Software Engineer Salary in Boulder, Colorado
The median software engineer salary in Boulder, CO is $168,912 per year, which is 36.0% above the national median and 20.4% above the Colorado state average.
Software Engineer Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)
Boulder offers a median software engineer salary of $168,912, which is $28,566 above the Colorado state average of $140,346. Compared to the national median of $124,200, Boulder pays above average for this role.
However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $168,912 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $131,963. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for software engineers in Boulder spans from $101,456 at the 10th percentile to $270,069 at the 90th percentile — a $168,613 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $106,080, while senior software engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $251,600. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Software Engineer Salary in Boulder by Experience
In Boulder, an entry-level software engineer earns around $106,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $251,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO
| Percentile | Boulder |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $101,456 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,552 |
| Median (50th) | $168,912 |
| 75th Percentile | $215,152 |
| 90th Percentile | $270,069 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other Colorado Cities
How to Become a Software Engineer in Boulder
Education
Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Software Engineer Jobs in Boulder
Browse open software engineer positions in Boulder, CO: