowers, trees, and shrubs. Work for landscaping companies and private clients in the area.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $41,515
Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in teams to meet orders. Opportunities in popular restaurants like Boulder Beer Company.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $40,342
Serve customers and take orders. Ensure a pleasant dining experience. Work in restaurants like The Laughing Goat and Boulder Beer Company.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $39,367
Cut and package meat for sale. Ensure quality and safety standards. Opportunities in grocery stores and butcher shops.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Boulder, CO?

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Google
Average Salary: $193,571
Google is a global tech company known for its innovative products and services. It offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth.
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Workday
Average Salary: $175,573
Workday provides enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources. It is a leading company in cloud-based software solutions.
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Apple
Average Salary: $175,003
Apple designs and manufactures consumer electronics, computers, and software. It is a top employer in the tech industry.
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Boulder Dental Center
Average Salary: $172,883
Boulder Dental Center is a dental practice offering a range of dental services. It is known for its high-quality patient care.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $163,809
Amazon is a leading e-commerce company offering a wide range of products and services. It provides a fast-paced and innovative work environment.
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KPMG
Average Salary: $148,748
KPMG is a global network of professional services firms. It offers careers in audit, tax, and advisory services.
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Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $144,508
Northrop Grumman is a defense technology company. It provides advanced systems and solutions for the aerospace and defense sectors.
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Ascend Analytics
Average Salary: $134,260
Ascend Analytics offers data analytics and consulting services. It is a growing company in the data science field.
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SciTec
Average Salary: $126,601
SciTec provides engineering and technical services. It is known for its expertise in various engineering disciplines.
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BAE Systems
Average Salary: $123,810
BAE Systems is a defense and aerospace company. It offers a range of products and services for the defense industry.
How does the cost of living in Boulder, CO compare to the national average?

Boulder, Colorado, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Boulder stands at 189, which is 89% higher than the national average of 100. This means that housing costs in Boulder are significantly more expensive than the average American city. For job seekers considering Boulder, this higher cost of living in housing could be a major factor in their decision-making process.
Other areas of living in Boulder also show higher costs. Groceries in Boulder cost 12% more than the national average, with an index of 112. Utilities in Boulder are slightly below the national average at 98, which is 2% lower. Transportation costs are 4% higher, with an index of 104, while healthcare costs are just 5% higher at 105. Miscellaneous expenses also show a 14% increase, with an index of 114. These figures indicate that while Boulder offers a high quality of life, it comes with a higher price tag in most areas of living.