Software Engineer Salary in Colorado

How Much Does a Software Engineer Make in Colorado?

The typical Software Engineer salary in Colorado ranges from $77,000 to $143,000, with the national median at $110,000.

Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems Your actual take-home pay as a Software Engineer in Colorado depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• Colorado state income tax
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for Software Engineer in Colorado

As a Software Engineer working in Colorado, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including Software Engineer professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

Colorado State Income Tax

Colorado has a state income tax that applies to all Software Engineer salaries earned in the state. The exact rate depends on Colorado's tax brackets and your total income.

Use our Colorado salary calculator to see your exact state tax based on your Software Engineer salary.

Cost of Living for Software Engineer in Colorado

Your Software Engineer salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of Colorado. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $110,000 Software Engineer salary in a low-cost area of Colorado provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

Software Engineer Salary Examples in Colorado

Here's what different Software Engineer salary levels look like in Colorado:

Entry-Level Software Engineer ($77,000)

• Gross annual salary: $77,000
• Federal tax: ~$9,240
• FICA: ~$5,891
• Colorado state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $53,900

Median Software Engineer ($110,000)

• Gross annual salary: $110,000
• Federal tax: ~$17,600
• FICA: ~$8,415
• Colorado state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $73,700

Experienced Software Engineer ($143,000)

• Gross annual salary: $143,000
• Federal tax: ~$31,460
• FICA: ~$10,940
• Colorado state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $85,800

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our Colorado salary calculator.

Compare Software Engineer Salaries Across States

The same Software Engineer salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $110,000 Software Engineer salary in California results in about $5,500 to $11,000 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in a no-tax state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Software Engineer salary in Colorado?

The average Software Engineer salary in Colorado varies by experience, location within the state, and employer. The national median is $110,000, with typical Colorado salaries ranging from $77,000 to $143,000.

How much does a Software Engineer make after taxes in Colorado?

After federal taxes, FICA, Colorado state tax, and typical deductions, a Software Engineer earning $110,000 in Colorado takes home approximately $71,500 to $77,000 per year.

Is Colorado a good state for Software Engineer professionals?

It depends on your priorities. Consider Colorado's cost of living, career opportunities, quality of life, and state tax burden when evaluating your options.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact Software Engineer take-home pay in Colorado?

Use our Colorado salary calculator →

Or compare Software Engineer salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.