Salary & Cost of Living in Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins, CO: $68,000 median salary, cost of living index 108, $14.81/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$68,000
$33/hr
Cost of Living
108
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$14.81
per hour
Unemployment
2.8%
rate
Fort Collins, CO Overview
Population
169,810
Median Salary
$68,000
Average Salary
$75,000
Avg Commute
22 min
Median Home Price
$480,000
Median Rent
$1,600/mo
Job Growth
+2.3%
Sales Tax
7.55%
Fort Collins is located in Colorado with a population of 169,810. The median household salary is $68,000 per year ($33/hour), which is $8,616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.3%.
Fort Collins Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Fort Collins, CO, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$53,232
$4,436.00/month · $2,047.38/biweekly · Effective Rate: 21.7%
Gross Pay
$68,000
Federal Tax
-$6,574
State Tax
-$2,992
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,202
Net Pay
$53,232
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,666.67 | $68,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$547.83 | -$6,574.00 |
| Colorado State Tax (4.4%) | -$249.33 | -$2,992.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$351.33 | -$4,216.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$82.17 | -$986.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,436.00 | $53,232.00 |
Salary Comparison: Fort Collins vs Other Cities
See how Fort Collins's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Collins, CO | $68,000 | 108 | $62,963 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $68,000 | 140 | $48,571 |
| Hayward, CA | $68,000 | 145 | $46,897 |
| Pearl City, HI | $68,000 | 175 | $38,857 |
| Meridian, ID | $68,000 | 105 | $64,762 |
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 Fort Collins
Fort Collins's cost of living index is 108 (national average = 100). Living in Fort Collins is 8% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$480,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,600
Annual Rent Cost
$19,200
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $53,232 annual take-home pay in Fort Collins has the purchasing power of approximately $49,289 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $73,440 in Fort Collins to match a $68,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Fort Collins
Fort Collins's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $68,000.
Salary Tips for Fort Collins Workers
- Research top industries. Fort Collins's top industries include Education, Technology, Manufacturing. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $68,000 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 Fort Collins, CO?
The median salary in Fort Collins, CO is $68,000 per year, or $33 per hour. The average salary is $75,000. This is $8,616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO?
Fort Collins's cost of living index is 108 (national average = 100), meaning it is 8% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $480,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,600.
What are the best industries in Fort Collins?
The top industries in Fort Collins, CO include Education, Technology, Manufacturing. The city has a job growth rate of 2.3% and an unemployment rate of 2.8%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $68,000.
How does Fort Collins's salary compare to other cities?
Fort Collins's median salary of $68,000 is 14.5% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 108), the real purchasing power is approximately $62,963.
What is the minimum wage in Fort Collins, CO?
The minimum wage in Fort Collins, 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.