The highest paying jobs in Colorado are no fairy tales. They come into reality for any person who dares to do it. The balance between beauty and opportunity in Colorado exists from Rocky Mountain states to the streets of Denver.
And with great technology and thriving healthcare and a solid economy behind, it is no wonder that Colorado is a home to some of the highest paying jobs in the country with one for you.
In this article, we are compiling the 10 highest paying jobs in Colorado. Now you’ll be privy to the education, experience, and skills that will secure your dream job. Keep reading!
Table of contents
Why Work in Colorado?
If you think of a job that guarantees the best of everything: working life balance, great economy, and outdoor recreation, then highest paying jobs in Colorado should be in your view. Here are some reasons for it:
- Awesome Quality of Life: Embark upon some time amidst Colorado’s amazing views, outdoor pursuits, and friendly communities.
- Booming Economy: Grab on the lucrative tech trade in Colorado, a vibrant job market, and above all, salaries, including the highest-paying jobs in Colorado.
- Endless Outdoor Fun: Enjoy every inch of Colorado’s famous mountains, forests, and rivers, plus all the perks of having hiking, skiing, and outdoor fun right outside your back door.
- Cultural Hotspots: From the art scene to cultural scenes of Denver, with museums, galleries, and live music clubs.
- Career Path: Seize the opportunity for the highest-paying jobs in Colorado in the emerging tech, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors.
Therefore, if career-change reasons have been loitering in your mind, then the following could be persuasive in considering working in Colorado and unearthing the highest paying jobs in Colorado.
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Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Colorado
For every job-seeker available in Colorado, there are two jobs up for grabs. But that much is not everything: it even boasts a statewide unemployment rate lower than that of the national average–3.2%. All of these facts signify one thing: Colorado is simply the best place for anyone interested in making it big and truly redoubtable in his or her career.
If you want to sincerely search for the highest paying jobs, do not go through job ads by the billions. Instead, check out our full list of highest paying jobs in Colorado below.
1. Chief Executive Officer
A Chief Executive Officer directs, controls, governs and manages a firm to success while having the prerogative to make key operational decisions as to the decision-making process of resources. In so doing, a CEO determines business goals and objectives against the environmental system within which the firm operates, and acts as a communication channel among the stakeholders, firm, and the public with intertwined interests.
Education and Training Requirements
- At least a master’s degree level in business administration, plus some years of experience in managerial and supervisory positions.
Job Outlook
- Projected growth of 3%, possibly yielding around 311,600 job openings.
Salary Information
$415,100 per annum, with up to $202,100 being earned as cash bonuses or profit-sharing.
2. Other Chief Executive Positions
These executives serve management roles in specific areas:
- Chief Operating Officer (COO): Makes business procedures for everyday activities.
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Directs company finances, budgets, and financial statements.
- Chief Information Officer (CIO): Manages Information Technology requirements, choosing IT programs and tools.
Education and Training Requirements
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, public administration, or law, in addition to heavy specialty-specific managerial experience.
Job Outlook
- 3% growth, resulting in around 311,600 job opportunities.
Salary Information
- Chief Information Officer (CIO): $360,400 per year
- Chief Operating Officer (COO): $283,900 per year
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO): $264,100 per year
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3. Physician
Physicians diagnose and treat acute diseases, injuries, and illnesses. They prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests, and provide individualized treatment plans.
Education and Training Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, medical school, residency, fellowship programs, and subspecialty-specific certifications.
Job Outlook
- 3% growth, or 24,200 job openings.
Salary Information
- $308,000 per year, with potential cash bonuses of $62,800.
4. Surgeon
Surgeons perform surgeries to diagnose or treat serious illness or acute medical condition. Surgeons oversee and counsel teams of physicians and nurses during surgeries.
Education and Training Requirements
Medical and undergraduate degrees, passing MCAT and USMLE or COMLEX exams, general surgery residency program, subspecialty fellowship program, and board certification.
Job Outlook
- 2% growth, equivalent to 1,000 new job opportunities.
Salary Information
- $283,600 annually, with estimated additional pay of $41,900.
5. Orthodontist
Orthodontists are dentists qualified to diagnose, treat, and control complex oral diseases. Orthodontists have special expertise in correcting teeth positioning, jaw deformities, and dental bite restoration by orthodontic means of veneers, corrective braces, etc.
Requirements of Education and Training
You have to become an orthodontist by
- Pursuing a life science bachelor’s degree
- Passing the Dental Admission Test (DAT)
- Finish dental school to receive your Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree
- Pass the National Board of Dental Examination (NBDE) to receive your dental license
- Finish an orthodontic residency program to become a certified orthodontist.
Job Outlook
- In the upcoming few years, work opportunities for orthodontists will increase by 4%. This growth rate will create 300 new jobs in the industry through the year 2032.
Salary Information
- Orthodontists working in Colorado make an average annual income of $217,800 and may also receive an estimated additional pay of $42,700.
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6. Airline Pilot
Airline pilots are responsible for transporting passengers and crews between points safely. They have a primary responsibility to operate aircraft, yet they are also actively involved in working equipment and logistics, engaging in administrative flight tasks, and performing evaluation and monitoring checks on aircraft.
Education and Training Requirements
- In order to become an airline pilot, you need to obtain a private pilot license with an instrument rating and pass the Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX) examination.
- You may also be asked to obtain industry-specific certifications like the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate.
Job Outlook
The Colorado area hosts the greatest concentration of airline pilot jobs, with 4,810 jobs. Airline pilots in the US are expected to have a demand growth of 4%, and 16,800 new jobs will be added through to the year 2032.
Salary Information
- Median annual compensation of airline pilots in the Colorado area is $192,700. Based on how the firm determines compensation and how policy permits, they also earn an estimated $31,300 cash bonus.
7. Engineering Manager
Engineering managers oversee the operation, activities, and performance of an engineering firm’s staff. Their responsibility is to provide leadership and guidance so that engineering projects are delivered to targets within given time frames.
Education and Training Requirements
- A Bachelor’s in engineering and some years of work experience and a Master’s degree in Engineering Management (MEM) are minimums.
- An MBA is highly preferred to provide easy management skills.
Job Outlook
- The employment of architectural and engineering managers is anticipated to grow by 4%, adding 13,600 new positions available by 2032.
Salary Information
- The average annual salary in Colorado for engineering managers is $190,500 with an estimated cash bonus of $36,500. Colorado ranks high among the payscale for this occupation, with an average hourly wage of $87.
8. Compensation Manager
Compensation managers make certain the workers are reasonably compensated, develop employee reward systems, have budget decisions concerning companies, and abide by state regulations.
Educational and Training Needs
- B.B.A. in business management or human resources
- HRCI or SHRM certification within areas of compensation
- M.B.A. could promote more salaried opportunities.
Job Outlook
- The job growth rate for compensation and benefits managers will improve by 2%, having created 1,100 additional positions by the year 2032.
Salary Information
- The median annual compensation for Colorado compensation managers is $158,100 and can earn a yearly cash bonus of $32,000. Colorado is one of the highest-paying states to work as a compensation manager with an average hourly pay of $79.
9. Data Scientist
Data scientists study, investigate, and extract useful information from complicated digital data. Businesses use this information to resolve problems, make informed decisions, and come up with better strategies.
Education and Training Requirements
- Mathematics, information technology, computer science, or a related field bachelor’s degree, data-related certifications, and experience. Advanced degrees like an MBA or PhD in data mining and data analytics can improve wages.
Job Outlook
- Data scientist jobs will grow by 35%, adding 59,400 new jobs by 2032.
Salary Information
- In Colorado, data scientists have a median income of $151,500 and an optional overtime rate of $24,700. Boulder, CO, has a mean hourly pay of $68, ranking as one of the highest-paying metropolitan cities for this profession.
10. Lawyer
Lawyers consult with clients and represent them in court. Lawyers use their broad knowledge of the law to protect clients’ rights and uphold the law.
Education and Training Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, business, or related fields, completion of LSAT, law school for obtaining a JD degree, and bar exam passing to obtain full licensure as an attorney.
Job Outlook
- Aurora-Lakewood-Denver is one of the leading regions that have the most highly concentrated employment opportunities for lawyers. Lawyer employment opportunities in the US will grow by 8%, which will generate 39,100 new employment opportunities by 2032.
Salary Information
- Colorado lawyers earn an average income of $141,300, which may include an estimated annual cash bonus of $13,900.
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Tips for Securing These Highest Paying Jobs in Colorado Without a Degree?
While the majority of high-paying Colorado professions require a degree, there are exceptions and alternatives. Below are tips for securing Colorado’s highest paying jobs:
- Gain in-demand skills: Highlight skills like coding, data analysis, or digital marketing with vocational training or online classes.
- Gain applicable work experience: Internship, apprenticeship, or beginning with an entry-level position will suffice.
- Search for alternative certifications: IT, project management, or professional licenses can be beneficial.
- Network and build relationships: Find out about job openings and get referred.
- Focus on transferable skills: Mention communication, problem-solving, or leadership skills.
FAQs
Given the nature and projection of the jobs enumerated, the highest-paying industries in Colorado are the medical and business sectors.
Projected at a rate of 35%, data science will be the fastest-growing occupation in Colorado.
The top skills you should develop in order to secure any of these top paying jobs are Communication, Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Good Work Ethic, and many others.
You can readily get high-paying careers by taking advantage of the services of the world wide web. There are several job Websites in Colorado where you can obtain highest paying jobs from multiple sectors, such as Indeed Jobs, Glassdoor, and many more
Conclusion
In summary, the highest paying jobs in Colorado are a professional’s paradise. Landing one of these highly coveted jobs can bring financial stability, personal fulfillment, and a great work-life balance.
These top 10 jobs offer high salaries and benefits. With Colorado’s thriving economy and stunning natural beauty, it’s no wonder these careers are in demand.
Whether you are a native to Colorado or moving here, these jobs can help you achieve your career goals.
References
- www.indeed.com – 100 of the Highest Paying Jobs in Colorado To Consider
- www.nexford.edu -Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Colorado 2024 (Inc Salaries)
