Average Software Developers Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Software Developers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $142,530. This figure is slightly below the national average of $145,320, but the local market dynamics and cost of living offer a compelling picture. The robust tech sector in Colorado often commands competitive compensation, reflecting the high demand for skilled professionals in this vibrant region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $142,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $208,640.
- Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial tech landscape demonstrates significant strength, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 31,190 Software Developers. With a Location Quotient of 1.8, the concentration of these roles is nearly double the national average, indicating a robust and specialized job market that actively seeks and retains tech talent.
Salary Overview
The average Software Developers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns-1.9%below the national average.
$68.5
$2,741
$11,878
Software Developers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that Software Developer salaries in Denver-Aurora-Centennial have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. The increasing demand for digital solutions and the expansion of the tech industry locally likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation, making it a dynamic field for career advancement.
Software Developers Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Salary progression for Software Developers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior developers with extensive expertise and in-demand skills can command salaries significantly above the average. The percentile gaps in compensation clearly signify the career trajectory and earning potential available within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $96,080 | $46.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $106,898 | $51.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $134,120 | $64.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $178,163 | $85.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $208,640 | $100.3 |
Detailed Software Developers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$142,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$142,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $142,530 for Software Developers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a developer's salary in this metro area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the premium often associated with high-paying tech hubs.
Job Market Context
31,190
Total Jobs
19.271
Per 1K Jobs
1.8
Location Quotient
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has 1.8x the national concentration of Software Developers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.8 for Software Developers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial signifies a highly concentrated job market, with nearly twice the national average presence of these professionals. This indicates a strong demand and a well-established ecosystem for software development, suggesting a competitive yet abundant environment for both employers seeking talent and developers looking for opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Developers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Software Developers Salary | $186,270↑ 31% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Software Developers Salary | $137,250↓ 4% | 45 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $139,260↓ 2% | 54 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $134,710↓ 5% | 54 mi |
| Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $123,360↓ 13% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Software Developerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Developers make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Software Developers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $142,530. This typically ranges from $96,080 for entry-level positions to $208,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 1.9% lower than the national median of $145,320.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Software Developers?
Yes, Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is a lucrative location for Software Developers.The area offers a strong average salary of $142,530, which, combined with a national average cost of living, provides excellent earning potential and quality of life.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Software Developers?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($186,270) and Greeley, CO.
How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Software Developers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is $142,530, which is slightly lower than the national average of $145,320.
What is the concentration of Software Developers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.8, meaning there are nearly twice as many Software Developers per worker in this area compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial affect salary value?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $142,530 salary holds its purchasing power effectively, making it comparable to living in an average U.S. city.
What does the job market size indicate for Software Developers in this area?
A local workforce of 31,190 indicates a substantial and active job market for Software Developers, suggesting ample opportunities and a thriving tech community.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 31,190 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 19.271 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Software Developers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO