Employment in Colorado
With 14 major industrial sectors, Colorado offers employment opportunities across academic disciplines. Half of the top industries in Colorado incorporate an aspect of STEM, while recreation and tourism careers are also popular. Colorado ranked in the top five of states for start-up activity in 2015, and it is the top employer in the private aerospace sector in the United States.
While the cost of living index in Colorado is above the national average, health, grocery, and utility costs are comparable with those found throughout the United States. Housing remains the top expense for individuals living in Colorado — a cost that varies by region.
In Colorado, unemployment remained relatively consistent through 2020, topping out at 7% in August. In January 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported unemployment was down to 6.6%.
Below are a few of the highest paying roles employing more than 2,500 individuals in Colorado. Salary information applies specifically to Colorado, while job growth data pertains to the United States as a whole.
Highest Paying Careers
| Career |
Annual Mean Salary (2020) |
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) |
Education Required |
| Physicians |
$219,310 |
4% |
Doctoral |
| Airline Pilots |
$200,040 |
5% |
Bachelor's |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers |
$178,120 |
3% |
Bachelor's |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers |
$118,220 |
10% |
Bachelor's |
| Marketing Managers |
$172,140 |
6% |
Bachelor's |
| Sales Managers |
$170,500 |
4% |
Bachelor's |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
The following data reflects the highest paying roles employing more than 10,000 professionals in Colorado. Salary figures apply specifically to Colorado, while job growth data refers to the United States as a whole.
Most Common Careers in Colorado
| Career |
Annual Mean Salary (2020) |
Projected Job Growth (2020-2030) |
Education Required |
| Lawyers |
$148,330 |
4% |
Doctoral |
| General and Operations Managers |
$144,390 |
4% |
Bachelor's |
| Software Developers |
$112,700 |
22% |
Bachelor's |
| Construction Managers |
$107,000 |
8% |
Bachelor's |
| Management Analysts |
$102,840 |
11% |
Bachelor's |
| Civil Engineers |
$98,520 |
2% |
Bachelor's |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Online Associate and Graduate Degrees
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities have expanded online education options for students. This holds true for undergraduate and graduate learners alike. Online colleges in Colorado offer programs that mirror on-campus degrees. Some online programs incorporate hybrid components to supplement online coursework or include both asynchronous and synchronous learning options.
Common online associate degrees in Colorado include business administration, management, accounting, and health administration services. The foundational knowledge and skills built through an online associate degree can prepare graduates for entry-level careers, like accounting assistant and office manager. Colorado students can earn statewide guaranteed transfer degrees in areas such as biology, economics, and English — ideal for individuals who plan to transfer to a bachelor's program.
Online graduate programs in Colorado tend to correspond with the top industries in the state. This meets the needs of working professionals, traditional students, and employers in the state. For example, CSU-Global offers online master's degrees in 10 areas, including agricultural sciences, communication, business, and engineering.
Similarly, students at CU Online can earn online master's degrees in areas like business analytics, nursing, and information systems. Master's degrees in management and organization, financial and risk management, and supply chain management prepare individuals for top-paying and in-demand roles, like construction manager and management analyst.
