The Data Analyst's Guide to Greeley, Colorado

Welcome to the Front Range. If you're a data analyst looking at Greeley, you're likely drawn by the promise of a lower cost of living, a booming regional economy, and the chance to own a home without being priced out of the market. As someone who's watched this city's data scene evolve from a few isolated roles to a genuine hub, I can tell you it's a pragmatic choice. This isn't Denver. It's Greeley—albeit a modern, rapidly growing version of itself. Let's run the numbers.

The Salary Picture: Where Greeley Stands

For a Data Analyst, the math in Greeley is compelling. The median salary is $82,359/year, translating to an hourly rate of $39.6/hour. This puts the city right on par with the national average of $83,360/year, but with a critical difference: your money goes 4% further here, thanks to a Cost of Living Index of 96.0 (US avg = 100). In a shrinking metro with 112,614 people and only 225 data analyst jobs, you're not competing with legions of applicants, but the pool of employers is smaller. The 10-year job growth of 36% is the real story—this isn't a stagnant market; it's expanding at a pace that outstrips many larger cities.

Here’s how experience breaks down in the Greeley market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Greeley)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$58,000 - $72,000	Often found in smaller firms, local government, or ag-tech startups.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$75,000 - $95,000	The sweet spot. This is where most local roles sit, especially in private sector.
Senior-Level (8-12 yrs)	$98,000 - $115,000	Usually requires leadership or specialization (e.g., healthcare analytics, supply chain).
Expert/Lead (12+ yrs)	$120,000+	Rare, but found at major employers like UCHealth or Woodward. Often hybrid/remote.

How does this stack up against other Colorado cities?

• Denver/Boulder: Salaries are 10-15% higher ($95k-$105k), but the cost of living (and a 2.5x higher rent) erases the benefit.
• Fort Collins: A closer competitor. Similar cost of living, but slightly higher salaries ($85k-$90k) and more tech-focused roles. The commute between Fort Collins and Greeley is only 25 minutes on I-25, making it a viable dual-market job search.
• Colorado Springs: A direct peer. Similar salary bands, but Greeley's job growth (36%) is more robust than Colorado Springs' more defense-focused, cyclical market.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the median. The $82,359 figure is a median, not an average. In Greeley, many roles are with private, family-owned companies in manufacturing or agriculture that don't post on LinkedIn. You need to use local job boards like the Greeley Tribune classifieds or the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment site for these opportunities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. We'll use the $82,359 median salary for this breakdown.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $6,863
• After Taxes (Est. ~26% for CO/Fed): ~$5,079
• 1BR Rent (Avg. $1,190/month): You're left with $3,889 for everything else.

This is the foundation of why people choose Greeley. Let's assign a realistic monthly budget:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,190	Citywide average. Newer complexes downtown run $1,300-$1,500.
Utilities (Avg.)	$180	Varies by season; heating costs in winter can spike.
Groceries	$350	Competitive at Safeway, King Soopers, and the local farmers market.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assumes a modest payment and full coverage.
Gas/Transport	$150	Most commutes are under 15 minutes.
Health Insurance (Co-Pay)	$200	Through employer.
Entertainment/Dining	$300	Greeley's scene is growing but affordable.
Savings/Investments	$1,259	A solid ~25% savings rate.
Miscellaneous	$200
Total	$4,279	Leaves a buffer of $800 monthly from the $5,079 take-home.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely, this is Greeley's biggest draw. The median home price in Greeley is approximately $425,000 (2024). With a $82,359 salary, a 10% down payment ($42,500), and good credit, you're looking at a monthly mortgage payment (with taxes and insurance) around $2,800-$3,100. While this is a significant jump from renting, it's manageable on a single income of this level, especially if you have a partner. In contrast, buying a home in Denver/Boulder on this salary is nearly impossible without a much larger down payment or dual income.

Where the Jobs Are: Greeley's Major Employers

The data analyst role in Greeley is less about Silicon Valley-style tech and more about optimizing existing, large-scale operations. Here’s where you’ll find the jobs:

1. UCHealth (Greeley Medical Center & Pediatric Group): The healthcare sector is a major driver. Analysts here work on patient flow, financial data, and public health metrics. Hiring Trend: Steady growth due to the expanding population. Look for roles under "Business Intelligence" or "Clinical Analytics." They use Epic and SQL heavily.
2. Weld County Government: One of the largest employers in the region. Roles are in public health, transportation, and administrative data. Hiring Trend: Conservative but stable. Excellent benefits, pension, and job security. They often post on governmentjobs.com.
3. Woodward, Inc.: A global leader in energy and aerospace components. This is a prime spot for operational data analysts and supply chain specialists. Hiring Trend: Tied to the energy sector, but their aerospace division is growing. Requires strong Excel, SQL, and often Python for process optimization.
4. JBS USA (Meatpacking): Don't underestimate the scale. JBS is one of the world's largest food processors, with a massive facility in Greeley. They need analysts for logistics, production efficiency, and safety compliance. Hiring Trend: Consistent need, especially for analysts who can handle large, complex datasets in a fast-paced environment.
5. Anheuser-Busch (Fort Collins, 25-min commute): While not in Greeley proper, it's a key regional employer. Analysts here work on everything from supply chain to consumer data. Hiring Trend: Stable, with a focus on sustainability and efficiency analytics.
6. Startups & Ag-Tech: The Front Range has a burgeoning ag-tech scene. Companies like Vital Farms or Greeley-based logistics firms are beginning to hire data analysts to optimize supply chains from farm to market. Hiring Trend: This is the growth sector. Follow the Northern Colorado Business Report for new company announcements.

Insider Tip: The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley is a hidden gem. They employ analysts for institutional research and have a growing computer science program that partners with local industry. It's a great place to network or find entry-level roles.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado does not have a state-specific license for Data Analysts. The field is unlicensed, and certifications are voluntary but highly recommended for standing out.

• Key Certifications: The most valued are vendor-neutral (e.g., Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)) or technology-specific (e.g., Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, Tableau Desktop Specialist, Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate).
• Costs: Exam fees range from $100 (Tableau) to $695 (CAP). Study materials can add $200-$500.
• Timeline: If you're starting from scratch, expect 3-6 months to prepare for a certification like the Google or Microsoft one. If you're already experienced, you could study and pass a vendor exam in 1-2 months.
• Process: You simply register for the exam online, schedule a proctored test (often at a local testing center or online), and pass. No state board is involved. For roles in government (like Weld County), an additional background check may be required, but no professional license.

Insider Tip: For healthcare roles, familiarity with Epic or Cerner systems is more valuable than any certification. If you have this experience, highlight it prominently.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Greeley's neighborhoods offer distinct lifestyles and commute times. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown Greeley	Walkable, historic. 5-10 min to most employers.	$1,250 - $1,500	Urbanites who want restaurants, breweries, and culture.
West Greeley	Suburban, quiet. 10-15 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,300	Families or those who want more space and newer construction.
South Greeley	Family-oriented, close to schools and parks.	$1,050 - $1,250	Analysts with kids or who work at UCHealth or JBS.
University District	College-town feel, near UNC. 5-10 min commute.	$950 - $1,150	Younger professionals, recent grads, those who want a vibrant, collegiate atmosphere.

Insider Tip: The "Ranch" area (northwest Greeley) is a newer, master-planned community with higher-end homes and a longer commute. It's not ideal for renters looking for a 1BR, but it's worth knowing if you're buying.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Greeley, career growth for data analysts is less about climbing a corporate ladder in a single company and more about building a portfolio of skills that are in demand across the region's key industries.

• Specialty Premiums: You can expect a 10-20% salary premium for specialized skills:
  • Healthcare Analytics (Epic/Cerner): +15%
  • Supply Chain/Logistics (SAP): +12%
  • Geospatial Analysis (GIS): +10% (useful for agriculture, government, and logistics).
• Advancement Path: The typical path is Junior Analyst -> Analyst -> Senior Analyst -> Analytics Manager/BI Lead. For true specialist roles (Data Scientist), you may need to look at remote positions based in Denver or Boulder, but many local companies are starting to create these roles. The 10-year outlook is strong. With the metro population growing and industries like healthcare and logistics expanding, demand will continue to rise. The 36% job growth is a clear indicator.

Insider Tip: The most successful analysts in Greeley are "T-shaped"—they have deep skills in one area (e.g., SQL) and broad knowledge of the local industry (e.g., how ag supply chains work). Attend events at the UNC Business School or the Weld County Economic Development Council to build this industry knowledge.

The Verdict: Is Greeley Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living: 4% below national average; home ownership is achievable.	Limited Nightlife & Culture: It's not Denver. The scene is smaller, quieter.
Job Growth: 36% growth over 10 years is robust for a midsize market.	Smaller Job Pool: 225 jobs means fewer openings; you may need to be flexible.
Salary Parity: Median pay matches the national average, but goes further.	Wind & Isolation: It's on the plains; expect wind and a less "mountain" vibe.
Commute: Under 15 minutes for most residents.	Fewer "Big Tech" Names: You won't see Facebook or Google on the employer list.
Community Feel: Strong sense of place; less transient than big cities.	Educational Floor: Some roles may require a proactive approach to finding training.

Final Recommendation:
Greeley is an excellent choice for a data analyst who values work-life balance, affordability, and community. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, or for recent grads wanting a low-stress environment to build experience. If you require the constant stimulation of a major metropolis or are targeting a career at a FAANG company, look elsewhere. But if you want a pragmatic career with a high standard of living, Greeley should be at the top of your list.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Greeley?
Yes. While downtown is walkable, the city is spread out. Public transit exists (Greeley Evolve) but is limited. Most jobs require a reliable car for commutes, even if short.

2. How competitive is the job market?
With only 225 jobs, it's not as competitive as Denver, but you can't be passive. Tailor your resume to local industries (healthcare, agriculture, logistics). Network with alumni from UNC or Colorado State (Fort Collins).

3. What's the biggest surprise for new arrivals?
The wind and the growth. It can be surprisingly windy, and the city is expanding rapidly on the west and south sides. Check commute times from any neighborhood you consider, as new infrastructure is always being built.

4. Are there remote work options?
Yes. Many roles at Woodward and UCHealth are hybrid. The pandemic accelerated this trend. It's common to see "Northern Colorado" or "Front Range" in job postings, allowing for 2-3 days remote. Fully remote roles also exist, and living in Greeley makes you an attractive candidate for those due to your lower salary expectations.

5. How important is a degree for these roles?
A bachelor's degree (in a quantitative field) is the standard minimum for most corporate and government roles in Greeley. However, the strong job growth and employer willingness to train mean that a strong portfolio of projects (even without a degree) can get your foot in the door, especially at smaller firms or startups.