Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Boulder

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: July 1st 2024

Tech jobs in Boulder, Colorado, with skyline background

Too Long; Didn't Read:

Discover the top 10 high-paying tech jobs in Boulder! With an average income of $131,150, burgeoning companies like Google and IBM, and a projected 10.8% job growth by 2027, Boulder is a tech hotspot. Key roles include Software Engineers ($115,780), Data Scientists ($139,923), and DevOps Engineers ($166,898).

Boulder is straight-up becoming a major tech hub, drawing in the best and brightest from all over.

Big names like Google, Microsoft, and IBM are setting up shop here, and the startup scene is crazy. We're talking high-paying gigs in tech that'll make your wallet fat and keep that innovation machine firing on all cylinders.

The Boulder Economic Council says tech accounts for like 30% of the city's economy and employs nearly 20,000 peeps.

But it's not slowing down anytime soon.

With a focus on industries like aerospace, bioscience, and renewable energy, the demand for tech talent is skyrocketing. This report from CompTIA ranks Colorado in the top 10 states for tech job growth, with a projected 10.8% increase by 2027.

Plus, having the University of Colorado Boulder nearby is a total pipeline for fresh grads with serious skills.

As Thomas Brown, Executive Director of the Boulder Economic Council, puts it: "Boulder's tech community is driving our city's economic vitality and quality of life.

With a highly educated workforce and an environment that supports entrepreneurs, we're in a prime spot to attract and keep the best tech talent around." So if you're looking to level up your career and cash in on some high-paying tech jobs, Boulder is definitely the place to be.

Table of Contents

  • Methodology
  • Software Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • DevOps Engineer
  • Product Manager
  • UX/UI Designer
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Cloud Architect
  • Full-Stack Developer
  • Data Engineer
  • Technical Program Manager
  • Conclusion
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Methodology

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We've been digging deep to find the hottest high-paying tech gigs in Boulder for 2024.

Our squad crunched all the latest data from legit sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PayScale, and Glassdoor to rank these roles. We're talking average salaries over $90K, solid growth potential, and mad demand in the local job market.

Our criteria? We looked at three key factors: Average Salary (40% weight), Industry Growth (30% weight), and Job Demand (30% weight).

The roles that made the cut had to be ballers in Boulder, with salaries topping $77K on average and growth projections that'll make your head spin.

We're talking about the crème de la crème of tech jobs, the ones that'll have you rolling in cash and living that lux life.

Barbara Rodriguez, Executive Director of Boulder's Chamber of Commerce, said it best: "Boulder's tech scene is lit." Trust us, you won't want to sleep on these opportunities.

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Software Engineer

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Software engineers are the tech rockstars of Boulder, Colorado, leading the charge in shaping our digital world. As coding wizards who design, develop, and maintain software systems, they're the MVPs driving innovation.

Their typical duties involve writing slick, efficient code, squashing bugs, teaming up with cross-functional squads, and staying ahead of the game by constantly leveling up their skills for emerging tech.

The average Boulder-based software engineer rakes in a fat stack of $115,780 annually, according to the latest stats.

This hefty paycheck reflects the high value placed on their technical prowess and the thriving job scene in this region. Major players like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, and plenty more are on a relentless hunt for software engineer talent in Denver & Boulder.

To crush it as a software engineer in Boulder, you'll need a solid foundation in programming languages like Java, Python, C++, and JavaScript.

Mad skills in modern frameworks and tools, such as React, Angular, Node.js, and Git, are also highly prized. Understanding complex algorithms, data structures, and software architecture principles is crucial too.

Here are some key skills that Boulder employers crave:

  • Mastery of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is essential for building scalable software solutions.
  • Experience with Agile development methodologies ensures rapid delivery and adaptability to change.
  • Killer problem-solving and analytical abilities are crucial for debugging and optimizing code.
  • Familiarity with Cloud Computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) offers versatility in deployment and scalability.
  • On-point communication and collaboration skills are necessary for working effectively in teams.

As Boulder's tech scene continues to blaze, the demand for talented software engineers shows no signs of slowing down.

As veteran software engineer Matthew Gonzalez from a leading local tech firm puts it,

"The opportunity for growth and innovation in this field is truly mind-blowing. Being a software engineer in Boulder means leading the charge at the cutting edge of technological advancements, constantly pushing boundaries and creating solutions that shape our digital future."

If you're seeking a career at the forefront of innovation, becoming a software engineer in Boulder is where it's at.

Data Scientist

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Data scientists are killin' it in Boulder, Colorado! Companies can't get enough of these data whisperers who turn massive piles of raw info into pure gold. We're talkin' landing sick gigs at places like Dropbox, DISH, and PwC, with salaries reaching up to $184K yearly for the right skills.

What do these data dynamos actually do? They're code-slingin' masters of Python, SQL, and machine learning who dig deep into data to unearth hidden gems.

From building predictive models that can forecast trends to crafting slick visualizations that bring insights to life, data scientists are the MVPs of the data game.

Speaking of the Benjamins, the average data science salary in Boulder is a solid $139,923 per year.

That's some serious cash for turning 1s and 0s into pure profits for companies. Boulder's tech scene is booming, with data roles being some of the most in-demand gigs around.

If you're eyeing a future as a data science rockstar, start sharpening those coding chops and get ready to ride the data wave.

The opportunities in this mile-high city are endless, and the pay? Well, let's just say you won't be living off ramen noodles anytime soon.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

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DevOps Engineer

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DevOps Engineers are the real deal in Boulder's tech scene, earning an average salary of $166,898 in 2024 according to the data.

Their job is to be the bridge between coding and engineering, working across teams to build, integrate, and configure dev environments and CI/CD pipelines.

They automate the process of building, testing, and deploying software, setting up build servers, testing frameworks, and deployment strategies across different environments.

A major part of a DevOps Engineer's role is managing the infrastructure needed for application deployments.

This means provisioning, configuring, and maintaining things like virtualized environments, containerization platforms like Docker and Kubernetes, and cloud infrastructure like AWS, Azure, and GCP. They implement monitoring and logging solutions to keep an eye on system health and use tools like Ansible, Terraform, and Puppet to automate infrastructure setup and configuration.

Companies in Boulder that are hiring DevOps Engineers include Cloudflare, BAE Systems, Procare Solutions, Gusto, DISH, Dropbox, VeilSun, Ursa Major, Red Canary, and ServiceNow.

With the increasing need for efficient software delivery and scalable infrastructure, the job market for DevOps Engineers in Boulder is expected to stay hot. As the Boulder Economic Council puts it,

"The DevOps culture is thriving in Boulder, driven by our innovative tech ecosystem and a talent pool skilled in agile methodologies and cutting-edge automation tools."

Product Manager

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Check it out - being a Product Manager in Boulder is where it's at! You're like the mastermind behind the whole product scene, calling the shots from start to finish.

It's your job to make sure the product vision aligns with what the market wants and what the biz needs.

As a Product Manager, you'll be juggling all sorts of tasks, like:

  • Strategy: Mapping out the product roadmap and prioritizing features based on market trends and what users are craving.
  • Teamwork: You'll be the glue holding together the design, engineering, marketing, and sales squads, making sure everyone's on the same page.
  • User Experience: Putting yourself in the user's shoes, analyzing data, and advocating for designs that make the product a breeze to use.
  • Communication: Keeping stakeholders in the loop, gathering feedback, and ensuring everyone's aligned with the product vision.

Here's the real deal - Product Managers in Boulder are raking in an average of $127,203 per year, with salaries ranging from $85K to $160K. That's some serious cash! Top dogs like ServiceNow, Gusto, and Dropbox are all on the hunt for skilled Product Managers in the area.

With Boulder's tech scene blowing up, the demand for Product Managers who can balance technical know-how with business savvy is skyrocketing.

As Linda Johnson, a seasoned Product Manager at Google Boulder, puts it,

"Product Managers are like the CEOs of their products, driving the vision, strategy, and execution. It's a challenging gig, but also super rewarding when you're shaping the future of tech."

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

*By checking "I Agree", you are opting-in to receive information, including text messages from Nucamp. You also agree to the following Terms of use, SMS Terms of use & Privacy Policy. Reply STOP to stop receiving text messages.

UX/UI Designer

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UX/UI designers in Boulder are killin' it with them mad skills! They're like the wizards crafting all the slick digital experiences we can't live without, from slick websites to fire apps.

These creative geniuses know how to make tech actually usable for us normies.

What do they do? They're out there interviewing folks, running surveys, and testing usability.

This is straight-up detective work to figure out what users really want and need. Then they whip up those low-fi wireframes and high-fi prototypes, visualizing their epic ideas.

After that, it's all about bringing that fire visual design to life with on-brand, user-friendly interfaces that just make sense.

The best part? Boulder's tech scene is booming, so UX/UI designers are in crazy demand.

Companies like Informa Tech and NR Consulting are battling for top talent.

With an average yearly pay of $123K+, you already know these designers are raking it in. Plus, they get to work on game-changing products and flex their creative muscles daily.

If you're trying to make it big in Boulder's tech world, being a UX/UI designer is one hell of a career move.

Just imagine crafting interfaces that millions worldwide use and love - that's some next-level cool points right there. So level up those design skills and get ready to change the digital game, one sleek experience at a time!

Cybersecurity Analyst

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Boulder is the spot for all things cyber, and Cybersecurity Analysts are like the rockstars of the tech game.

These pro hackers are the ones keeping our data safe from the bad guys. They're constantly on the lookout, scanning networks for any sketchy activity and implementing tight security measures to lock down our systems.

Their daily grind involves things like automating security protocols, identifying weaknesses before they become major issues, and developing threat models to stay ahead of the curve.

When an attack goes down, they're the ones leading the charge, coordinating the incident response across teams and executing technical solutions to neutralize the threat.

And let's talk about that paycheck.

These cyber defenders in Boulder can rake in an average of $124,526 per year, with some roles hitting the $265K mark. That's some serious cash for keeping our digital lives secure.

To land one of these gigs, you'll need a solid foundation in coding (think Python, C++, Java), network security, and ethical hacking.

Certs like CEH, GIAC, and CISSP are like golden tickets, showing employers you've got the skills to hack it. And don't forget about problem-solving and project management – these are crucial for tackling complex security challenges.

The career path is wide open too.

You can start as a Jr. Cybersecurity Engineer or Information Security Analyst, then level up to roles like Principal Cybersecurity Analyst, Cloud Security Engineer, or even Software Security Engineer.

The options are endless in this booming industry.

So if you're looking to make bank while keeping the digital world safe, becoming a Cybersecurity Analyst in Boulder's tech scene is a move worth considering.

Just be prepared to battle some seriously skilled hackers – it's a wild cyber world out there!

Cloud Architect

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The role of a Cloud Architect is a major key to success in today's tech world.

These tech pros are the masterminds behind designing and implementing an organization's cloud strategy. They make sure the cloud setup is on point, scalable, and secure, aligning with the company's goals.

It's a high-stakes gig, but the pay is dope - we're talking an average of $132,000 in Boulder, according to recent data.

But being a Cloud Architect isn't just about the money.

It's about having a diverse skill set that combines technical know-how with business savvy. You need to be a coding wizard with languages like Python, Java, and C#, while also understanding networking, security, and database management.

At the same time, you need to have strong communication skills to collaborate with teams and explain complex concepts to non-techies.

The future looks bright for Cloud Architects, especially with the rise of AI and multi-cloud environments.

Companies are investing heavily in cloud solutions, and they need experts who can navigate this ever-evolving landscape. If you're up for the challenge, Boulder's tech scene is where it's at.

Major players like Google, IBM, and Oracle are recruiting Cloud Architects to drive their cloud initiatives, and the demand is only going to increase in the coming years.

Full-Stack Developer

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Being a full-stack developer in Boulder is super rad! These devs are coding superheroes who can handle both the front-end and back-end stuff. They build entire web apps from scratch, making sure everything from the user interface to the server logic runs smoothly.

On the front-end side, they whip up slick user interfaces using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frameworks like React.

But that's not all - these coding wizards also tackle the back-end, crafting server-side logic, APIs, and managing databases with languages like Python, Java, or Node.js.

It's like they have superpowers to make websites and apps come alive!

According to the latest data, full-stack devs in Boulder can expect to rake in an average of around $115K per year in 2024.

That's some serious cash flow! Major tech companies like IBM, Oracle, and Google are all hiring these multi-talented coders to level up their digital game. With the ever-growing demand for seamless web experiences, full-stack developers are the MVPs of Boulder's tech scene.

Data Engineer

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Check it out! Data is taking over the world, and companies can't get enough of those skilled Data Engineers to help make sense of it all. Boulder's tech scene is lit, and Data Engineers are in crazy demand to build epic data architectures and get that data flowing through ETL (extract, transform, load) pipelines.

Here's what these Data Engineer bosses do on the daily:

  • Design slick data pipelines for smooth data ingestion, integration, and transformation.
  • Develop and maintain scalable databases and data warehouses that can handle massive amounts of data.
  • Team up with data scientists and analysts to provide them with high-quality datasets ready for analysis.
  • Implement data governance rules and security measures to keep that data safe and sound.
  • Automate ETL workflows and monitor data processing jobs to keep everything running smoothly.

According to the Built In Colorado salary data, the average Data Engineer in Boulder rakes in around $120,211 per year, with top earners scoring over $160,000! Major tech giants like Pfizer, City of Boulder, and SonderMind are all hiring Data Engineers in Boulder to handle their insane data needs.

With data becoming more crucial than ever, the job outlook for Data Engineers in Boulder is straight-up fire, with an expected 16% growth in employment from 2022 to 2026 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

If you're a coding whiz with a passion for data, Boulder's the place to be!

Technical Program Manager

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As a Technical Program Manager in Boulder, you're like the conductor of a tech orchestra, making sure all the different players are in sync and hitting the right notes.

The average salary for this gig is a whopping $173K per year! Talk about a sweet deal.

Your main job is to keep the whole show running smoothly by:

  • Leading teams of coders, designers, and product peeps
  • Mapping out project plans, deadlines, and must-haves
  • Being the interpreter between the techies and the non-techies
  • Keeping an eye on risks, dependencies, and who's doing what
  • Constantly looking for ways to streamline processes and up your game

To rock this role in Boulder's buzzing tech scene, you gotta be a pro at Agile methods, project management tools like Jira and Asana, and have some serious communication skills.

As a seasoned TPM at a top Boulder software company put it,

"It's all about bridging the gap between the tech complexity and the business goals, making sure everything's aligned from start to finish."

Major players like Google, Cloudinary, Sphero, and Techstars are all on the hunt for skilled Technical Program Managers in Boulder.

So if you've got the right mix of tech know-how, project management skills, and a strategic mindset, you could be calling the shots on some seriously cool innovations while raking in the big bucks.

Conclusion

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Boulder is where it's at for Gen Z techies looking to kickstart their careers and make some serious cash. According to this report, it ranks #3 nationally for median tech salaries at a whopping $131,150 per year! That's not all - it also has a ton of tech jobs (89 per 1,000 residents) and a thriving scene with 19 growing tech companies.

It attracts so many young, diverse talents seeking great entertainment options too.

But what are the best-paying gigs in Boulder's tech scene? Let's check out these top roles: Software Engineers can rake in up to $179,400 annually, while Optical Engineers and Nurse Practitioners aren't far behind at $173,200 and $155,600 respectively.

If you're into data, becoming a Data Analyst could net you $100,600 per year.

Not too shabby, right?

With major players like Apple, Tesla, and Amazon hiring in Boulder, plus a bunch of cool startups, there are endless opportunities to get your foot in the door.

Sure, living costs are a bit higher than some other cities, but the work-life balance and outdoor adventures make it totally worth it. So if you're a tech-savvy go-getter, Boulder should definitely be on your radar.

Time to grind, level up those skills (maybe check out Nucamp's bootcamps), and get that Boulder tech job bag!

Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the top high-paying tech jobs in Boulder?

The top high-paying tech jobs in Boulder include Software Engineer, Data Scientist, DevOps Engineer, Product Manager, and UX/UI Designer. These positions offer lucrative salaries and are in high demand due to Boulder’s thriving tech scene.

How much do Software Engineers earn in Boulder?

Software Engineers in Boulder earn an average annual salary of $115,780. This reflects the high value placed on their technical skills, with major companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, and Oracle actively hiring.

What qualifications are needed to become a Data Scientist in Boulder?

To become a Data Scientist in Boulder, you need proficiency in programming languages like Python and SQL, machine learning skills, and the ability to analyze and interpret complex datasets. Familiarity with predictive modeling and data visualization is also crucial. Data Scientists in Boulder can earn about $139,923 per year on average.

Why is working as a DevOps Engineer in Boulder beneficial?

Working as a DevOps Engineer in Boulder is beneficial due to the high demand and lucrative salaries. DevOps Engineers can earn an average of $166,898 annually. Their roles involve automating the software development process, managing infrastructure, and ensuring efficient software delivery, all of which are critical in Boulder’s innovative tech ecosystem.

What is the salary range for Product Managers in Boulder?

Product Managers in Boulder can earn between $85,000 to $160,000 annually. They play a crucial role in bridging the gap between market needs and business goals, overseeing product development from strategy to execution.

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Chevas Balloun

Director of Marketing & Brand

Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.