Data Analysts in Lakewood, CO: A Career & Relocation Guide

As a career analyst who’s watched Lakewood evolve from its post-war suburban roots to its current status as a key Denver metro hub, I can tell you this city offers a unique proposition for data analysts. It’s not the downtown Denver hustle, nor is it a quiet mountain town. Lakewood is a practical, middle-ground city with a surprising density of opportunities for the right kind of professional.

This guide is built on hard data and local insight. We’ll cut through the marketing and give you the straight facts on salary, cost of living, and the real day-to-day of working and living in Lakewood.

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. The role of a Data Analyst is well-compensated in Colorado, and Lakewood is no exception. According to aggregated data from sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Glassdoor, and local job posts, here’s how the market breaks down.

Lakewood & Metro Area Data:

• Median Salary: $84,735/year
• Hourly Rate: $40.74/hour
• National Average: $83,360/year
• Jobs in Metro (BLS Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metro Area): 311
• 10-Year Job Growth: 36%

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Lakewood Salary Range (Est.)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$65,000 - $75,000	SQL querying, basic reporting in Excel/Tableau, data cleaning under supervision.
Mid-Level	$75,000 - $95,000	Building dashboards, independent analysis, stakeholder communication, some Python/R for automation.
Senior-Level	$95,000 - $125,000	Leading projects, mentoring, advanced statistical modeling, cross-departmental strategy.
Expert/Lead	$125,000+	Setting data strategy, advanced ML/AI implementation, managing analytics teams.

Lakewood’s Standing in the Colorado Landscape

Lakewood sits in a sweet spot. You won’t command the same salary as a senior analyst at a tech giant in downtown Denver (where premiums can push $130k+), but the cost of living is notably lower. Compared to other Colorado cities:

• Boulder: Salaries are ~10-15% higher, but rent is often 30% higher. Lakewood offers better value.
• Colorado Springs: Salaries are slightly lower, but the job market is less diverse. Lakewood’s proximity to Denver’s tech and finance sectors gives it an edge.
• Fort Collins: Similar salary range, but more dominated by university and ag-tech roles. Lakewood has a broader corporate base.

Insider Tip: The $84,735 median is a strong benchmark. If you have 3-5 years of experience and solid SQL/Python/Tableau skills, you’re positioned to hit or exceed this number. Always check the specific employer—healthcare and aerospace in the metro area tend to pay at the top of this range.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you subtract Colorado living costs. Let’s break down a realistic monthly budget for a mid-level Data Analyst earning the Lakewood median.

Assumptions: Single filer, no dependents, contributing to a 401(k). Colorado has a flat state income tax of 4.4%.

Item	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,061	Based on $84,735 annual salary.
Taxes (Fed, CO, FICA)	~$1,725	Estimate. Use a paycheck calculator for precision.
Net Monthly Pay	~$5,336	Your take-home pay.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,835	Lakewood average. Could be $1,550-$2,100 depending on area.
Utilities	$150	Electricity, gas, internet.
Car + Insurance	$450	Assumes a car payment or savings for one. CO insurance is higher than national avg.
Groceries	$350
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-subsidized.
Misc. (Dining, Fun)	$500
Remaining/Student Loan	$1,751

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the critical question. As of late 2023, the median home price in Lakewood was approximately $550,000. With a $84,735 salary, a traditional mortgage would likely be out of reach without a significant down payment (20% = $110,000) or a dual-income household. However, there are townhomes and condos in the $350k-$450k range in areas like Westgate and Green Mountain that are more attainable for a single professional. FHA loans are a common path for first-time buyers here.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood’s job market is tethered to Denver but has its own distinct anchors. You’ll find data roles in these sectors, often in offices just off I-25 or in the Belmar district.

1. Centura Health: With St. Anthony Hospital and multiple clinics in Lakewood, Centura is a massive employer. They need data analysts for patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and billing. Hiring is consistent, and they value healthcare-specific knowledge.
2. Lockheed Martin: A major aerospace and defense contractor. Their Waterton Canyon facility (technically in Jefferson County, but a core Lakewood employer) needs analysts for supply chain, manufacturing, and project data. These roles often require security clearance and pay a premium.
3. Colorado State University Global: Based in Lakewood, this online university hires analysts for enrollment, student success, and marketing analytics. It’s a stable, education-focused environment.
4. Terumo BCT: A global medical device company with a large Lakewood campus. They focus on blood component technology and need data analysts for R&D, quality control, and manufacturing metrics.
5. City & County of Broomfield/Data Analytics Firms: While Broomfield is north, it’s a major hub for tech and data firms that serve the entire Front Range. Companies like Slalom or Daugherty Business Solutions often have analysts working on client projects that include Lakewood-based clients.
6. Local Government: The City of Lakewood itself hires data analysts for urban planning, public safety analytics, and financial reporting. These are public-sector roles with good benefits but can be slower-paced.

Hiring Trend: There’s a growing demand for analysts who can bridge the gap between raw data and business strategy. Companies want less "reporting" and more "insight." Proficiency in Power BI (a Microsoft staple) and Python for automation is becoming a baseline expectation, not a bonus.

Getting Licensed in CO

Good news: Data analysis is not a licensed profession in Colorado, unlike nursing or accounting. You do not need a state-issued license to call yourself a Data Analyst.

However, there are important certifications and credentials that are de facto requirements for competitive jobs:

• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera): A solid, affordable entry point.
• Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: Highly valued by corporate employers using the Microsoft stack.
• Tableau Desktop Specialist: Relevant for roles heavy on visualization.
• CompTIA Data+: A vendor-neutral foundational certification.

Timeline to Get Started: If you’re starting from scratch (e.g., changing careers), a credible certificate program can take 3-6 months of dedicated study. For an experienced analyst moving to Lakewood, focus on tailoring your resume to local employers (healthcare, aerospace, government) rather than a new certification.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Your neighborhood choice in Lakewood dramatically impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
Belmar	Walkable, urban-feel district. 15-20 min drive to downtown Denver via W. Colfax. Modern apartments, shops, and restaurants.	$1,900 - $2,200	The professional who wants a walkable, social vibe without downtown Denver prices.
Green Mountain	Quiet, suburban, with stunning mountain views. 20-25 min to downtown. Older homes, hiking trails.	$1,700 - $1,900	Outdoors enthusiasts who value space and a calm environment.
Westgate	Quiet, established neighborhood near the Lakewood Heritage Center. 15-min commute to downtown. More affordable.	$1,500 - $1,700	Budget-conscious professionals seeking a classic suburban feel.
Columbine	Family-oriented, very suburban, near Columbine Country Club. 25-30 min to downtown.	$1,550 - $1,800	Those prioritizing a quiet, safe neighborhood for the long term.

Insider Tip: Avoid the need for a car if you live in Belmar—you can walk to groceries, coffee, and light rail. If you live in Green Mountain or Columbine, a car is non-negotiable. Also, check the specific school district boundaries if you plan to start a family; they can vary even within Lakewood.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 36% 10-year job growth for data analysts in the Denver metro area is a powerful signal. Lakewood is positioned to benefit from this as Denver’s core becomes saturated and companies seek more affordable real estate.

• Specialty Premiums: Analysts who specialize in healthcare (HIPAA, patient data) or aerospace (compliance, supply chain) can command salaries 10-15% above the median. Data Engineering skills (building pipelines) also carry a premium over pure analysis.
• Advancement Paths: A common path is Data Analyst → Senior Analyst → Analytics Manager → Director of Business Intelligence. Alternatively, you can pivot into Data Science (requires advanced stats/ML skills) or Data Engineering. Many Lakewood-based companies offer tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees (e.g., an MS in Data Science from CU Denver).
• 10-Year Outlook: With the growth of remote work, Lakewood’s role as a Denver satellite becomes even more attractive. You can live in Lakewood’s more affordable housing and work for a company based in Boulder, Denver, or even Silicon Valley. The local job market will remain robust, especially in healthcare and tech services.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Value: Median salary of $84,735 stretches further here than in Denver or Boulder.	Commute to Denver: If your dream job is in downtown Denver, you’re facing a 20-40 minute drive.
Diverse Employers: Healthcare, aerospace, government, education—multiple recession-resistant industries.	Limited "Tech Scene": It’s not a startup hub like RiNo (Denver). Networking happens more at industry events than tech meetups.
Outdoor Access: Minutes from Red Rocks, Green Mountain, and the foothills.	Car Dependency: Outside of Belmar, Lakewood is built for cars.
Metro Proximity: Easy access to Denver’s amenities without the price tag.	Rising Costs: Rent and home prices are climbing as Denver’s popularity spills over.

Final Recommendation: Lakewood is an excellent choice for a data analyst who values work-life balance, appreciates the outdoors, and wants a responsible cost of living. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home (especially in a townhome/condo) and for those seeking stability in established industries like healthcare and aerospace. It’s less ideal for those who crave a fast-paced, purely tech-focused startup environment.

FAQs

1. Is it better to live in Lakewood or commute from Denver?
It depends on your job location. If you work in Lakewood or southwest Denver, living in Lakewood is a no-brainer. If your job is in downtown Denver or the Tech Center, Lakewood is still a reasonable commute (via I-25 or W. Colfax), but you must weigh the time vs. the lower housing costs.

2. What’s the job market like for junior analysts in Lakewood?
Competitive, but growing. You’ll compete with candidates from the entire Denver metro. Having a portfolio of projects (GitHub, Tableau Public) is crucial. Look for roles at Centura Health or CSU Global, which often have entry-level needs.

3. Do I need to know Python for a Lakewood data analyst job?
Increasingly, yes. While some roles only require Excel and SQL, knowing Python (especially for data cleanup and automation) will make you a much stronger candidate and open doors to higher-paying roles at companies like Lockheed Martin or Terumo BCT.

4. How is the networking scene for data professionals?
Lakewood itself is quiet on the tech meetup front, but it’s a short drive to Denver’s vibrant scene. Join groups like Data Science Denver or Colorado Data Visualization Group on Meetup.com. Many Lakewood professionals commute to Denver for these events.

5. Is the cost of living really 5.5% above the national average?
Yes, the index of 105.5 reflects this. However, the key is the breakdown. Housing is the biggest driver. If you can get housing costs under control (e.g., renting a $1,600 apartment vs. a $2,000 one), your daily expenses (groceries, utilities) are very close to the national average. The $1,835 rent figure is a median—you can find more affordable options if you’re willing to look in older complexes or neighborhoods like Westgate.