Financial Analyst in Longmont, CO

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Financial Analysts considering a move to Longmont, Colorado.

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The Salary Picture: Where Longmont Stands

As someone who has watched the Front Range job market evolve over the last decade, I can tell you Longmont offers a unique value proposition for Financial Analysts. It sits in that sweet spot between the high costs of Denver and the slower pace of smaller mountain towns. The data reflects this balance.

The median salary for a Financial Analyst in Longmont is $98,980 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $47.59. This is virtually identical to the national average of $99,010. This is a critical point: you’re not taking a pay cut to live here compared to the national market. However, the context matters when you compare it to other Colorado cities. While you’ll earn less than a financial analyst in downtown Denver (where salaries can push into the $110k+ range), you also avoid the city's premium rent and brutal commute.

The job market is tight but growing. There are approximately 198 Financial Analyst jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 9%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady, indicating a stable demand for analytical talent in the region's key industries.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Longmont follow a clear progression based on experience, though the jump from mid-level to senior can be significant, especially if you specialize in a high-demand area like corporate finance or cost accounting for the manufacturing sector.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$75,000 - $88,000	Data gathering, basic financial modeling, supporting reports, learning company systems.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$89,000 - $115,000	Building complex models, variance analysis, budgeting, forecasting, presenting to management.
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$116,000 - $135,000+	Strategic planning, M&A analysis, leading finance teams, C-suite presentations, advanced risk modeling.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry data. Specialization in areas like cost accounting for manufacturing or grant compliance for federal labs can push salaries toward the higher end.

Comparison to Other CO Cities

Longmont’s salary-to-cost ratio is one of its strongest assets. While Denver offers higher nominal salaries, the cost of living there is significantly higher. Boulder, just 20 minutes south, has an even more inflated housing market. Longmont provides access to the Boulder/Denver job corridor without the associated living expenses.

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Avg. 1BR Rent	Cost of Living Index*	Take-Home Value
Longmont	$98,980	$1,548	99.9	Highest
Denver	$105,000	$1,950	110.8	Moderate
Boulder	$102,000	$2,100+	120.1	Lower
Colorado Springs	$92,000	$1,450	97.5	High

Cost of Living Index: US Average = 100. (Source: BestPlaces.net, 2023 data)

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A median salary of $98,980 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget after Uncle Sam and your landlord take their share? In Colorado, you’ll face federal income tax, state income tax (4.4% flat rate), FICA, and local taxes.

Here’s a conservative breakdown for a single filer with no dependents, taking the standard deduction (2024 tax brackets):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $8,248
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (approx. 25-28%): ~$2,300
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$5,948/month

Now, let’s layer in the rent. The average 1BR rent in Longmont is $1,548/month. If we apply the common budgeting rule of keeping rent at or below 30% of your take-home pay, you’d need a net income of at least $5,160/month. At $5,948/month, you’re comfortably within that guideline, leaving you with $4,400 for all other expenses (utilities, car, groceries, entertainment, savings).

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

This is the million-dollar question—or in this market, the $500,000 question. The median home price in Longmont hovers around $550,000. With a 20% down payment ($110,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would result in a monthly payment of roughly $2,800 (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance).

This payment would consume about 47% of your net take-home pay, which is well above the recommended 30% threshold. The verdict? On a single median salary of $98,980, buying a home alone in Longmont is a stretch. It becomes more feasible with:

1. A dual-income household.
2. A significant down payment (closer to 30-40%).
3. Waiting for a senior-level promotion that pushes your salary into the $120k+ range.

Where the Jobs Are: Longmont's Major Employers

Longmont’s economy is a fascinating mix of agriculture, aerospace, tech, and federal research. This diversity provides stability for finance roles. You’re not tied to a single industry.

1. Sequentia (Formerly Ball Aerospace): A major player in aerospace and defense manufacturing. They have a significant facility in Longmont. They hire financial analysts for cost accounting, program finance, and government contract compliance. Insider tip: Experience with FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) is a golden ticket here.
2. Suncor Energy (Commerce City Refinery): While the refinery is north of Denver, Suncor has a major administrative and engineering presence in Longmont. They need analysts for corporate finance, treasury, and supply chain cost analysis.
3. DigitalGlobe (Maxar Technologies): A leader in satellite imagery and geospatial intelligence. Their Longmont campus is a hub for tech-driven finance roles, focusing on R&D budgeting, grant management, and financial planning & analysis (FP&A).
4. Longmont United Hospital (Part of UCHealth): The largest healthcare provider in the area. They have a robust internal finance department that manages everything from operational budgeting to financial reporting for a major hospital. Hiring Trend: Steady demand as healthcare finance becomes more complex.
5. NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology): A federal research lab in Boulder, but a massive employer for Longmont residents. They hire finance professionals for grant management, contract administration, and laboratory budgeting. Insider tip: Federal jobs offer unparalleled job security and benefits, but the hiring process is slow.
6. Local Banks & Credit Unions: First National Bank of Longmont and Ent Credit Union have strong local roots. They hire analysts for commercial lending, credit analysis, and branch profitability analysis.
7. Agribusiness & Food Processing: Companies like Cargill and Leprino Foods have significant operations in the region. They need financial analysts for commodity cost analysis, supply chain finance, and plant-level P&L management.

Getting Licensed in CO

For most corporate financial analyst roles, you do not need a state-specific license. You do, however, need relevant certifications to be competitive.

• Series Licenses (Finance): If you want to work in investment banking, wealth management, or securities analysis, you’ll need to pass the FINRA Series 7, 63, or other exams. These are national licenses, but you must be employed by a FINRA-registered firm in Colorado to take them.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): For financial analysts in auditing, tax, or accounting-focused roles, the CPA is the gold standard. Colorado requires:
  • 150 semester hours of education (a bachelor's degree + 30 extra credits).
  • Passing all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam.
  • 1 year of experience under a licensed CPA.
  • Cost: ~$1,500 for exam fees + review course ($1,000 - $3,000) + state application fees.
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): Highly respected in investment analysis and portfolio management. It’s a self-study program with three exam levels. Cost: Total exam fees ~$3,000. No state-specific requirements.

Timeline to Get Started: If you have a bachelor's in finance or accounting, you can start applying for entry-level roles immediately. For certifications, plan on 6-18 months of study while working.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Longmont is geographically spread out. Your commute—and your lifestyle—will depend heavily on where you choose to live.

1. Old Town: The historic heart of Longmont. Walkable, charming, with great coffee shops and restaurants. It’s where you’ll find many young professionals. Commute: Easy access to downtown employers, but can be tight for parking. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartments: $1,400 - $1,700.
2. South Longmont (Near Hover Road): This area offers newer construction, more space, and easier highway access (US-287). It’s popular with young families and professionals who want a modern apartment or townhome. Commute: 10-15 minutes to most major employers. Rent Estimate: 1BR/2BR: $1,600 - $1,900.
3. West Side (Near Thompson Valley): A quieter, more residential area with established homes and good schools. It’s a bit further from the main commercial corridors but offers a suburban feel. Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown. Rent Estimate: Older apartments/rental houses: $1,500 - $1,750.
4. East Side (Near I-25): This is the fastest-growing part of the city, with new apartment complexes and easy access to the interstate for commutes to Denver or Boulder. Commute: 10 minutes to I-25, 25-35 minutes to Denver. Rent Estimate: Newer luxury apartments: $1,700 - $2,000+.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Longmont is not a "get rich quick" market for finance, but it offers a sustainable, growing career path.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command a 10-15% salary premium by specializing in:
  • Government Contract Finance: Critical for aerospace/defense employers like Sequentia.
  • Cost Accounting (Manufacturing): Essential for Suncor, Leprino, and local food processors.
  • Healthcare Financial Analysis: With Longmont United Hospital and the proximity to Boulder’s medical centers.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is analyst → senior analyst → finance manager → director of finance. The key is to move from a single-facility focus to multi-site or corporate-level responsibility. Many professionals in Longmont eventually take director-level roles at regional headquarters in Denver.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 9% job growth is promising. The region’s focus on aerospace, renewable energy, and tech suggests that financial analysts with skills in data analytics (SQL, Python) and strategic forecasting will be in highest demand. The biggest risk is a slowdown in the tech or aerospace sectors, which would be felt locally.

The Verdict: Is Longmont Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Salary-to-Cost Ratio: Your $98,980 goes further here than in Denver or Boulder.	Buying a Home is Challenging on a single median salary.
Diverse, Stable Employers: You’re not reliant on one industry (tech, aerospace, healthcare, agriculture).	Limited "Big City" Amenities: You’ll drive to Denver or Boulder for major concerts, pro sports, or specialized dining.
Strategic Location: Easy access to Boulder (20 min) and Denver (45 min) for networking and day trips.	Commuting Can Be a Factor: If you work in Longmont but live in Boulder, you’re against traffic, though it’s manageable.
Genuine Community Feel: It’s a real town, not a Denver suburb. People are friendly and invested.	Job Market is Smaller: Fewer total roles than Denver, which can mean a longer search for a niche position.
Outdoor Access: Unmatched. Rocky Mountain National Park is 45 minutes away, with trails everywhere.	Seasonal Air Quality: Like much of the Front Range, wildfire smoke can be an issue in summer.

Final Recommendation:
Longmont is an ideal choice for mid-career financial analysts (5-10 years of experience) who are priced out of the Boulder market but want more space and community than Denver offers. It’s perfect for those who prioritize work-life balance, outdoor recreation, and a stable career without the intensity of a major financial hub. For entry-level analysts, it’s a great place to start—if you can find a role and are comfortable with roommates or a longer commute. The data supports the move: the median salary of $98,980 with a cost of living index of 99.9 creates a financial stability that’s increasingly rare in Colorado.

FAQs

1. Is Longmont a tech hub?
It’s a growing tech and aerospace hub, not a traditional "Silicon Valley" style tech hub. Major employers like Maxar (DigitalGlobe) and Sequentia (Ball) drive this sector. There are also many small tech startups and a strong sense of community within the local tech scene.

2. How competitive is the job market for Financial Analysts?
With only 198 jobs in the metro, it’s a niche market. You need to be proactive. Leverage LinkedIn, connect with recruiters at major employers (Suncor, Sequentia), and consider working with a local staffing agency specializing in finance. The 9% growth suggests opportunities, but they won’t be as abundant as in Denver.

3. Do I need to live in Longmont to work there?
No. Many professionals live in Boulder, Denver, or Loveland and commute. However, living in Longmont saves you significant time and money. The commute from Boulder is easy (US-36), but from Denver it can be 45-60 minutes each way, which adds up.

4. What’s the best way to network for finance roles in the area?
Join the Colorado Financial Planning Association (FPA) and the Denver/Boulder Chapter of the CFA Society. Attend their local events, which are often held in Boulder or Denver but attended by Longmont professionals. Also, use LinkedIn to connect with finance managers at Sequentia, Maxar, and Longmont United Hospital.

5. Is the market stable enough for a long-term career?
Yes, for the foreseeable future. The employers here (aerospace, federal research, energy, healthcare) are not typically subject to wild, boom-bust cycles like pure tech startups. The job growth projection of 9% indicates a stable, sustainable market. Your career longevity will depend more on your own skill development (e.g., learning data analytics) than on the local economy collapsing.