With an average cost of living index of 121.1, higher than the US average of 100, Colorado is one of the more expensive US states to call home, especially if you live in Denver County. For this reason, it is probably wise to have an idea of what the highest paying jobs in Colorado are.
This article has just the information you need, listing the state’s highest-paying jobs by median salary. No university education? No problem. We’ve also listed the best jobs in Colorado that don’t require a college degree.
Colorado Economic Outlook
Colorado’s economy continues to recover in the post-pandemic period. The unemployment rate in Colorado fell to 4.1 percent in January 2022, regaining 98.4 percent of the jobs lost in the early days of the pandemic. Colorado is also home to some of the largest companies in the world, and some of the largest companies in Colorado include Macy’s, RE/MAX, and Catholic Health Initiatives.
The Highest Paying Jobs in Colorado
| Job title | Average Salary in Colorado | Average Salary in the US |
|---|---|---|
| Gynaecologist | $273,505 | $214,488 |
| Director | $153,798 | $284,798 |
| Engineering Manager | $127,759 | $170,327 |
| Information Systems Administrator | $110,580 | $125,683 |
| Aerospace engineer | $100,531 | $111,964 |
| Attorney | $98,044 | $87,508 |
| Sales manager | $89,563 | $88,400 |
| Industrial Engineer | $76,662 | $83,039 |
| Pilot | $65,488 | $109,900 |
| Specialist in natural resources | $62,944 | $71,519 |
The Best Jobs in Colorado: Explained
In the preceding table, we listed some of the highest paying jobs in Colorado. In this section, we expand on that list and explain in detail what these jobs entail.
1. Gynecologists
A gynecologist or obstetrician has a professional degree in medicine and specializes in women’s health. Gynecologists diagnose medical conditions and diseases in women. They also focus on pregnancy, postpartum and childbirth.
2. Chief Executive Officer
Chief executive officers, also known as CEOs, are the most senior employees of a company or organization. They are responsible for making business decisions. They are also responsible for creating and implementing strategies to improve a company’s profits. Keep in mind that CEO compensation varies widely.
3. Engineering Manager
Engineering managers are responsible for planning, coordinating and overseeing all engineering and engineering activities of an organization. They oversee project execution and manage a team of engineers.
4. Information systems management
An information system administrator, also known as an IT manager, is responsible for the effective functioning of computer systems and all related applications and hardware and software devices. They assess a company’s computing needs and work to meet those needs.
5. Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers design and test products that serve both the aerospace and aerospace industries. They are also responsible for directing and coordinating aircraft design and manufacture.
6. Lawyer
Lawyers are a popular profession in the US, with more than 1.33 million lawyers in the US in 2020. Lawyers hold professional degrees in law and represent and advise their clients in civil and criminal cases. They provide legal support and guidance, and they also develop strategies to resolve lawsuits favorably.
7. Sales Manager
Sales managers play an important role in any sales process. Some responsibilities include leading a sales team, setting and achieving sales goals, designing strategic sales plans, and executing implementation.
8. Industrial Engineer
Industrial engineers are responsible for creating, developing and implementing production systems. They are also responsible for the analysis of operations and design of workflows.
9. Aviation Pilot
The job description of a local or international pilot includes formulating flight plans, monitoring aircraft performance, conducting pre-flight checks, and collaborating with flight attendants.
10. Natural Resources Specialist
Natural resource specialists have many responsibilities and require broad knowledge. Some of their responsibilities include managing and executing projects, maintaining records, licensing gas and oil drilling, and inspecting agricultural leases.
Highest Paying Jobs in Colorado Without a Degree
- Athletes and sports competitors | $167,240† Athletes and sports competitors do not need a bachelor’s degree or even an associate degree. They participate in official sporting events. They also exercise and practice under trainers and work irregular hours.
- Commercial pilot | $109,890† Commercial pilots are also known as charter pilots and have different job responsibilities. They do not require a professional degree, but enrolling in training programs is recommended. They fly passenger and cargo planes.
- Police and detectives frontline supervisors | $99,330† Police first-line supervisors and detectives supervise the investigation of criminal cases. They make their expertise available to researchers and also ensure that all procedures performed are in accordance with the law.
- First-line supervisors of fire and prevention personnel | $78,230† First-line supervisors of fire and prevention workers do not require a college degree, but the job does require typical on-the-job training. They have many responsibilities, including working as a motorcycle or fire team leader. They are also responsible for assigning firefighters to locations to rescue people during a fire.
- Transport managers | $68,243† Transport managers do not need a college or university degree. Their job is to direct and oversee the transport and logistics.
What is the cost of living in Colorado?
The cost of living index in Colorado is 121.1. This compares unfavorably to the US average of 100, meaning Colorado is an expensive place to live. The cost of living varies from county to county in Colorado. Denver County, which coincides with the city of Denver, has the highest cost of living in the state.
Is Colorado a good place to work?
Yes, Colorado is a good place to work. Colorado is a state with a diverse economy. It has numerous industries such as health care, military, agriculture and tourism industries. It is also home to major companies such as Macy’s and RE/MAX.
The job market in Colorado is also robust. The Colorado job market has rebounded from the recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with unemployment falling to about four percent recently.
Highest Paying Jobs in Colorado FAQ
The Most Popular Job in Colorado, According to The Colorado Sun, is a Registered Nurse (RN). This was determined by the number of times the position was advertised in Colorado. According to ZipRecruiter, Colorado RNs earn an annual salary of $72,742.
The minimum wage in Colorado as of 2022 is $12.56, significantly higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The annual wage for the median job category in Colorado is $68,947, or about $30.30 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter.
Middle-class income in Colorado for a family of two adults and two children ranges from $69,000 to $208,000. For a family without children, income between $22,000 and $68,000 is considered middle class in Colorado, according to the Bell Policy Center.
The highest-income counties in Colorado are Pitkin County, Mineral County, Hinsdale County, Douglas County, and San Miguel County.
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