Salary & Cost of Living in Boulder, CO
Boulder, CO: $82,500 median salary, cost of living index 138, $14.81/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$82,500
$40/hr
Cost of Living
138
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$14.81
per hour
Unemployment
2.5%
rate
Boulder, CO Overview
Population
105,673
Median Salary
$82,500
Average Salary
$92,000
Avg Commute
24 min
Median Home Price
$750,000
Median Rent
$2,200/mo
Job Growth
+2.8%
Sales Tax
8.85%
Boulder is located in Colorado with a population of 105,673. The median household salary is $82,500 per year ($40/hour), which is $23,116 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.8%.
Boulder Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Boulder, CO, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$62,795
$5,232.90/month · $2,415.18/biweekly · Effective Rate: 23.9%
Gross Pay
$82,500
Federal Tax
-$9,764
State Tax
-$3,630
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$6,311
Net Pay
$62,795
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $6,875.00 | $82,500.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$813.67 | -$9,764.00 |
| Colorado State Tax (4.4%) | -$302.50 | -$3,630.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$426.25 | -$5,115.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$99.69 | -$1,196.25 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $5,232.90 | $62,794.75 |
Salary Comparison: Boulder vs Other Cities
See how Boulder's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | $82,500 | 138 | $59,783 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Scottsdale, AZ | $82,500 | 120 | $68,750 |
| Santa Clarita, CA | $82,000 | 148 | $55,405 |
| Evanston, IL | $82,000 | 120 | $68,333 |
| Overland Park, KS | $82,000 | 102 | $80,392 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Boulder
Boulder's cost of living index is 138 (national average = 100). Living in Boulder is 38% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$750,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,200
Annual Rent Cost
$26,400
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $62,795 annual take-home pay in Boulder has the purchasing power of approximately $45,503 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $113,850 in Boulder to match a $82,500 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Boulder
Boulder's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $82,500.
Salary Tips for Boulder Workers
- Negotiate for cost of living. Boulder has a cost of living 38% above the national average. When negotiating salary, factor in the higher housing and living costs to ensure your real purchasing power stays competitive.
- Research top industries. Boulder's top industries include Technology, Education, Aerospace. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $82,500 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Boulder, CO?
The median salary in Boulder, CO is $82,500 per year, or $40 per hour. The average salary is $92,000. This is $23,116 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO?
Boulder's cost of living index is 138 (national average = 100), meaning it is 38% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $750,000 and the median monthly rent is $2,200.
What are the best industries in Boulder?
The top industries in Boulder, CO include Technology, Education, Aerospace. The city has a job growth rate of 2.8% and an unemployment rate of 2.5%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $82,500.
How does Boulder's salary compare to other cities?
Boulder's median salary of $82,500 is 38.9% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 138), the real purchasing power is approximately $59,783.
What is the minimum wage in Boulder, CO?
The minimum wage in Boulder, CO is $14.81 per hour. This equals approximately $30,805 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $7.56 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.