Software Developer Salary in Boulder
Designs, builds, and maintains software applications across web, mobile, and systems domains.
Boulder ranks #3 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software developer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $30,964 above the national average.
Boulder vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $106,246 | $75,282 | +$30,964 | +41.1% |
| Level II | $146,058 | $96,293 | +$49,765 | +51.7% |
| Level III (Mid) | $185,869 | $117,303 | +$68,566 | +58.5% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $225,680 | $138,313 | +$87,367 | +63.2% |
Other metros in Colorado
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial | $98,738 | $164,112 | $142,542 |
| Northwest Colorado | $93,413 | $161,845 | $139,256 |
| Greeley | $87,755 | $161,637 | $137,259 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland | $86,091 | $159,266 | $135,117 |
| Southwest Colorado | $85,114 | $159,141 | $134,701 |
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What is the average software developer salary in Boulder?
The average software developer salary in Boulder is $186,264 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Boulder at rank #3 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level software developers earn in Boulder?
Entry-level software developers (Level I) in Boulder earn $106,246 per year. Level II (early career) earns $146,058, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Boulder compare to the national average for software developer salaries?
Boulder ranks #3 of 530 U.S. metro areas for software developer pay. Entry-level salaries here are $30,964 above the national average. The national average software developer salary is $117,513, while Boulder workers average $186,264 — a difference of +59% overall.
Data source: Salary data sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, which surveys employers nationwide to collect wage data by occupation and geography. The four experience levels reflect DOL standardized tiers. Data reflects the most recently published survey cycle. SOC code: 15-1252.