Colorado has emerged as a major tech hub in recent years, with tech giants like Google, Twitter and Amazon establishing offices in the state. The thriving technology scene has led to ample high-paying job opportunities for tech professionals. For those looking to launch or further a career in tech, Colorado presents a great option with its combination of booming industry, high salaries, and desirable lifestyle.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the 7 best-paying tech jobs currently available in Colorado. For each role, we will provide a job overview, average salary range, required qualifications and skills, as well as outlook and prospects.
1. Software Engineering Manager
Software engineering managers, also known as software development managers, lead teams of software developers, engineers and testers. They oversee the entire software development life cycle to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and meet quality standards.
Job Overview
As a software engineering manager in Colorado, your responsibilities may include:
- Developing project plans, budgets and timelines
- Recruiting, hiring and managing software engineering teams
- Setting goals and expectations for team members
- Monitoring progress and providing feedback/coaching
- Resolving issues, removing obstacles and motivating teams
- Liaising between engineering teams and stakeholders
- Ensuring projects adhere to processes, policies and regulations
Average Salary
The average salary for software engineering managers in Colorado is $168,300 per year, according to data from Indeed.com. The salary range typically falls between $148,000 and $190,000.
Qualifications and Skills
To succeed as a software engineering manager in Colorado, the following qualifications are beneficial:
- Bachelor‘s degree in computer science, software engineering or related field
- 5+ years of experience in software development and engineering
- Strong leadership, communication, collaboration and problem-solving abilities
- Experience with Agile development methodologies
- Knowledge of software development lifecycles and best practices
- Understanding of programming languages and frameworks
- Budget and resource management skills
Job Outlook
The job outlook for software engineering managers in Colorado is strong. Employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030 nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Growing demand for new software and technology solutions will drive need for managers who can lead development teams. Colorado‘s thriving tech industry provides ample opportunities.
2. Data Scientist
Data scientists utilize statistical, analytical and programming skills to extract insights and trends from large, complex datasets. They develop models and algorithms to help organizations make data-driven decisions.
Job Overview
Typical data scientist responsibilities include:
- Collecting, cleaning and organizing data from various sources
- Performing statistical analysis and data mining to discover patterns and trends
- Developing machine learning algorithms and predictive data models
- Designing and implementing data science workflows and pipelines
- Interpreting and visualizing data findings for stakeholders
- Making recommendations based on data analysis to guide business strategy
- Keeping up with developments in data science technology and techniques
Average Salary
According to PayScale, the average salary for data scientists in Colorado is $108,379 per year. Salaries typically range from $86,000 on the low end to $138,000 on the high end.
Qualifications and Skills
To become a data scientist in Colorado, you typically need:
- Master‘s degree or PhD in data science, computer science, statistics or mathematics
- 3+ years experience in data analysis and modeling
- Expertise in statistical programming languages like Python, R and SQL
- Strong statistical, mathematical and analytical capabilities
- Machine learning techniques knowledge including algorithms like regression, classification and clustering
- Visualization skills using tools like Tableau, Power BI and Matplotlib
- Excellent communication skills to explain data insights to stakeholders
Job Outlook
Employment for data scientists is projected to grow 36% nationally from 2020 to 2030, per Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This explosive growth is attributed to the usefulness of data analytics across all industries. Major tech hubs like Colorado will be at the forefront of hiring data science talent.
3. Software Architect
Software architects are responsible for designing and developing the architecture of complex software systems. They make high-level structural choices and create technical plans based on product requirements.
Job Overview
Typical software architect responsibilities include:
- Analyzing software requirements and converting them into an architecture design
- Selecting appropriate technologies, frameworks and components for the software architecture
- Prototyping and implementing architectural proofs of concept
- Communicating architecture plans and prototypes to stakeholders
- Overseeing architecture implementation during software development
- Ensuring software meets quality attributes like performance, scalability and security
- Staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends
- Leading design reviews, trade-off analyses, and providing recommendations
Average Salary
Software architects in Colorado earn an average salary of $152,046 per year, per data from Indeed. Typical ranges are from $135,000 on the low end to $175,000 at the high end.
Qualifications and Skills
To become a software architect in Colorado, common requirements include:
- Bachelor‘s degree in computer science or related field
- 5+ years of experience designing and implementing software and systems
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong technical knowledge including programming languages and networking
- Understanding of software development processes and testing
- Ability to understand functional and non-functional requirements
- Communication and leadership skills to interact with teams and stakeholders
- Knowledge of software architecture patterns like microservices and event-driven
Job Outlook
The job outlook for software architects looks strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8% growth for computer hardware engineers, a related role, from 2020 to 2030. Architects will be needed to design solutions as demand rises for new and upgraded technology products and services.
4. Cloud Architect
Cloud architects are responsible for overseeing the design, planning, implementation and monitoring of cloud computing strategies for organizations. They ensure cloud solutions meet technical and business requirements.
Job Overview
Here are some typical cloud architect duties and responsibilities:
- Designing and optimizing cloud architecture for performance, scalability and security
- Analyzing infrastructure and application requirements
- Selecting the right cloud services and models to use such as IaaS, PaaS, SaaS
- Provisioning cloud resources and automating deployments
- Developing technical roadmaps and migration plans
- Building proofs of concept and prototypes
- Establishing frameworks for cloud governance
- Educating stakeholders on solutions and providing recommendations
- Monitoring cloud costs, capacity and performance
- Ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations
Average Salary
According to PayScale, cloud architects in Colorado earn an average salary of $140,911 per year. Salaries range from $116,000 at the 25th percentile to $160,000 at the 75th percentile.
Qualifications and Skills
To succeed as a cloud architect in Colorado, common requirements include:
- Bachelor‘s degree in computer science, information technology or related field
- 5+ years combined experience in architecture design and cloud computing
- Experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, Google Cloud
- Understanding of cloud security and compliance protocols
- Knowledge of DevOps processes, automation, and scripting tools
- Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage costs and optimize cloud spending
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts strong growth of 24% for information security analysts from 2020 to 2030 as cloud adoption continues rising. Cloud architects will be in high demand, particularly in tech hubs like Colorado with major cloud infrastructure.
5. Data Engineer
Data engineers develop and maintain data pipelines and infrastructure that collect, store and transform data to enable business intelligence and data science applications.
Job Overview
Common data engineer responsibilities include:
- Designing and implementing data architectures like databases, data lakes and data warehouses
- Developing data pipelines to extract, load, and transform data from various sources
- Building and maintaining big data systems using tools like Hadoop, Spark and cloud platforms
- Automating data infrastructure processes
- Optimizing data pipelines and infrastructure for performance and scalability needs
- Monitoring and troubleshooting data pipeline issues
- Enforcing data governance, security and compliance
- Collaborating with data analysts, scientists and stakeholders on data needs
Average Salary
According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for data engineers in Colorado is $108,887 per year. Total compensation averages $121,000 including bonuses, tips and overtime pay.
Qualifications and Skills
To succeed as a data engineer in Colorado, important qualifications include:
- Bachelor‘s degree in computer science, data science or related quantitative field
- 2+ years experience building data pipelines and architectures
- Working knowledge of programming languages like Python, Java, Scala
- Understanding of SQL and NoSQL databases like Cassandra, MongoDB
- Experience with data platforms like Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, Amazon S3
- Knowledge of data warehousing principles and modeling techniques
- Strong problem-solving, analytical and communication skills
Job Outlook
Employment for database architects and administrators, a related role, is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030 per Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Data engineers will be in demand as organizations seek help managing data at scale and leveraging it strategically.
6. Security Engineer
Security engineers implement and monitor solutions to protect an organization‘s computer systems, networks and data from cyber threats. They identify risks, respond to incidents, and help establish security standards.
Job Overview
Typical security engineer responsibilities include:
- Designing and implementing security controls, policies, and procedures
- Performing vulnerability testing and risk assessments
- Monitoring networks and systems for security threats using SIEM tools
- Investigating security events and analyzing data to pinpoint weaknesses
- Developing strategies to prevent malicious attacks on infrastructure
- Deploying and managing cybersecurity tools like antivirus, firewalls, and intrusion detection
- Educating employees on security policies and procedures
- Staying updated on cybersecurity trends, technologies and regulations
- Responding swiftly to security incidents and determining root cause
Average Salary
According to PayScale data, security engineers in Colorado earn an average base salary of $105,926 per year. Total compensation averages $119,000 including bonuses, profit sharing and commissions.
Qualifications and Skills
Requirements for becoming a security engineer in Colorado typically include:
- Bachelor‘s degree in cybersecurity, computer science or information technology
- 3+ years experience in IT security operations and infrastructure
- Expertise in security tools like SIEM, firewalls, VPN, antivirus and IDS/IPS
- Knowledge of ethical hacking techniques and penetration testing
- Understanding of security frameworks like ISO 27001 and NIST
- Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Bash, PowerShell
- Analytical thinking, problem-solving and communication abilities
- Certifications like CISSP, CISM, CEH, CompTIA Security+
Job Outlook
Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33% from 2020 to 2030 nationwide, per Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Cybersecurity professionals will be in high demand as data breaches and cyber attacks rise. Major tech centers like Colorado provide plentiful job opportunities.
7. Machine Learning Engineer
Machine learning engineers develop and implement machine learning algorithms and predictive data models. They enable applications to become more intelligent and autonomous by leveraging data patterns.
Job Overview
Machine learning engineers are responsible for:
- Collaborating with stakeholders to identify business problems suited for ML solutions
- Collecting, cleaning, labeling and processing data for model training purposes
- Developing and optimizing machine learning algorithms using languages like Python and R
- Building, testing, deploying and maintaining machine learning models
- Monitoring models in production and re-training them on new data
- Using tools like TensorFlow, Keras and PyTorch to streamline model development
- Staying up-to-date on developments in machine learning research and technologies
- Visualizing and reporting on machine learning model performance for stakeholders
Average Salary
Machine learning engineers in Colorado earn an average base salary of $114,856 per year, according to Glassdoor data. Total compensation averages $124,000 when factoring bonuses, commission, tips and overtime.
Qualifications and Skills
To succeed as a machine learning engineer in Colorado, important qualifications include:
- Master‘s degree in computer science, data science or related quantitative field
- 2+ years experience building and deploying machine learning models
- Strong statistical, mathematical and analytical capabilities
- Proficiency in Python, R, SQL and libraries like Pandas, NumPy and Scikit-Learn
- Understanding of supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms
- Knowledge of machine learning best practices and workflows
- Ability to use cloud tools like AWS SageMaker and Azure ML Studio
- Visualization skills using Matplotlib, Seaborn, Plotly and other Python libraries
Job Outlook
Nationwide, employment of computer and mathematical occupations is projected to grow 15.8% from 2020 to 2030 per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Machine learning engineers fall into this broad occupational group. Their advanced skills will be sought after as machine learning adoption accelerates across industries. Major tech hubs like Colorado will have plentiful openings.