Colorado salaries by occupation
The median worker in Colorado earned $58,210 a year in 2024, about $27.99 an hour, 17.6% above the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 636 occupations.
Median pay $58,210 $27.99 per hour
Vs national median +17.6% U.S. $49,500
Workers 2,891,210 wage and salary
Occupations reported 636 with at least 100 employed
What Colorado is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | 5.77× | 1,380 | $78,030 |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists | 5.75× | 950 | $106,310 |
| Information and Record Clerks, All Other | 4.94× | 13,330 | $51,070 |
| Plant and System Operators, All Other | 4.54× | 1,360 | $52,210 |
| Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage | 4.06× | 590 | $69,560 |
| Computer Network Architects | 3.83× | 12,720 | $134,680 |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | 3.73× | 3,520 | $37,950 |
| Sales and Related Workers, All Other | 3.54× | 6,580 | $55,960 |
| Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other | 3.38× | 830 | $53,300 |
| Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | 3.37× | 1,420 | $99,900 |
Metro areas in Colorado
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 7 Colorado metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder | $67,510 | $32.46 | 195,570 | #5 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial | $61,110 | $29.38 | 1,618,390 | #9 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland | $53,620 | $25.78 | 175,790 | #43 |
| Greeley | $52,110 | $25.05 | 115,470 | #50 |
| Colorado Springs | $51,410 | $24.71 | 318,850 | #58 |
| Pueblo | $47,780 | $22.97 | 62,700 | #149 |
| Grand Junction | $47,250 | $22.72 | 66,890 | #177 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $211,860 | n/a | 5,840 | #5 of 18 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $207,120 | $99.58 | 630 | #18 of 25 |
| Pediatricians, General | $205,310 | $98.71 | 400 | #19 of 37 |
| Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | $191,640 | $92.14 | 620 | #7 of 31 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $180,240 | $86.66 | 12,450 | #9 of 49 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $176,610 | $84.91 | 4,320 | #6 of 49 |
| Sales Managers | $174,840 | $84.06 | 9,520 | #3 of 50 |
| Financial Managers | $174,840 | $84.06 | 11,460 | #7 of 51 |
| Podiatrists | $174,660 | $83.97 | 140 | #6 of 21 |
| Marketing Managers | $173,390 | $83.36 | 6,230 | #4 of 47 |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $172,310 | $82.84 | 780 | #5 of 36 |
| Lawyers | $167,970 | $80.75 | 17,160 | #6 of 49 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 78,720 | $35,440 | $17.04 |
| Retail Salespersons | 74,640 | $36,960 | $17.77 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 56,840 | $40,710 | $19.57 |
| Cashiers | 55,700 | $35,760 | $17.19 |
| Registered Nurses | 54,510 | $96,520 | $46.40 |
| Software Developers | 48,980 | $134,540 | $64.68 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | 46,350 | $89,860 | $43.20 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 45,890 | $46,020 | $22.12 |
| General and Operations Managers | 43,140 | $130,340 | $62.66 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 42,510 | $34,990 | $16.82 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Colorado
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 69
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $116,220
- Power Plant Operators $98,570
- Gas Plant Operators $92,420
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $83,670
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $78,420
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $74,210
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $73,900
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers $68,230
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $68,220
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $63,170
- Tool and Die Makers $62,970
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $59,990
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $59,850
- Machinists $58,890
- Medical Appliance Technicians $58,390
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $57,200
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $56,370
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $55,990
- Upholsterers $55,990
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $53,580
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $52,210
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $51,900
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $51,370
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $51,140
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $51,090
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $50,900
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $50,890
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $50,810
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,800
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $50,750
- Semiconductor Processing Technicians $50,710
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $50,340
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,310
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $49,830
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $49,510
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $49,380
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,040
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,680
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $48,550
- Furniture Finishers $48,380
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $47,920
- Production Workers, All Other $47,650
- Printing Press Operators $47,270
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $47,000
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,800
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $46,550
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,500
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $46,320
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,930
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $45,760
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $45,660
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $45,480
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,460
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,340
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $45,330
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $45,240
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $44,580
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $44,320
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $44,090
- Food Batchmakers $43,590
- Helpers--Production Workers $43,010
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $42,780
- Etchers and Engravers $41,140
- Bakers $39,430
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $38,710
- Sewing Machine Operators $38,580
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $36,540
- Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $36,390
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $36,140
Education and library 54
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $124,790
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $101,880
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $98,060
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $88,320
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $83,290
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $81,670
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary $81,220
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $80,440
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary $80,420
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $80,010
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $79,760
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $79,640
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $79,160
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $78,370
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $77,910
- Instructional Coordinators $77,890
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $77,810
- Geography Teachers, Postsecondary $77,430
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $77,270
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $76,850
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $76,630
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $73,690
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $70,330
- Curators $70,100
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $68,610
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $66,810
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $66,660
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $66,580
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $66,420
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $65,180
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $64,980
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $64,910
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $64,620
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $64,530
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $64,080
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School $63,950
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $63,660
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $63,500
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $63,390
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $62,940
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $62,680
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $62,530
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $62,140
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $61,830
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $61,550
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $60,580
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $60,520
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $51,780
- Library Technicians $44,870
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $43,890
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $43,380
- Tutors $42,560
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $35,940
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $31,390
Construction and extraction 47
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $117,770
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators $80,140
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $79,160
- Construction and Building Inspectors $78,940
- Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas $76,290
- Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining $74,420
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $66,500
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $63,610
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $63,480
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $63,290
- Electricians $62,090
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $61,660
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $61,570
- Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas $61,380
- Glaziers $61,340
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers $61,220
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $61,020
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $60,710
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas $59,780
- Carpenters $59,490
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $58,790
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $58,640
- Stonemasons $58,120
- Sheet Metal Workers $57,870
- Tile and Stone Setters $57,130
- Pipelayers $56,630
- Highway Maintenance Workers $56,440
- Roofers $55,800
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $53,430
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $52,970
- Carpet Installers $52,690
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $52,530
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons $52,010
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $51,820
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers $51,740
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $50,650
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $48,720
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $48,630
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas $48,350
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $47,060
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $47,020
- Construction Laborers $46,620
- Rock Splitters, Quarry $46,180
- Helpers--Carpenters $44,880
- Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons $43,750
- Helpers--Extraction Workers $36,550
- Helpers--Electricians $34,790
Office and administrative support 46
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $73,430
- Brokerage Clerks $66,210
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $64,620
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $63,230
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $62,460
- Meter Readers, Utilities $60,110
- Postal Service Clerks $59,760
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $59,130
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $56,560
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $56,530
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $56,330
- Office Clerks, General $56,150
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $55,030
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $54,320
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $54,080
- Procurement Clerks $53,650
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $53,120
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $52,960
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $52,600
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $51,470
- Cargo and Freight Agents $51,430
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $51,070
- Financial Clerks, All Other $51,030
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $50,510
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $49,380
- Billing and Posting Clerks $49,200
- New Accounts Clerks $49,080
- Bill and Account Collectors $48,670
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $48,470
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $48,320
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $47,430
- Order Clerks $47,100
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $46,420
- Customer Service Representatives $46,020
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $45,670
- Data Entry Keyers $45,560
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $45,390
- Couriers and Messengers $44,610
- Tellers $44,370
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $43,160
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $42,740
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $41,980
- File Clerks $41,520
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $40,560
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $36,370
- Library Assistants, Clerical $35,090
Healthcare practitioners 43
- Nurse Anesthetists $207,120
- Pediatricians, General $205,310
- Podiatrists $174,660
- Pharmacists $151,680
- Optometrists $137,370
- Dentists, General $136,260
- Nurse Midwives $132,670
- Physician Assistants $131,910
- Nurse Practitioners $129,750
- Veterinarians $122,980
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $108,900
- Speech-Language Pathologists $108,070
- Dental Hygienists $106,730
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $104,810
- Occupational Therapists $103,970
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $100,560
- Physical Therapists $100,240
- Registered Nurses $96,520
- Audiologists $94,670
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $86,740
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $85,710
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $83,740
- Chiropractors $80,900
- Respiratory Therapists $80,690
- Hearing Aid Specialists $73,220
- Therapists, All Other $72,440
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $69,580
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $67,480
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $67,320
- Surgical Technologists $65,690
- Paramedics $64,690
- Athletic Trainers $62,670
- Exercise Physiologists $61,060
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $60,360
- Medical Records Specialists $55,410
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $54,080
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $48,360
- Psychiatric Technicians $48,320
- Pharmacy Technicians $48,070
- Opticians, Dispensing $45,900
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $44,820
- Dietetic Technicians $44,670
- Emergency Medical Technicians $43,950
Installation, maintenance and repair 43
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $120,320
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $108,040
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment $90,040
- Rail Car Repairers $84,420
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers $81,790
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $81,450
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $81,020
- Avionics Technicians $80,290
- Millwrights $75,850
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $74,950
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $73,770
- Medical Equipment Repairers $72,800
- Riggers $72,360
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $68,590
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $66,570
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $66,410
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $66,330
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians $64,630
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $63,420
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $62,820
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $61,950
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $61,750
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $61,080
- Mechanical Door Repairers $60,870
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $60,170
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $59,340
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $59,070
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $59,040
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers $57,700
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $55,900
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $54,790
- Home Appliance Repairers $52,070
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $51,130
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $50,790
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $50,160
- Motorcycle Mechanics $49,360
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $49,260
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $49,110
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $46,990
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $46,400
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $45,240
- Bicycle Repairers $42,790
- Tire Repairers and Changers $38,990
Life, physical and social science 33
- Physicists $144,670
- Physical Scientists, All Other $130,290
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $126,260
- Psychologists, All Other $118,640
- Hydrologists $116,000
- Economists $111,540
- School Psychologists $111,060
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $106,310
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $101,000
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $99,900
- Chemists $97,380
- Urban and Regional Planners $96,810
- Biological Scientists, All Other $96,680
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $96,310
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $86,720
- Food Scientists and Technologists $86,370
- Conservation Scientists $80,240
- Forensic Science Technicians $77,800
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $77,320
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $76,770
- Epidemiologists $73,340
- Foresters $69,380
- Microbiologists $69,010
- Soil and Plant Scientists $68,420
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $66,560
- Anthropologists and Archeologists $64,910
- Chemical Technicians $64,540
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $62,180
- Food Science Technicians $59,450
- Biological Technicians $54,600
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $54,310
- Agricultural Technicians $51,380
- Social Science Research Assistants $48,390
Transport and material moving 33
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers $211,860
- Air Traffic Controllers $172,310
- Commercial Pilots $122,700
- Transportation Inspectors $91,660
- Locomotive Engineers $79,960
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $74,930
- Crane and Tower Operators $74,140
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $70,000
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers $69,040
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $65,140
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $61,310
- Wellhead Pumpers $61,170
- Flight Attendants $61,050
- Material Moving Workers, All Other $60,680
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $60,610
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $60,260
- Bus Drivers, School $49,490
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $48,460
- Light Truck Drivers $46,960
- Aircraft Service Attendants $46,650
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $45,210
- Driver/Sales Workers $43,560
- Stockers and Order Fillers $40,710
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders $40,320
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $39,720
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $39,480
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $39,000
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $38,840
- Parking Attendants $38,800
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $38,420
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $38,020
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $37,950
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $36,320
Arts, design, entertainment and media 32
- Technical Writers $103,960
- Special Effects Artists and Animators $95,130
- Art Directors $93,550
- Fashion Designers $85,680
- Lighting Technicians $83,580
- Public Relations Specialists $77,120
- Editors $75,660
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $74,350
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $74,010
- Interior Designers $72,740
- Producers and Directors $71,480
- Music Directors and Composers $69,160
- Interpreters and Translators $66,590
- Sound Engineering Technicians $66,580
- Graphic Designers $66,360
- Broadcast Technicians $60,860
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $59,650
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $59,510
- Artists and Related Workers, All Other $59,250
- Film and Video Editors $56,510
- Audio and Video Technicians $54,920
- Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other $53,300
- Media and Communication Workers, All Other $52,780
- Coaches and Scouts $47,470
- Designers, All Other $47,150
- Photographers $43,560
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials $42,120
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $41,660
- Floral Designers $41,620
- Craft Artists $40,190
- Disc Jockeys, Except Radio not reported
- Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other not reported
Business and financial 31
- Project Management Specialists $106,960
- Management Analysts $104,990
- Financial Risk Specialists $103,440
- Insurance Underwriters $100,050
- Financial Examiners $99,740
- Financial and Investment Analysts $99,200
- Logisticians $96,860
- Budget Analysts $96,680
- Credit Analysts $95,670
- Accountants and Auditors $90,030
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $89,860
- Financial Specialists, All Other $87,270
- Personal Financial Advisors $85,580
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $84,010
- Labor Relations Specialists $82,120
- Cost Estimators $81,990
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $80,670
- Compliance Officers $80,590
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $80,180
- Loan Officers $79,800
- Human Resources Specialists $78,170
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $75,120
- Fundraisers $73,280
- Training and Development Specialists $72,790
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage $69,560
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes $65,180
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $64,730
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $64,260
- Tax Preparers $62,860
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $62,290
- Credit Counselors $51,670
Management 30
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $180,240
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $176,610
- Sales Managers $174,840
- Financial Managers $174,840
- Marketing Managers $173,390
- Managers, All Other $164,010
- Purchasing Managers $163,610
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $159,570
- Administrative Services Managers $145,650
- Natural Sciences Managers $143,150
- Training and Development Managers $137,500
- Industrial Production Managers $137,490
- Medical and Health Services Managers $131,130
- General and Operations Managers $130,340
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $123,750
- Facilities Managers $116,830
- Construction Managers $113,520
- Emergency Management Directors $109,710
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $106,640
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $104,650
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $103,790
- Education Administrators, All Other $100,110
- Social and Community Service Managers $96,480
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $94,990
- Lodging Managers $93,280
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $89,480
- Food Service Managers $82,270
- Funeral Home Managers $77,860
- Legislators $66,700
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $61,150
Architecture and engineering 30
- Petroleum Engineers $167,540
- Computer Hardware Engineers $162,920
- Aerospace Engineers $151,570
- Chemical Engineers $131,740
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $127,610
- Engineers, All Other $125,330
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians $124,290
- Materials Engineers $121,430
- Electrical Engineers $112,880
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $112,140
- Mechanical Engineers $108,060
- Industrial Engineers $106,980
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers $106,690
- Environmental Engineers $98,170
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $95,620
- Mechanical Drafters $85,050
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $81,700
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $78,030
- Surveyors $77,050
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $76,960
- Landscape Architects $76,110
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $75,740
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $74,360
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $72,760
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $72,390
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $68,290
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $64,890
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians $60,480
- Drafters, All Other $60,180
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $58,370
Personal care and service 23
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $65,330
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $57,420
- Barbers $56,690
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $55,530
- Skincare Specialists $50,270
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $49,480
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $49,250
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $43,680
- Animal Trainers $43,670
- Concierges $42,140
- Tour and Travel Guides $41,600
- Residential Advisors $39,780
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $39,200
- Childcare Workers $38,410
- Funeral Attendants $38,340
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $37,800
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $37,490
- Recreation Workers $37,110
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $36,660
- Animal Caretakers $35,300
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants $35,070
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $34,400
- Gambling Dealers $29,990
Protective service 19
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $128,310
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $105,890
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $102,910
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators $97,080
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $96,100
- Firefighters $76,560
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $74,420
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $64,180
- Transportation Security Screeners $61,440
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $60,670
- Animal Control Workers $56,890
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $56,860
- Private Detectives and Investigators $49,720
- Parking Enforcement Workers $49,410
- Security Guards $46,080
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $42,510
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $37,660
- School Bus Monitors $37,390
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $36,290
Computing and mathematics 17
- Database Architects $151,460
- Computer Network Architects $134,680
- Software Developers $134,540
- Actuaries $131,940
- Information Security Analysts $130,570
- Computer Programmers $124,880
- Computer Systems Analysts $124,010
- Database Administrators $119,940
- Computer Occupations, All Other $119,560
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $114,600
- Data Scientists $106,500
- Operations Research Analysts $104,560
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $103,990
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $103,600
- Statisticians $97,310
- Computer Network Support Specialists $83,350
- Computer User Support Specialists $66,270
Sales 17
- Sales Engineers $136,080
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $132,010
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $101,670
- Advertising Sales Agents $82,050
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $79,990
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $77,830
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $65,820
- Insurance Sales Agents $61,020
- Travel Agents $56,370
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $55,960
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $55,780
- Telemarketers $48,870
- Parts Salespersons $45,290
- Counter and Rental Clerks $44,850
- Retail Salespersons $36,960
- Cashiers $35,760
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $34,710
Food preparation and serving 16
- Chefs and Head Cooks $63,990
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $47,920
- Cooks, All Other $46,730
- Cooks, Short Order $44,090
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $40,890
- Cooks, Restaurant $39,170
- Food Preparation Workers $38,670
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $38,180
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other $37,860
- Dishwashers $37,140
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $35,720
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $35,550
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $35,440
- Cooks, Fast Food $35,140
- Waiters and Waitresses $34,990
- Bartenders $33,780
Community and social service 15
- Marriage and Family Therapists $69,990
- Health Education Specialists $69,890
- Counselors, All Other $68,310
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $66,770
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $65,080
- Clergy $63,980
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $63,900
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $63,560
- Social Workers, All Other $63,320
- Healthcare Social Workers $62,740
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $59,190
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $56,700
- Religious Workers, All Other $50,470
- Rehabilitation Counselors $50,290
- Social and Human Service Assistants $46,730
Healthcare support 15
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $68,650
- Physical Therapist Assistants $62,110
- Massage Therapists $59,560
- Dental Assistants $47,770
- Medical Assistants $47,270
- Phlebotomists $47,020
- Medical Equipment Preparers $46,870
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $45,600
- Nursing Assistants $44,950
- Orderlies $41,390
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $39,480
- Medical Transcriptionists $38,340
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $37,420
- Physical Therapist Aides $37,210
- Pharmacy Aides $35,690
Building and grounds maintenance 10
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $60,570
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $51,540
- Pest Control Workers $50,450
- Building Cleaning Workers, All Other $50,440
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $49,920
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $46,040
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other $45,820
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $44,950
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $37,270
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $37,240
Legal 7
- Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates $191,640
- Lawyers $167,970
- Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers $120,290
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants $73,380
- Judicial Law Clerks $65,270
- Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers $64,170
- Legal Support Workers, All Other $62,070
Farming, fishing and forestry 6
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $64,990
- Agricultural Inspectors $56,310
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $42,940
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $41,230
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $38,870
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $32,260
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Colorado?
The median across all occupations is $58,210 a year, or $27.99 an hour, covering 2,891,210 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Colorado?
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers ($211,860), Nurse Anesthetists ($207,120), Pediatricians, General ($205,310) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Colorado employ the most people in?
Fast Food and Counter Workers, with 78,720 employed at a median of $35,440. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Colorado electricity averages 16.16¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.