Top Paying Jobs in Colorado
Colorado has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 406,790 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Orthodontists ($416,000), Dermatologists ($398,810), Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric ($385,410). The cost of living index is 103.71 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,832/month.
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State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.
$164K
Avg. median salary
103.71
Cost of living index
$1,832
Median 2BR rent
N/A
Population
Highest paying careers in Colorado
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 | Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | Science | $113K | $54.46/hr |
| 92 | Speech-Language Pathologists | Healthcare | $111K | $53.25/hr |
| 93 | Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | Engineering | $111K | $53.2/hr |
| 94 | Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | Management | $111K | N/A |
| 95 | First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | Sales | $110K | $53.1/hr |
| 96 | Project Management Specialists | Business & Finance | $110K | $52.91/hr |
| 97 | Industrial Engineers | Engineering | $110K | $52.77/hr |
| 98 | Statisticians | Technology | $110K | $52.72/hr |
| 99 | Dental Hygienists | Healthcare | $110K | $52.68/hr |
| 100 | Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | Healthcare | $108K | $52.12/hr |
Affordability snapshot: Colorado
These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.
Cost of living vs. national average+3.7% more expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,832/mo
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Metro areas in Colorado
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After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in Colorado?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
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Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data