Overview Salaries

Salaries in Boulder, CO

Updated on Nov 10, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Boulder, CO?

The average salary in Boulder, CO is $74,118 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Boulder, CO, showing an average salary of $74,118 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Boulder, CO, showing an average salary of $6,176 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Boulder, CO, showing an average salary of $1,425 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Boulder, CO, showing an average salary of $36 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Boulder, CO, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is $74,118. This average reflects the diverse range of industries present, from technology to education. Many professionals find rewarding careers here, with salaries that match or exceed national averages.

The salary distribution in Boulder shows a broad range of earnings. The most common salary falls between $50,000 and $67,000. This range is popular among mid-level positions. Higher salaries, above $152,000, are less common but available, especially in specialized fields. This distribution indicates a healthy job market with opportunities for growth and advancement.

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What are the best paying jobs in Boulder, CO?

Boulder, Colorado, offers a range of high-paying jobs for professionals. General Dentists lead the way with an average salary of $313,282. Other top-paying roles include Architects, earning around $176,822, and Principal Engineers, with an average salary of $163,496. These positions reflect the strong demand for skilled professionals in various industries. Additionally, Software Engineers, Product Managers, and Systems Engineers enjoy competitive salaries, with averages of $148,625, $143,160, and $141,051, respectively. Health care professionals also find lucrative opportunities in Boulder, with Nurse Practitioners and Pharmacists earning around $137,680 and $137,135 annually. Engineers and dental professionals also benefit from high salaries, with Electrical Engineers and Dental Hygienists averaging $124,163 and $118,679, respectively. These figures highlight the diverse and rewarding career options available in Boulder.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boulder, CO, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $313,282 and Dental Hygienist with the lowest at $118,679.

  1. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $313,282
    This role involves diagnosing and treating oral health issues. Dentists work in private practices and clinics. They use modern technology to ensure patient comfort and satisfaction. Many dentists in Boulder collaborate with local health organizations.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Boulder, CO


  2. Architect
    Average Salary: $176,822
    Architects design buildings and spaces. They create plans and oversee construction projects. In Boulder, architects often work with sustainable design firms. They focus on eco-friendly and innovative building solutions. Collaboration with local government and developers is common.
    Find Architect jobs in Boulder, CO


  3. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $163,496
    Principal Engineers lead technical teams. They design and develop systems and products. They work in tech companies and startups. Principal Engineers in Boulder often collaborate with research institutions. They focus on cutting-edge technology and innovation.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO


  4. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $148,625
    Software Engineers create and maintain software applications. They work on developing new features and fixing bugs. They often work in tech companies and startups. In Boulder, Software Engineers collaborate with local businesses. They focus on creating user-friendly and efficient software solutions.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO


  5. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $143,160
    Product Managers oversee the development of products. They work with cross-functional teams to bring products to market. They often work in tech companies and startups. In Boulder, Product Managers collaborate with local businesses. They focus on understanding customer needs and market trends.
    Find Product Manager jobs in Boulder, CO


  6. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $141,051
    Systems Engineers design and maintain computer systems. They ensure systems run smoothly and efficiently. They often work in tech companies and startups. In Boulder, Systems Engineers collaborate with local businesses. They focus on integrating new technologies and improving system performance.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO


  7. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $137,680
    Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They diagnose and treat illnesses. They often work in hospitals and clinics. In Boulder, Nurse Practitioners collaborate with local healthcare providers. They focus on patient care and health education.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Boulder, CO


  8. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $137,135
    Pharmacists dispense medications and provide health advice. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. They ensure patients understand their medications. In Boulder, Pharmacists collaborate with local healthcare providers. They focus on patient safety and medication management.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Boulder, CO


  9. Electrical Engineer
    Average Salary: $124,163
    Electrical Engineers design and develop electrical systems. They work on projects ranging from small electronics to large power systems. They often work in tech companies and startups. In Boulder, Electrical Engineers collaborate with local businesses. They focus on creating innovative and efficient electrical solutions.
    Find Electrical Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO


  10. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $118,679
    Dental Hygienists clean teeth and educate patients. They work in dental offices and clinics. They help prevent dental diseases. In Boulder, Dental Hygienists collaborate with local dental practices. They focus on patient care and oral health education.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Boulder, CO

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

Boulder, Colorado, offers a range of high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Restaurant managers can earn an average of $60,060 annually, while irrigation technicians make around $57,841 per year. These positions provide good opportunities for individuals seeking stable and well-paying careers without the need for a degree. Additionally, kitchen managers, seafood team members, and groundskeepers also offer competitive salaries. These roles pay around $48,731, $47,658, and $43,743 respectively. These jobs allow professionals to earn a good income while gaining valuable experience in their chosen fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boulder, CO without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $60,060 and Meat Cutter with the lowest at $39,244.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $60,060
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work in popular eateries like The Laughing Goat and Boulder Beer Company.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Boulder, CO


  2. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $57,841
    Install and maintain irrigation systems. Ensure proper water flow and system efficiency. Companies like Boulder Irrigation and Landscaping hire for this role.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Boulder, CO


  3. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $48,731
    Supervise kitchen staff and operations. Ensure food quality and safety. Work in restaurants like The Laughing Goat and Boulder Beer Company.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Boulder, CO


  4. Seafood Team Member
    Average Salary: $47,658
    Prepare and serve seafood dishes. Maintain a clean and efficient kitchen. Work in seafood restaurants like The Laughing Goat.
    Find Seafood Team Member jobs in Boulder, CO


  5. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $43,743
    Maintain the grounds of parks and properties. Perform tasks like mowing, pruning, and landscaping. Work for local parks and resorts.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Boulder, CO


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $43,675
    Clean and maintain guest rooms and public areas. Ensure a high standard of cleanliness. Work in hotels like Boulder Marriott and Boulder Lodge.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Boulder, CO


  7. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $43,613
    Serve guests and handle their needs. Ensure a positive dining experience. Work in restaurants like Boulder Beer Company.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Boulder, CO


  8. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $43,428
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Plant flowers, trees, and shrubs. Work for landscaping companies like Boulder Irrigation and Landscaping.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Boulder, CO


  9. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,417
    Prepare ingredients and cook dishes. Work in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in restaurants like The Laughing Goat and Boulder Beer Company.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Boulder, CO


  10. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $39,244
    Cut and package meat products. Ensure quality and safety standards. Work in grocery stores and butcher shops.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Boulder, CO

Which companies offer the top salaries in Boulder, CO?

Boulder, CO, offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities. Google leads the pack with an average salary of $188,173. Other companies like Boulder Dental Center and Apple also provide competitive salaries, with averages around $184,000 and $177,000, respectively. Workday, Amazon, and KPMG are also top employers in Boulder, offering salaries that exceed $170,000. Northrop Grumman, Ascend Analytics, SciTec, and BAE Systems round out the list of high-paying companies in the area. These employers provide attractive compensation packages, making Boulder an excellent place for job seekers looking for good pay.
Graph displaying company salaries in Boulder, CO, highlighting Google with the highest at $188,173 and BAE Systems with the lowest at $123,408.

  1. Google
    Average Salary: $188,173
    Google is a global tech giant known for its innovative products and services. It offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth.


  2. Boulder Dental Center
    Average Salary: $184,027
    Boulder Dental Center is a leading dental practice in Boulder. It provides comprehensive dental care and a supportive work environment.


  3. Apple
    Average Salary: $177,161
    Apple is a renowned technology company famous for its innovative products. It offers a creative and collaborative workplace.


  4. Workday
    Average Salary: $175,231
    Workday is a leading provider of enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources. It offers a dynamic and forward-thinking work environment.


  5. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $170,127
    Amazon is a global e-commerce leader. It offers a fast-paced and innovative work environment with numerous opportunities for advancement.


  6. KPMG
    Average Salary: $155,399
    KPMG is a top global accounting firm. It provides a professional and supportive environment with a focus on career development.


  7. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $142,941
    Northrop Grumman is a leading aerospace and defense technology company. It offers a stable and rewarding work environment with opportunities for growth.


  8. Ascend Analytics
    Average Salary: $132,812
    Ascend Analytics is a data analytics firm. It provides a collaborative and innovative work environment with a focus on data-driven solutions.


  9. SciTec
    Average Salary: $127,797
    SciTec is a technology company specializing in software and consulting services. It offers a dynamic and supportive work environment.


  10. BAE Systems
    Average Salary: $123,408
    BAE Systems is a leading defense and aerospace company. It offers a stable and rewarding work environment with opportunities for career advancement.

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 146, which is 46% above the national average of 100. Housing costs are notably higher, with an index of 199, representing a 99% increase over the national average. This significant difference highlights the importance for job seekers to consider the higher expenses when planning their move to Boulder.
Cost of living comparison graph for Boulder, CO vs. Nationwide: housing 99% higher, groceries 25% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 6% higher, healthcare 7% higher, miscellaneous 15% higher.

The cost of living in Boulder, Colorado, stands significantly higher than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Boulder are particularly high, with an index of 199. This means that housing expenses are nearly double the national average. For job seekers considering Boulder, this could mean budgeting for significantly higher rent or mortgage payments compared to other areas.


Other areas of spending also exceed the national average. Groceries in Boulder cost 25% more, with an index of 125. Utilities follow closely behind, with an index of 110, indicating a 10% increase. Transportation costs are slightly above average at 106, meaning they are 6% higher than the national average. Healthcare and miscellaneous costs also show modest increases, with indices of 107 and 115, respectively. These figures suggest that while Boulder offers a high quality of life, it comes with a higher price tag in several key areas.

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