Software Developer Salary in Boulder, CO (2026)
Software developers design, build, and test computer programs and applications. Includes software engineers, full-stack developers, and back-end developers.
Median Annual Salary
$186,270
in Boulder · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$185,133
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#4
among cities with BLS data
Software Developers in Boulder
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Boulder, CO is $186,270 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $15,523/month or $90/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($135,190), Boulder pays 38% more than the typical city.
Boulder has a cost of living index of 100.6 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $186,270 in Boulder is equivalent to $185,133 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Boulder metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Software Developers by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $187,840 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $187,840 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $187,840 |
| 4 | Boulder, COYou are here | $186,270 |
| 5 | Bellevue, WA | $181,040 |
| 6 | Tacoma, WA | $181,040 |
| 7 | Seattle, WA | $181,040 |
| 8 | Titusville, FL | $175,170 |
| 9 | Palm Bay, FL | $175,170 |
| 10 | Melbourne, FL | $175,170 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Boulder
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $101,900 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $84,770 |
| Electrician | $65,120 |
| Accountant | $102,070 |
Full cost of living profile for Boulder
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Boulder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Software Developer salary in Boulder?
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Boulder, CO is $186,270 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Boulder Software Developer pay compare nationally?
Boulder Software Developer pay ($186,270) is 38% above the median across surveyed cities ($135,190).
Does cost of living affect Software Developer salaries in Boulder?
Yes. Boulder has a cost of living index of 100.6 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $186,270 salary in Boulder has the purchasing power of approximately $185,133 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology