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Software Engineer Salary in Fort Collins, CO

How much does a software engineer make in Fort Collins? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Fort Collins's cost of living.

Median Salary
$131,505
per year in Fort Collins
Entry Level
$82,587
Starting salary
Senior Level
$177,881
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
115
15% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how software engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Fort Collins.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$82,587$131,505$177,881
Monthly$6,882$10,959$14,823
Biweekly$3,176$5,058$6,842
Weekly$1,588$2,529$3,421
Hourly$40$63$86

Fort Collins vs National Average

How Fort Collins's software engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Fort Collins Salary
$131,505
COL Index: 115
National Average
$112,110
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$19,395
Higher in Fort Collins

Cost of Living in Fort Collins

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,500
per month
Median Income
$64,120
per year
Population
169,810
residents
Rent % of Income
28.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 115 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Fort Collins have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Software Engineer

Overview

Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Key Skills

JavaScriptPythonSystem DesignAlgorithms

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +25% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Software Engineer Salary

See Software Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$161,970
+23%
Los Angeles, CA
$155,330
+18%
Chicago, IL
$130,030
-1%
Houston, TX
$127,940
-3%
Phoenix, AZ
$129,600
-1%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Software Engineer Salary in Fort Collins, CO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a software engineer in Fort Collins, CO is $131,505 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 115. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Fort Collins's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level software engineer professionals in Fort Collins can expect to earn around $82,587 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level software engineers earning approximately $177,881 per year. This represents a 115% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Fort Collins's cost of living index of 115 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Fort Collins are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $112,110, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a software engineer's salary in Fort Collins typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,500 per month, housing represents about 13.7% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Software Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 25% over the next decade. In Fort Collins, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.