Software Engineer Salary in Denver (2026)
Quick Answer
How much does software engineer in Denver make?
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In Denver, Software Engineers can expect annual salaries ranging from $90,000 for entry-level positions to over $210,000 for senior roles, with a median salary of approximately $126,421.
Key Facts
- Median Software Engineer salary in Denver is $126,421.
- Entry-level positions start at $90,000 annually.
- Senior roles can earn over $210,000 per year.
- Top-paying skills include TypeScript and Android development.
- Denver's cost of living is 25% higher than the national average.
Salary by Experience Level
- Junior Engineer (0-2 years): $90,000 – $120,000
- Mid-Level Engineer (2-5 years): $120,000 – $160,000
- Senior Engineer (5+ years): $160,000 – $210,000+
How Denver Compares
Denver offers competitive salaries for Software Engineers. For instance, the average salary in Denver is $126,421, which is comparable to cities like Chicago ($151,971) and Los Angeles ($158,958). However, it's slightly lower than tech hubs like San Francisco ($173,808) and Seattle ($167,886). (indeed.com)
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in certain technologies can significantly boost earning potential. In Denver, skills such as TypeScript ($182,000), Android development ($175,000), and Node.js ($175,000) are highly valued. (wellfound.com)
Work Culture & Benefits
Denver's tech industry is known for its collaborative and laid-back culture, offering a balanced work-life environment. Many companies provide comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential in Denver's tech market, focus on developing high-demand skills like TypeScript and Android development. Additionally, consider opportunities at top companies such as Amazon and Microsoft, which offer competitive salaries and benefits.
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Software Engineer Insights — Denver
Software Engineer salaries in Denver range from $90,000 to $210,000, a 95% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of $126,421 sits below the midpoint, suggesting more positions cluster toward the entry-to-mid-level end of the range.
Denver's cost of living index of 83/100 makes it one of the more expensive locations for tech professionals. While the $126,421 median is competitive, housing and daily expenses consume a larger share of income compared to lower-cost cities.
The hiring landscape for software engineer in Denver is anchored by employers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, along with 2 other notable employers. Larger employers in this market typically offer compensation at the upper end of the range, often supplemented with equity, signing bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
Demand for software engineer in Denver centers around expertise in TypeScript, Android, Node.js, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $210,000 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Software Developer or Full Stack Developer.
Related Roles in Denver
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | New York | $89,328 - $232,974 | $159,554 |
| Software Engineer | Seattle | $106,363 - $209,212 | $149,172 |
| Software Engineer | Austin | $76,317 - $199,040 | $127,139 |
| Software Engineer | Chicago | $79,654 - $207,744 | $107,673 |
| Software Engineer | San Francisco | $116,240 - $251,737 | $171,061 |
| Software Engineer |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Software Engineer in Denver?
The average salary for a Software Engineer in Denver is approximately $126,421 per year. ([indeed.com](https://www.indeed.com/career/software-engineer/salaries/Denver--CO?utm_source=openai))
Which companies are hiring Software Engineers in Denver?
Top companies hiring Software Engineers in Denver include Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Oracle, and IBM.
How does Denver's cost of living affect Software Engineer salaries?
Denver's cost of living is 25% higher than the national average, which is reflected in the competitive salaries offered to Software Engineers in the area. ([salary.com](https://www.salary.com/research/cost-of-living/denver-co?utm_source=openai))
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Data Source & Methodology
Salary data for software engineer in Denver is compiled from multiple verified sources including:
- Public salary reports from major tech employers (FAANG, Fortune 500, and high-growth startups)
- Government labor statistics and occupational wage surveys
- Aggregated self-reported compensation data from verified professionals
- Job posting analysis from major tech job boards and company career pages
All figures represent base salary in USD and are normalized to annual equivalents. Ranges reflect the 25th to 75th percentile of reported compensation, while median values represent the 50th percentile. Data is updated quarterly to reflect current market conditions.
Last updated: April 2026 | Sample size: Varies by role and location (minimum 30 data points required for publication)