Salary & Cost of Living in Brighton, CO
Brighton, CO: $60,525 median salary, cost of living index 105.7, $14.42/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$60,525
$29/hr
Cost of Living
105.7
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$14.42
per hour
Unemployment
3%
rate
Brighton, CO Overview
Population
42,033
Median Salary
$60,525
Average Salary
$67,788
Avg Commute
19 min
Median Home Price
$535,000
Median Rent
$2,161/mo
Job Growth
+2.5%
Sales Tax
2.9%
Brighton is located in Colorado with a population of 42,033. The median household salary is $60,525 per year ($29/hour), which is $1,141 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.5%.
Brighton Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Brighton, CO based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $60,525 median salary. Entry-level represents 10th–25th percentile; mid-level is the median; senior-level represents 75th–90th percentile.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Years Exp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $37,526 | $18.04/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $60,525 | $29.10/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $85,946 | $41.32/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $107,735 | $51.80/hr | 15+ years / leadership |
Percentile multipliers (62%, 100%, 142%, 178%) derived from 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics distribution across all occupations in metro areas. Specific roles vary; see jobs by city for role-specific data.
Brighton Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Brighton, CO, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$48,007
$4,000.60/month · $1,846.43/biweekly · Effective Rate: 20.7%
Gross Pay
$60,525
Federal Tax
-$5,225
State Tax
-$2,663
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,630
Net Pay
$48,007
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,043.75 | $60,525.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$435.38 | -$5,224.50 |
| Colorado State Tax (4.4%) | -$221.93 | -$2,663.10 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$312.71 | -$3,752.55 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$73.13 | -$877.61 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,000.60 | $48,007.24 |
Salary Comparison: Brighton vs Other Cities
See how Brighton's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brighton, CO | $60,525 | 105.7 | $57,261 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Binghamton, NY | $60,537 | 125.7 | $48,160 |
| Huntington Station, NY | $60,505 | 129.4 | $46,758 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $60,500 | 103 | $58,738 |
| West Warwick, RI | $60,497 | 95.6 | $63,281 |
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 Brighton
Brighton's cost of living index is 105.7 (national average = 100). Living in Brighton is 5.700000000000003% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$535,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,161
Annual Rent Cost
$25,932
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $48,007 annual take-home pay in Brighton has the purchasing power of approximately $45,418 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $63,975 in Brighton to match a $60,525 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Brighton
Brighton's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $60,525.
Salary Tips for Brighton Workers
- Research top industries. Brighton's top industries include Technology, Aerospace, Energy. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $60,525 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 Brighton, CO?
The median salary in Brighton, CO is $60,525 per year, or $29 per hour. The average salary is $67,788. This is $1,141 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Brighton, CO?
Brighton's cost of living index is 105.7 (national average = 100), meaning it is 5.700000000000003% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $535,000 and the median monthly rent is $2,161.
What are the best industries in Brighton?
The top industries in Brighton, CO include Technology, Aerospace, Energy. The city has a job growth rate of 2.5% and an unemployment rate of 3%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $60,525.
How does Brighton's salary compare to other cities?
Brighton's median salary of $60,525 is 1.9% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 105.7), the real purchasing power is approximately $57,261.
What is the minimum wage in Brighton, CO?
The minimum wage in Brighton, CO is $14.42 per hour. This equals approximately $29,994 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $7.17 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.