Overview Salaries

Salaries in Boulder, CO

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Boulder, CO?

The average salary in Boulder, CO is $76,200 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Boulder, CO, showing an average salary of $76,200 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Boulder, CO, showing an average salary of $6,350 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Boulder, CO, showing an average salary of $1,465 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Boulder, CO, showing an average salary of $37 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Boulder, CO, offers a vibrant job market with competitive salaries. Many industries contribute to the city's strong economy. The average yearly salary stands at around $76,200. This figure reflects a robust job market.


Different sectors provide various salary ranges. The highest-paying jobs reach up to $223,500 annually. Here are some salary highlights:

  • Software and app developers: $119,667
  • Sales managers: $102,362
  • Physicians: $90,000
  • Marketing managers: $85,056
  • Construction managers: $76,200
These numbers show great opportunities for job seekers.

View jobs in Boulder, CO
View all jobs in Boulder, CO

What are the best paying jobs in Boulder, CO?

Boulder, Colorado offers many high-paying job opportunities. Among the top earners are General Dentists, who make an average of $310,006 a year. Architects and Principal Engineers also enjoy strong salaries, around $178,365 and $167,027, respectively. People in technical and health fields can also find good salaries in Boulder. Software Engineers, Systems Engineers, and Product Managers often earn more than $140,000 per year. Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dental Hygienists can also expect competitive pay. These jobs make Boulder a great place to find well-paying career options.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boulder, CO, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $310,006 and Engineer with the lowest at $115,343.

  1. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $310,006
    General Dentists in Boulder ensure patients' oral health. They work in local dental clinics, offering services like cleanings and fillings. Many clinics offer flexible hours and modern equipment.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Boulder, CO


  2. Architect
    Average Salary: $178,365
    Architects in Boulder design and plan buildings. They work for firms like DLR Group or independently. They create blueprints and oversee projects from start to finish.
    Find Architect jobs in Boulder, CO


  3. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $167,027
    Principal Engineers in Boulder lead technical teams. They work for tech companies like Google or Uber. They manage projects and ensure technology aligns with business goals.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO


  4. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $151,538
    Software Engineers in Boulder develop applications. They often work for tech startups or established companies. They write code, test software, and fix bugs.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO


  5. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $144,083
    Product Managers in Boulder oversee product development. They work for companies like Amazon or Google. They define product vision, gather feedback, and guide teams.
    Find Product Manager jobs in Boulder, CO


  6. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $141,174
    Systems Engineers in Boulder manage IT infrastructure. They work for local businesses or tech firms. They ensure systems run smoothly and securely.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO


  7. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $137,645
    Nurse Practitioners in Boulder provide healthcare services. They work in clinics or hospitals. They diagnose illnesses, prescribe treatments, and educate patients.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Boulder, CO


  8. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $136,709
    Pharmacists in Boulder fill prescriptions and advise patients. They work in local pharmacies. They ensure medications are safe and effective.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Boulder, CO


  9. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $120,963
    Dental Hygienists in Boulder clean teeth and educate patients. They work in dental offices. They perform exams and help prevent dental issues.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Boulder, CO


  10. Engineer
    Average Salary: $115,343
    Engineers in Boulder design and develop products. They work for firms like Black & Veatch. They solve technical problems and improve processes.
    Find Engineer jobs in Boulder, CO

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

Job seekers in Boulder, CO, have access to a variety of high-paying roles that do not require a degree. Restaurant Managers earn the most, with an average salary of $61,420. Kitchen Managers and Irrigation Technicians also offer good pay, averaging $48,376 and $57,841 respectively. These positions provide excellent opportunities for those seeking stable employment with competitive wages. Roles such as Seafood Team Member, Service Team Member, and Groundskeeper also offer salaries above $40,000. Housekeeping, Landscaping, Line Cooking, and Meat Cutting offer similarly good pay, allowing for a comfortable living standard without needing a formal degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Boulder, CO without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $61,420 and Meat Cutter with the lowest at $39,244.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $61,420
    Manage daily operations in a fast-paced restaurant setting. Oversee staff, ensure customer satisfaction, and maintain inventory. Great opportunities at popular eateries like Bear Flag Pizza.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Boulder, CO


  2. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $57,841
    Install and maintain irrigation systems in residential and commercial properties. Work with landscaping companies to ensure proper system function. Learn from experts at Waterwise Landscaping.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Boulder, CO


  3. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $48,376
    Supervise kitchen staff and ensure smooth kitchen operations. Coordinate with chefs to prepare menus. Gain experience at high-end restaurants like The Bristol.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Boulder, CO


  4. Seafood Team Member
    Average Salary: $48,091
    Serve customers and prepare seafood dishes in a busy environment. Work in restaurants that emphasize fresh, local ingredients. Positions are available at spots like Tin Fish.
    Find Seafood Team Member jobs in Boulder, CO


  5. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $46,765
    Serve customers with a friendly smile and efficient service. Ensure a welcoming atmosphere in busy dining areas. Opportunities exist at popular cafes like Counter Culture Coffee.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Boulder, CO


  6. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $44,474
    Maintain the grounds of residential and commercial properties. Perform tasks such as mowing, pruning, and general upkeep. Work for landscape companies like Boulder Lawn Care.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Boulder, CO


  7. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $43,984
    Clean and maintain hotel rooms and common areas. Ensure a comfortable and welcoming environment for guests. Positions available at hotels like The Wild Oak Inn.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Boulder, CO


  8. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $43,428
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Plant flowers, trees, and create beautiful landscapes. Opportunities exist with firms like Rocky Mountain Lawn & Landscape.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Boulder, CO


  9. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,489
    Prepare ingredients and cook dishes in a fast-paced kitchen. Work closely with chefs to meet high standards. Positions are available at well-known eateries like The Post Restaurant.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Boulder, CO


  10. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $39,244
    Cut and prepare meat for sale and service. Ensure meat products are fresh and meet quality standards. Work at grocery stores like King Soopers.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Boulder, CO

Which companies offer the top salaries in Boulder, CO?

Boulder, CO, offers a range of high-paying companies for job seekers. Leading the pack is Google, with an average salary of $187,408. Following closely are Amazon.com, Workday, and Apple, each providing competitive salaries. These companies value their employees, which is reflected in their generous compensation packages. KPMG, Northrop Grumman, Ascend Analytics, SciTec, and BAE Systems also stand out with attractive average salaries. Each of these companies offers a stable and rewarding career path for those looking to advance in their professional lives.
Graph displaying company salaries in Boulder, CO, highlighting Google with the highest at $187,408 and BAE Systems with the lowest at $123,408.

  1. Google
    Average Salary: $187,408
    Google is a technology giant known for its innovative work in software, internet-related services, and artificial intelligence. Employees enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a dynamic work environment.


  2. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $178,649
    Amazon.com is a global e-commerce and technology company. It offers a range of job opportunities with excellent compensation and benefits. Employees work in a fast-paced, innovative environment.


  3. Workday
    Average Salary: $177,034
    Workday specializes in enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources. It is known for its collaborative culture and offers competitive salaries along with a strong benefits package.


  4. Apple
    Average Salary: $176,645
    Apple is a leading tech company famous for its innovative products like the iPhone and Mac. It offers high salaries and a creative, challenging work environment.


  5. Boulder Dental Center
    Average Salary: $175,740
    Boulder Dental Center is a leading dental service provider in Boulder. They offer a supportive work environment and competitive salaries to their dental professionals.


  6. KPMG
    Average Salary: $157,599
    KPMG is a global network of professional services firms. It provides audit, tax, and advisory services. KPMG offers excellent salaries and a chance to work with diverse clients.


  7. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $143,265
    Northrop Grumman is a defense and technology company. It offers high-paying jobs in engineering and technology sectors, along with robust benefits.


  8. Ascend Analytics
    Average Salary: $132,812
    Ascend Analytics specializes in data analytics and consulting. It provides a dynamic work environment and competitive salaries for its employees.


  9. SciTec
    Average Salary: $128,725
    SciTec focuses on science and technology solutions. It offers a stable work environment and attractive compensation packages.


  10. BAE Systems
    Average Salary: $123,408
    BAE Systems is a defense and aerospace company. It provides rewarding career opportunities with competitive salaries and benefits.

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 overall cost of living index for Boulder stands at 122.4, which is 22.4% above the average. This increase reflects higher expenses in various categories such as housing, groceries, and healthcare. For example, housing costs in Boulder are double the national average, and groceries are 15% more expensive. These figures show that moving to Boulder involves higher living expenses.
Cost of living comparison graph for Boulder, CO vs. Nationwide: housing 100% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 20% higher, miscellaneous 30% higher.

The cost of living index in Boulder, CO, significantly exceeds the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Boulder are notably higher, with an index of 200. This means residents pay twice as much for housing compared to the average American. Such a steep increase can affect budgets, especially for those new to the area.


Additionally, groceries, utilities, and transportation in Boulder are also more expensive. The grocery index is at 115, utilities at 105, and transportation at 110. These costs represent 15%, 5%, and 10% increases, respectively, over the national average. Healthcare and miscellaneous costs in Boulder are also above average, with indices of 120 and 130. These areas show a 20% and 30% increase over the nationwide average. Job seekers must consider these higher costs when planning their budgets in Boulder, CO.

There are 1,235 job openings in Boulder, CO, today!

View Jobs in Boulder, CO

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
1,235 Job Openings

Win at hiring.

Visit the help center for any questions.
Contact Support
ReadySetHire icon
©2025 • ReadySetHire