Computer Programmer salary in Boulder, CO
Computer Programmers in the Boulder, CO metro area earn a median of $155,030 a year ($74.54 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $75,780 for the lowest-paid 10% to $199,830 for the top 10%. That is 54% higher than the national median of $100,390. Pay here is 48% higher than the Colorado statewide median of $104,610. The average (mean) salary is $139,840, close to the median.
Pay range for computer programmers in Boulder, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $75,780 | $36.43 |
| 25th percentile | $75,780 | $36.43 |
| Median | $155,030 | $74.54 |
| 75th percentile | $199,830 | $96.07 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $199,830 | $96.07 |
| Average (mean) | $139,840 | $67.23 |
Half of computer programmers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $12,919.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $6,459.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $5,962.69 |
| Weekly | $2,981.35 |
| Hourly | $74.54 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Computer Programmer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO | $117,020 | 60 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $104,610 | 540 |
Highest-paying states for computer programmers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | $133,820 |
| Massachusetts | $128,390 |
| Washington | $125,620 |
| Maryland | $125,570 |
| Virginia | $121,610 |
| Hawaii | $118,180 |
| California | $116,760 |
| Arkansas | $111,840 |
| Minnesota | $107,250 |
| New Jersey | $104,940 |
See Computer Programmer pay in every state or the Colorado statewide figures.
Related jobs in Boulder, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $164,560 | $79.11 |
| Computer Network Architect | $156,360 | $75.18 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $74,380 | $35.76 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $147,590 | $70.96 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $109,790 | $52.79 |
| Information Security Analyst | $154,990 | $74.52 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $136,410 | $65.58 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | $139,900 | $67.26 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $78,770 | $37.87 |
| Database Architect | $139,160 | $66.90 |
| Database Administrator | $116,250 | $55.89 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $169,400 | $81.44 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $132,750 | $63.82 |
| Data Scientist | $134,040 | $64.44 |
More: Computer and Mathematical Occupations · all salaries in Boulder, CO
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 15-1251. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a computer programmer make in Boulder, CO?
The median salary for computer programmers in the Boulder, CO metro area is $155,030 a year, or $74.54 an hour. Pay ranges from $75,780 for the lowest-paid 10% to $199,830 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid computer programmers make in Boulder, CO?
The top 10% of computer programmers in the Boulder, CO metro area earn at least $199,830 a year. The top 25% earn $199,830 or more.
What is the starting pay for computer programmers in Boulder, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $75,780 a year, and a quarter of computer programmers earn $75,780 or less.