Colorado’s Highest Paying Jobs in 2025
Surgeons, psychiatrists, and orthodontists top the list of the highest paying jobs in Colorado, all earning more than $250,000 annually. These positions require advanced education and board certifications. Roles like petroleum engineers and chief executives also offer six-figure salaries, especially in cities like Denver and Colorado Springs.
Table Of Highest Paying Jobs in Colorado (2025)
| Rank | Job Title | Average Annual Salary | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | $415,100 | Top corporate leader; bonuses/profit share possible |
| 2 | Physician | $300,000+ | Includes specialists; varies by field |
| 3 | Petroleum Engineer | $162,000 | Strong energy sector presence in Denver |
| 4 | Engineering Manager | $120,818 | Supervises engineering teams and projects |
| 5 | Software Developer | $126,000–$145,000 | High tech demand, especially in Denver and Colorado Springs |
| 6 | Cloud Architect | Up to $155,000+ | Key tech role, especially in Colorado Springs |
| 7 | Cybersecurity Analyst | $128,000 | Growing demand, job security, remote work options |
| 8 | Attorney | $97,777 | Legal field remains lucrative |
| 9 | Data Scientist | $117,000+ | In-demand in tech and research sectors |
| 10 | Nurse Midwife | $131,000 | High demand in healthcare |
| 11 | Blockchain Engineer | $143,000 | Fast-growing tech field, especially in Colorado Springs |
| 12 | Chief Information Officer | $200,000+ | Senior IT leadership |
| 13 | Gynecologist/Obstetrician | $201,487 | Specialized medical field |
| 14 | AI/ML Engineer | $120,000+ | Emerging tech sector |
| 15 | Network Architect | $110,000+ | Critical for tech infrastructure |
How These Jobs Were Ranked
These rankings are based on salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job postings, and industry-specific reports. Factors considered include average annual pay, job availability, and growth outlook through 2025. Positions requiring advanced education or managing critical operations typically rank highest.
- Sources: BLS, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Payscale, ZipRecruiter
- Metrics Used: base salary, total compensation (bonuses, benefits), location-based pay, company’s pay structure.
Medical Jobs That Lead Colorado’s Salary Rankings
Physicians, surgeons, gynecologists, and nurse midwives are among Colorado’s highest paid professionals. These roles require advanced degrees and licenses, but demand remains strong across hospitals and private practices.
- Surgeons specialize in treating injuries, diseases, or congenital disorders through surgery.
- Gynecologists/Obstetricians handle reproductive health and childbirth.
- Nurse Midwives provide prenatal care, assist with deliveries, and prescribe medications.
- Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental illnesses using medications and therapy.
- Orthodontists focus on straightening teeth and jaw alignment, often for children.
These roles demand precise skills in diagnosis, treatment, and patient care, with long hours and other duties including managing diagnostic tests, writing prescriptions, and responding to urgent patient needs.
Tech & Engineering: Colorado’s Fastest-Growing High-Income Field
Software developers, cybersecurity analysts, cloud architects, and blockchain engineers offer salaries between $120,000 and $155,000. Tech roles often allow remote work and strong growth potential.
- Cloud Architects design secure cloud systems and manage data infrastructure.
- Cybersecurity Analysts prevent cyber attacks and secure sensitive company data.
- Blockchain Engineers develop decentralized software solutions and secure transactions.
- AI/ML Engineers build machine learning models and automate operations.
- Network Architects create large-scale digital communication systems.
Colorado Springs is a rising tech hub where salaries have risen 20% in two years. Employers like Oracle, Lockheed Martin, and startup ecosystems continue to invest millions into hiring skilled engineers and developers.
Legal and Corporate Leadership Careers
CEOs, CIOs, and attorneys earn between $97,000 and $415,000, depending on role and company size. Legal and executive positions are common in Denver, Boulder, and major law firms.
- Chief Executive Officers lead company operations, set business strategies, and manage teams. Bonuses often raise total compensation by over $200,000.
- Chief Information Officers lead IT systems, tech development, and secure operations.
- Attorneys represent clients in court, draft contracts, and offer legal advice.
- Corporate Counsels specialize in company law and compliance.
- Litigators focus on civil or criminal court cases.
These roles require a law degree or equivalent, experience in corporate environments, and high responsibility for company and client success.
Aerospace, Aviation, and Energy Careers
Petroleum engineers, engineering managers, and aircraft-related specialists command six-figure salaries, especially near Denver. The energy sector plays a large role in Colorado’s economy.
- Petroleum Engineers develop tools and techniques to extract oil and gas.
- Engineering Managers oversee teams that complete high-stakes technical projects.
- Aircraft Engineers develop and test aircraft systems and safety tools.
- Air Traffic Controllers ensure aircraft stay on safe routes and follow regulations.
- Energy Analysts determine cost-effective strategies for energy distribution.
These positions involve high levels of technical knowledge, leadership, and team coordination using advanced equipment and software systems.
Planning Your High-Income Career in Colorado
To secure a high-paying job in Colorado, invest in education, skills, and certifications that match industry needs. Use resources like the Colorado Workforce Center, Coursera, or LinkedIn to identify skills gaps and complete relevant training.
- Tech Careers: Coding bootcamps, online AI courses, or cybersecurity certifications can qualify you without a four-year degree.
- Healthcare: Nursing degrees, medical residencies, and licenses are required.
- Engineering: Degrees from schools like Colorado School of Mines or certifications in specialized fields (e.g., mechanical or software engineering) increase salary potential.
- Law: A JD from a recognized law school and bar admission are essential.
- Business: An MBA or executive leadership experience enhances income prospects.
Typical Qs
Below are typical questions we are asked about this topic.
Are high-paying jobs in Colorado concentrated in certain cities or regions?
Yes. Denver and Colorado Springs offer most of Colorado’s highest paying jobs, especially in tech, healthcare, and energy. Colorado Springs has seen rapid growth in tech roles such as Cloud Architect and Blockchain Engineer.
What industries in Colorado are seeing the fastest salary growth?
Tech and healthcare are the fastest-growing sectors for salaries. Tech wages in Colorado Springs have increased by 20%, driven by roles like cybersecurity analyst, software developer, and data scientist.
Can you achieve a high-paying tech job in Colorado without a four-year degree?
Yes. Practical experience and certifications can replace a traditional degree. Cybersecurity analysts and software developers are often hired from bootcamps and self-learning backgrounds.
How do bonuses and profit-sharing impact total compensation for top jobs?
Executives like CEOs and CIOs often receive bonuses over $200,000, significantly raising total pay. Profit-sharing is also offered in some sales and tech companies, depending on performance.
Final Ideas
Colorado offers high salaries in healthcare, tech, and executive roles, especially in cities like Denver and Colorado Springs. Salaries are driven by industry demand, company’s pay structure, and individual education or experience level.
To succeed in high-paying roles:
- Develop critical skills in software, leadership, or patient care
- Invest in training or certifications matching your target position
- Use reliable job postings to track demand and compensation
- Understand the company’s business, team structure, and leadership expectations
- Focus on customer and client results, especially in sales or healthcare roles
High-paying jobs in Colorado are accessible with the right education, experience, and tools. Whether you’re aiming to treat patients, develop software, lead teams, or represent clients in court, opportunities are growing across industries.
