Boulder, CO

Salary intelligence, cost of living, and affordability data

All 791 jobs →

Avg Salary

$82,238

across all roles

Cost Index

127

Expensive

Avg Rent

$2,150/mo

1-bed apartment

Affordability

5/10

Low Affordability

How affordable is Boulder?

5/10

Low Affordability

Purchasing power score: 1.47× (take-home ÷ living costs)

With a cost of living index of 127 (US avg = 100) and average disposable income of $1,600/mo, Boulder is a high-cost market — salaries need to be competitive to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

Cost of Living Benchmarks

Cost Index

127

US avg = 100

Est. Monthly Rent

$2,150

1-bed, city avg

Avg Disposable

$1,600

after taxes + living costs

Median Salary

$72,197

across all tracked roles

Purchasing Power

1.47×

take-home ÷ costs

Jobs Tracked

791

job titles with data

Highest-Paying Jobs in Boulder

By gross annual salary

1.Obstetricians And Gynecologists
$258,638
2.Neurologists
$257,319
3.Radiologists
$255,524
4.Nurse Anesthetists
$250,971
5.Anesthesiologists
$248,189
6.Ophthalmologists
$248,175
7.Orthodontists
$245,658
8.Orthopedic Surgeons
$242,060
9.Pediatricians
$232,873
10.Family Medicine Physicians
$230,025

Best Jobs for Disposable Income

After taxes and living costs

1.Obstetricians And Gynecologists
$12,331/mo
2.Neurologists
$12,251/mo
3.Radiologists
$12,141/mo
4.Nurse Anesthetists
$11,864/mo
5.Anesthesiologists
$11,695/mo
6.Ophthalmologists
$11,694/mo
7.Orthodontists
$11,541/mo
8.Orthopedic Surgeons
$11,322/mo
9.Pediatricians
$10,763/mo
10.Family Medicine Physicians
$10,590/mo

Jobs With Tightest Budgets in Boulder

These roles leave the least disposable income after living costs — worth knowing before accepting an offer.

Electronic Equipment Installers And Repairers

$7/mo left

$56,057/yr gross

Bill And Account Collectors

$17/mo left

$56,226/yr gross

Dental Assistants

$33/mo left

$56,484/yr gross

Outdoor Power Equipment And Other Small Engine Mechanics

$34/mo left

$56,502/yr gross

Rehabilitation Counselors

$45/mo left

$56,680/yr gross

Explore Boulder Further

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All data derived from BLS OEWS metro data and regional cost-of-living indices. Figures are estimates; verify with local sources before making decisions.