Colorado Job Market: Top Industries, Salaries & Employers (2026)
Guide to the Colorado job market in 2026. Technology, aerospace, healthcare, and outdoor recreation industries across Denver-Boulder and beyond.
Colorado's combination of outdoor lifestyle, growing tech scene, and aerospace heritage makes it one of the most desirable states for workers. Denver and Boulder consistently rank among the best places to live and work, attracting top talent from across the country.
Top Industries
- Technology: Denver-Boulder is a top-10 tech hub. Arrow Electronics (HQ), IHS Markit, Palantir (Denver office), and thousands of startups. Average tech salary: $115,000. Tech is now the #1 private sector employer in Colorado.
- Aerospace & Defense: Lockheed Martin Space (Littleton), Ball Aerospace, Raytheon, and the U.S. Space Force (Colorado Springs). Colorado has the #2 aerospace workforce nationally. Average aerospace salary: $95,000.
- Healthcare: UCHealth, SCL Health (now Intermountain), Centura Health, and Children's Hospital Colorado. 280,000+ healthcare workers. Growing biotech sector around CU Anschutz Medical Campus.
- Energy: Oil/gas in the Denver-Julesburg Basin and renewable energy. Colorado is a top-10 state for solar and wind. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden drives clean energy research.
- Outdoor Recreation: $37 billion industry. Ski resorts, REI, VF Corporation (North Face, JanSport — moved HQ to Denver), and outdoor tech companies.
Major Employers
| Employer | Industry | Approx. CO Employees |
|---|---|---|
| UCHealth | Healthcare | 28,000+ |
| Lockheed Martin Space | Aerospace | 14,000+ |
| State of Colorado | Government | 35,000+ |
| CenturyLink/Lumen | Telecom | 8,000+ |
| University of Colorado | Education | 30,000+ |
| Amazon | Tech/Logistics | 20,000+ |
| Ball Corporation | Aerospace/Packaging | 6,000+ |
Average Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Avg Salary | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora | $66,480 | 115 (above avg) |
| Boulder | $72,340 | 140 (high) |
| Colorado Springs | $57,620 | 100 |
| Fort Collins | $56,870 | 108 |
| Grand Junction | $47,530 | 92 |
Growing Sectors
- Space Economy: U.S. Space Command HQ in Colorado Springs. Space Force, Sierra Space, and dozens of space startups drive growth. 25,000+ space-related jobs.
- Cannabis: Colorado's legal cannabis industry employs 35,000+ people. $2B+ annual sales. Cultivation, retail, and ancillary services.
- Clean Tech: NREL drives innovation. Growing solar, wind, and electric vehicle infrastructure. Colorado has a goal of 100% clean electricity by 2040.
Remote Work Availability
Colorado ranks #4 nationally for remote work adoption. The outdoor lifestyle is a major draw for remote workers. Mountain towns like Breckenridge and Telluride have seen influxes of remote tech workers. Denver offers a strong balance of urban amenities and outdoor access.
FAQ
Is Colorado worth the rising cost of living?
For tech, aerospace, and outdoor-oriented workers — yes. Denver salaries are 85-90% of coastal rates while costs are 30-40% lower than SF or Seattle. Quality of life consistently ranks top-5 nationally. Colorado Springs offers Denver-adjacent access at lower costs.
What is the minimum wage in Colorado?
$14.42/hour statewide. Denver: $18.29/hour. Tipped: $11.40/hour.