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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Financial Managers | Management | $183K | $87.83/hr |
| 22 | Sales Managers | Management | $181K | $86.95/hr |
| 23 | Air Traffic Controllers | Transportation | $177K | $85.28/hr |
| 24 | Petroleum Engineers | Engineering | $172K | $82.78/hr |
| 25 | Purchasing Managers | Management | $171K | $82.33/hr |
| 26 | Managers, All Other | Management | $171K | $82.28/hr |
| 27 | Lawyers | Legal | $169K | $81.02/hr |
| 28 | Human Resources Managers | Management | $166K | $80/hr |
| 29 | Dentists, General | Healthcare | $166K | $79.92/hr |
| 30 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | Management | $166K | $79.7/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