Denver vs Boulder: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Denver, CO and Boulder, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Boulder, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,239 | $89,629▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.17 | $43.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,037▲ | $49,910 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,981 | $67,496▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,930 | $110,699▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,492 | $149,074▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,510▲ | 540 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Boulder is $14,390 (19.13%). Boulder's median is +11.49% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $69,455,Boulder spans $99,164. Boulder has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boulder ($85,197 effective) pays 19.78% more than Denver ($71,126 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,629/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,074)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,197)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Denver grew -30.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -15.4% growth in Boulder over the same period.
Denver, CO
$102,940 (2021) → $72,013 (2025)
Boulder, CO
$101,360 (2021) → $85,786 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Boulder, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov