Financial Analyst Career Guide: Aurora, Colorado

As a local career analyst who’s watched Aurora’s financial sector evolve from a defense-heavy economy to a more diversified hub, I’ve seen firsthand how the city’s unique position—sandwiched between Denver’s financial core and the aerospace corridor—creates distinct opportunities for financial analysts. This guide isn’t about selling you on Aurora; it’s a data-driven look at what your career and budget actually look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Aurora Stands

Aurora’s financial analyst salaries sit slightly above the national average but trail behind Denver’s premium market. The city’s median salary of $100,643/year translates to an hourly rate of $48.39/hour, which reflects Aurora’s blend of corporate presence and lower cost of living compared to downtown Denver. With 789 jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of 9%, the market is stable but not explosive.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Level	Years Experience	Aurora Salary Range	Key Employers Hiring
Entry	0-2 years	$65,000 - $80,000	UCHealth, City of Aurora, local credit unions
Mid	3-7 years	$85,000 - $110,000	Raytheon Technologies, Centura Health, Aurora Public Schools
Senior	8-12 years	$110,000 - $135,000	Lockheed Martin, Colorado State University System
Expert	13+ years	$135,000 - $160,000+	Regional bank HQs, consulting firms, aerospace contractors

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities

While not the state’s highest-paying market, Aurora offers a compelling value proposition. Denver’s median for financial analysts is roughly $105,000-$110,000, but office rents and housing costs are 20-30% higher. Colorado Springs skews lower at $92,000-$98,000 due to its military focus and smaller corporate base. Boulder pays premium salaries ($110,000+) but has an extreme cost of living. Aurora’s sweet spot is its proximity to Denver’s opportunities without the downtown premium, making it ideal for analysts who want to access both markets.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s crunch the numbers for a mid-career analyst earning Aurora’s median salary of $100,643/year. After federal, state (4.63% flat), and FICA taxes, your monthly take-home is approximately $6,200-$6,400 (varies by deductions). The city’s average 1BR rent of $1,835/month and Cost of Living Index of 105.5 mean your housing eats about 29% of your net income—a healthy but not luxurious ratio.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary)

Category	Amount	% of Net Income	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,835	29%	Average for newer complexes in central Aurora
Utilities	$250	4%	Includes internet, electric, gas; winter heating spikes
Groceries	$600	9.5%	Mid-range diet; Aurora has good ethnic grocery options
Transportation	$400	6.3%	Car is essential; public transit is limited
Healthcare	$300	4.7%	Employer plans common
Savings/Investing	$1,200	18.8%	Aggressive but doable
Discretionary	$1,615	25.2%	Dining, entertainment, travel, etc.

Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Aurora is around $475,000. With 20% down ($95,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would cost ~$2,400/month—38% of your net income, which is above the recommended 30% threshold. However, many analysts in Aurora buy in the $350,000-$400,000 range (townhomes/condos in areas like Eastlake or Southeast Aurora), where monthly payments are closer to $2,000-$2,200, making homeownership feasible within 3-5 years of saving.

Where the Jobs Are: Aurora's Major Employers

Aurora’s financial analyst roles are concentrated in healthcare, aerospace, public sector, and education. Here’s who’s actually hiring:

1. UCHealth – Aurora’s largest private employer. They hire financial analysts for hospital operations, budgeting, and revenue cycle management. Hiring trend: Steady growth due to expansion of the Anschutz Medical Campus. Positions often require healthcare finance experience but offer strong benefits.

2. Raytheon Technologies – Located at the Aurora campus (near I-70 and Peoria). They need analysts for defense contracting, cost accounting, and program financial management. Hiring trend: Stable federal contracts drive consistent needs, but security clearance can be a barrier.

3. City of Aurora – Government finance roles for budgeting, grants management, and capital projects. Hiring trend: Cyclical based on city budget cycles; typically posts openings in Q1. Requires patience with bureaucratic processes but offers excellent job security.

4. Centura Health – Operating multiple facilities in Aurora, including St. Anthony Hospital. They seek analysts for system-wide financial planning and physician practice management. Hiring trend: Active hiring as they integrate new clinics and services.

5. Colorado State University System – Aurora campus (CSU Spur) and administrative offices. Hires analysts for institutional research, grant finance, and endowment management. Hiring trend: Growing as CSU expands its Aurora presence, particularly in ag-tech and water research.

6. Lockheed Martin (Waterton Canyon facility) – While not technically Aurora, many employees live in Aurora and commute to the nearby campus. Roles focus on advanced program financial management. Hiring trend: Tied to defense budgets; generally stable but watch for contract transitions.

7. Aurora Public Schools – Budget analysts for the district’s $600M+ annual budget. Hiring trend: Consistent, driven by student enrollment changes and state funding formulas. Requires understanding of school finance (e.g., Mill Levy Override funding).

Insider tip: Many analyst roles in Aurora’s aerospace sector are filled through staffing agencies like Aerotek or TEKsystems. Contract-to-hire is common, so be open to temporary roles to get your foot in the door.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado does not require a state-specific license for financial analysts (unlike CPA or CFP). However, professional certifications significantly boost earning potential and credibility.

• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): The gold standard. No state exam; you must pass all three levels (minimum 4 years of relevant work experience). Exam fees total ~$3,000-$4,000. Timeline: Plan for 3-5 years to complete.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): If you lean toward accounting/auditing. Requires a bachelor’s degree (150 credit hours), passing all four sections of the CPA Exam, and 1 year of experience under a licensed CPA. Colorado-specific: You must apply through the Colorado Board of Accountancy. Total cost: ~$3,000 including exam fees and review courses. Timeline: 12-18 months after meeting education requirements.
• Other Certifications: FRM (Financial Risk Manager) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) are valued in corporate roles.

Insider tip: Many Aurora employers (especially UCHealth and Raytheon) offer tuition reimbursement for these certifications. Negotiate this during hiring to save thousands.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Aurora’s neighborhoods vary dramatically in commute, vibe, and cost. Here’s a breakdown for analysts:

Neighborhood	Avg 1BR Rent	Commute to Major Employers	Vibe & Best For
Central Aurora	$1,650	10-15 min to UCHealth/Centura, 20-25 min to Raytheon	Urban-suburban mix, diverse dining, older housing stock. Ideal for renters wanting walkability.
Southeast Aurora	$1,950	20-25 min to Raytheon, 30 min to downtown Denver	Master-planned communities (e.g., Saddle Rock), great schools, newer homes. Family-friendly but car-dependent.
Eastlake	$1,800	15-20 min to UCHealth, 25-30 min to Raytheon	Rapidly developing area, newer apartments, close to E-470 for quick airport access. Popular with young professionals.
Tallyn’s Reach	$2,000	25-30 min to most employers	Upscale, quiet, mountain views. Better for senior analysts or those with families seeking space.
Fitzsimons	$1,700	5-10 min to UCHealth/Anschutz, 20 min to downtown Denver	Historic, tree-lined streets, mix of older homes and renovated rentals. Top choice for healthcare analysts.

Commute insight: Traffic on I-225 and I-70 is brutal during rush hour. If you work near the Anschutz Medical Campus, consider living in Fitzsimons or Central Aurora to avoid the daily grind. For Raytheon employees, Southeast Aurora or Eastlake offer shorter commutes via E-470 (toll road, but saves time).

The Long Game: Career Growth

Aurora’s financial analyst career path is less about rapid vertical climbs and more about strategic specialization. Here’s how to advance:

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Healthcare Finance: +10-15% salary premium at UCHealth/Centura due to complexity of reimbursement models.
  • Defense Contracting: +15-20% at Raytheon/Lockheed Martin; often requires security clearance (which employers will sponsor).
  • Public Sector: Lower starting salaries but strong benefits (pension system) and job security.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Vertical: Analyst → Senior Analyst → Finance Manager → Director → CFO. Typically 2-3 years per step in corporate settings; 3-5 years in government/education.
  • Horizontal: Move between sectors (e.g., from healthcare to aerospace) for broader experience; Aurora’s network allows this due to its concentrated industry clusters.
  • Entrepreneurial Path: Many senior analysts in Aurora launch consulting firms serving local businesses (e.g., healthcare startups, defense contractors). Requires 8+ years of experience and a strong network.

• 10-Year Outlook:

  • Job Growth: The 9% growth is solid, driven by healthcare expansion (Anschutz is adding research facilities) and aerospace stability. However, automation (AI-driven financial modeling) may reduce entry-level roles by 2028-2030.
  • Salary Trajectory: With 10 years of experience and a CFA/CPA, you can realistically reach $140,000-$160,000 in Aurora. Staying in the area is key—relocating to Denver/Boulder could add 10-15% but at a higher cost of living.

Insider tip: The Aurora Chamber of Commerce hosts quarterly “Finance & Industry” mixers. Attend these to meet hiring managers from major employers. It’s where I’ve seen many mid-career analysts land their next role.

The Verdict: Is Aurora Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living Advantage: Housing is 25-30% cheaper than Denver/Boulder, stretching your $100,643 salary further.	Limited Public Transit: You’ll need a car; RTD light rail doesn’t serve all major employers well.
Industry Diversity: Healthcare, aerospace, government, and education offer multiple career pivots.	Suburban Sprawl: Car-centric; lacks the walkable, urban energy of Denver.
Job Stability: 789 jobs and 9% growth indicate a resilient market, especially in healthcare/public sector.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries cap around $160,000; harder to reach $200K+ without moving.
Strategic Location: Easy access to Denver jobs without paying Denver premiums; proximity to DIA for business travel.	Fewer Entry-Level Roles: Many postings require 2-3 years of experience; recent grads may need to start in smaller firms or contractors.
Quality of Life: Affordable family-friendly neighborhoods with good schools (especially Southeast Aurora).	Cultural Scene: Less vibrant than Denver; most entertainment requires a drive.

Final Recommendation: Aurora is ideal for mid-career financial analysts (3-8 years experience) seeking work-life balance and affordable homeownership within a major metro area. It’s perfect for those in healthcare or aerospace, and for families who value space and schools over urban nightlife. Recent graduates should consider starting in Denver for broader networking but could target Aurora for second jobs. Avoid if you prioritize a walkable, culturally rich environment or aim for finance roles in investment banking/private equity (which are scarce here).

FAQs

1. Can I commute to Denver from Aurora for better pay?
Yes, and many do. Denver salaries are 5-10% higher, but you’ll spend 45-90 minutes daily in traffic. The RTD light rail connects some Aurora neighborhoods (e.g., Fitzsimons) to downtown Denver in about 40 minutes, making it feasible for analysts working near Union Station. Weigh the $5,000-$10,000 salary bump against commute time and gas costs.

2. Is a security clearance necessary for aerospace roles?
Often yes, but not always. Raytheon and Lockheed Martin sponsor clearances for many analyst positions, especially those tied to defense contracts. Process can take 6-12 months; you’ll need to pass a background check (no felony convictions, stable credit). Some roles (e.g., financial planning for commercial aviation) don’t require it.

3. How competitive is the job market for entry-level analysts?
Moderately competitive. You’ll need a bachelor’s in finance/accounting/economics, plus internships or relevant experience. Aurora Public Schools and credit unions (e.g., Ent Credit Union) often hire new grads. Consider contract roles through agencies to build experience.

4. What’s the best way to network in Aurora’s finance community?
Join the Colorado Financial Planning Association (CFP) or Denver/Boulder chapter of the CFA Society. Attend events at the Aurora Chamber of Commerce or University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus healthcare finance seminars. LinkedIn groups like “Colorado Finance Professionals” are active.

5. Will Aurora’s cost of living stay affordable?
Rising, but slowly. The Cost of Living Index of 105.5 is up from 100 (pre-pandemic), driven by housing. However, new apartment construction in Eastlake and Southeast Aurora is moderating rent increases. Home prices may climb 3-5% annually. Lock in a mortgage soon if you plan to buy.

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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics (OES), Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Zillow Rent Data, U.S. Census Bureau, Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Board of Accountancy. Salary figures are estimates for Aurora metro; individual offers vary by employer and experience.