Median Salary
$160,220
Above National Avg
Hourly Wage
$77.03
Dollars / Hr
Workforce
0.2k
Total Jobs
Growth
+8%
10-Year Outlook
The Salary Picture: Where Broomfield Stands
Marketing Managers in Broomfield command a premium. The median salary here is $160,220/year, which breaks down to $77.03/hour. This puts you ahead of the national average for the role, which sits at $157,620/year. While the difference might seem modest on paper, in a high-demand market like the Denver metro area, every bit of leverage counts.
The job market itself is competitive but growing. There are approximately 153 marketing manager positions in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth projection is a solid 8%. This isn't the explosive tech boom of the early 2020s, but it's a stable, upward trend driven by Broomfield's unique position as a hub for both established corporations and scaling tech firms.
Hereโs how salary typically scales with experience in this area:
| Experience Level | Typical Years in Field | Broomfield Salary Range (Annual) | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | 0-2 years | $115,000 - $135,000 | Campaign execution, social media content, basic analytics, supporting senior managers. |
| Mid-Level | 3-7 years | $135,000 - $175,000 | Managing campaigns, budget oversight, team coordination, advanced analytics, vendor management. |
| Senior-Level | 8-15 years | $175,000 - $215,000 | Strategic planning, P&L responsibility, leading teams, cross-functional leadership, executive presentations. |
| Expert/Lead | 15+ years | $215,000+ | Director-level or specialized roles (e.g., Head of Digital, CMO track), setting departmental strategy, M&A integration. |
Insider Tip: Donโt just look at the base. In Broomfield, total compensation often includes significant bonuses (10-20% of base) and equity, especially at tech companies along the US-36 corridor. A $160,220 base with a 15% bonus and stock options can quickly push your total cash compensation toward $185,000.
Comparison to Other Colorado Cities
While Broomfield pays well, it's important to see the full landscape:
- Denver: Similar base salaries ($155,000 - $165,000), but the cost of living is higher, especially for housing downtown. The commute from Broomfield to Denver can be 30-60 minutes, a trade-off many make for more space.
- Boulder: Often commands a slight premium ($165,000 - $175,000), driven by its tech and startup scene. However, rent and home prices are significantly higher than in Broomfield.
- Colorado Springs: Salaries trend lower ($145,000 - $155,000), reflecting a different industrial base (military, aerospace) and a lower cost of living.
- Fort Collins: Similar to Boulder, with a strong university and tech influence, salaries are competitive ($155,000 - $165,000), but the market is smaller.
Broomfield offers a "sweet spot": proximity to the Denver and Boulder job markets without the extreme housing costs of either city.
๐ Compensation Analysis
๐ Earning Potential
Wage War Room
Real purchasing power breakdown
Select a city above to see who really wins the salary war.
The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent
Let's get practical. A median salary of $160,220 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Broomfield?
Assuming you're a single filer with no dependents and take the standard deduction, your approximate take-home pay (after federal, state, and FICA taxes) would be around $115,000 - $120,000 annually, or roughly $9,600 - $10,000 per month. This is a conservative estimate; your actual take-home could be higher with 401(k) contributions and health insurance premiums.
Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Marketing Manager):
| Category | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR Apt) | $1,835 | The city average. You can find units from $1,600 in older complexes to $2,200+ in luxury buildings. |
| Utilities (Elec/Gas/Internet) | $200 | Varies by season. Winters can be pricier with heating. |
| Groceries | $450 | Broomfield has standard grocery chains (King Soopers, Safeway) and a good Costco. |
| Transportation | $400 | Assumes a car payment, gas, and insurance. Public transit (RTD) is available but not always convenient for Broomfield commutes. |
| Health Insurance (Employer Plan) | $300 | Pre-tax deduction, varies widely by employer. |
| Dining/Entertainment | $600 | Broomfield has a growing food scene, plus easy access to Denver/Boulder. |
| Savings/Investments | $2,500 | A healthy 25%+ of take-home, achievable at this salary. |
| Miscellaneous | $300 | Clothing, personal care, subscriptions. |
| Total Monthly Outflow | ~$6,585 | Leaves a comfortable buffer. |
Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
With a $160,220 salary, you're in a strong position. The median home price in Broomfield is around $600,000. Using standard lending guidelines (28% of gross income for housing), your maximum mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) should be around $3,740/month.
A 20% down payment on a $600,000 home is $120,000. While significant, with your likely savings rate (from the budget above), you could potentially save for this in 4-5 years. Many Broomfield professionals, however, start with a 5-10% down payment, accepting PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) to enter the market sooner. The key is that your income supports a mortgage on a typical Broomfield home, which is a major advantage over living in Boulder or Cherry Creek.
Insider Tip: Look at homes in the 80020 or 80023 zip codes. Areas like Broomfield Heights or Willow Brook have older, more affordable stock (often $450k - $550k), which can be a great entry point with your salary.
๐ฐ Monthly Budget
๐ Snapshot
Where the Jobs Are: Broomfield's Major Employers
Broomfield's economy is a mix of tech, energy, and healthcare. Marketing roles are concentrated in these sectors. Here are the key players:
- Oracle: Their massive campus in Broomfieldโs Interlocken area is a top employer. They hire for product marketing, content marketing, and corporate communications roles. Hiring is steady but often for experienced mid-to-senior level roles.
- Spectrum (Charter Communications): Headquartered in nearby Stamford, CT, but their major Western hub is in Broomfield. They employ hundreds in marketing, sales, and customer service. Roles here are often focused on brand management and campaign execution for the Western region.
- Ball Aerospace: A major federal contractor for NASA and the Department of Defense. Their marketing roles are highly specialized, often requiring experience in government contracting, technical marketing, and proposal support. Stability is high, but the culture is more formal.
- UCHealth Broomfield Hospital: Part of the massive UCHealth system. They hire marketing managers for community outreach, physician practice promotion, and internal communications. The healthcare marketing niche is growing, especially with the aging population on the Front Range.
- KeyBank: Their Colorado headquarters is in Broomfield. They hire marketers for retail banking, wealth management, and corporate branding. Experience in financial services marketing is a plus here.
- Startups & Scale-ups along US-36 (The "Boulder-Denver Tech Corridor"): While not headquartered in Broomfield, hundreds of tech companies are within a 15-minute drive (e.g., in Louisville, Superior, Westminster). Companies like Ibotta, Gusto, and Sphero are constantly hiring marketing talent. The commute is easy against traffic, making Broomfield a convenient home base.
- Sungage Financial: A solar financing company headquartered in Broomfield. They represent the green-tech sector and hire for growth marketing, digital marketing, and brand roles.
Hiring Trends: The demand is strongest for digital marketing (SEO, SEM, performance analytics) and product marketing (especially in tech). Generalist brand managers are in demand at larger corporations like Oracle and KeyBank. Networking through local groups like Boulder/Denver Marketing & Advertising Professionals is highly effective.
Getting Licensed in CO
For Marketing Managers, there is no state-specific license required to practice in Colorado. Your qualifications are your experience, portfolio, and degree.
However, there are important professional considerations:
- Certifications: While not state-mandated, certifications significantly boost your credibility and earning potential. The most valuable in Colorado's tech-heavy market are:
- Google Analytics & Ads Certifications: Free and essential for digital roles.
- HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification: Highly valued by B2B companies.
- PMP (Project Management Professional): Useful for managers overseeing large, cross-functional campaigns.
- Cost: Exam fees range from $150 - $550 per certification. Most employers will cover these costs.
- Professional Associations: Joining AMA (American Marketing Association) Colorado Chapter or the Business Marketing Association (BMA) Colorado provides networking and continuing education.
- Timeline to Get Started: If you're moving from out of state, you can start applying and interviewing immediately. Once you secure a job offer, you'll need to update your driver's license and vehicle registration with the Colorado DMV (within 90 days of residency). There is no "marketing license" to wait for.
Insider Tip: Colorado employers, especially in tech, value demonstrated results over formal credentials. Build a portfolio with case studies showing specific metrics (e.g., "Grew organic traffic by 40%," "Reduced CAC by 15%").
Best Neighborhoods for Marketing Managers
Broomfield isn't a single neighborhood; it's a collection of distinct areas with different vibes. Hereโs a breakdown for a marketing professional:
| Neighborhood | Vibe & Commute | 1BR Rent Estimate | Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interlocken / US-36 Corridor | Corporate, modern, close to Oracle/Spectrum. Easy access to Denver/Boulder via US-36. | $1,900 - $2,400 | Professionals who want a short commute to major tech employers and luxury amenities. |
| Broomfield Heights | Established, residential, family-friendly. Close to Broomfield Hospital and downtown shops. | $1,600 - $2,000 | Those wanting a quiet, community feel with easy access to parks and trails. |
| Willow Brook / The Club at Ravenna | Upscale, master-planned community with golf course. More suburban feel. | $2,000 - $2,600+ (for luxury apartments) | Professionals seeking a resort-style living environment with high-end finishes. |
| Downtown Broomfield (Midtown) | Walkable, charming, small-town feel with local breweries and restaurants. 15-20 min drive to major employers. | $1,700 - $2,100 | Those who value character, walkability, and a strong sense of community over corporate proximity. |
| Westminster (Adjacent) | Offers more apartment variety and a direct RTD light rail line to Denver (Station at Sheridan). | $1,500 - $2,000 | The budget-conscious who want public transit access to Denver for networking or events. |
Insider Tip: Traffic on US-36 is notoriously bad during rush hour. If you work in Interlocken, living in Broomfield Heights or Downtown can put you against the main flow of traffic, making your commute much faster than someone coming from Denver.
The Long Game: Career Growth
Your 10-year outlook in Broomfield is bright, but you must specialize.
- Specialty Premiums: Generalist marketing managers will hit a ceiling around $175,000. To break past $200,000, you need expertise in high-demand areas:
- Demand Generation & Performance Marketing: Critical for tech and SaaS companies. Mastery of platforms like Marketo, Salesforce, and Google Analytics can command a 15-25% salary premium.
- Product Marketing: For companies like Oracle or tech startups, this is a core function. Understanding the full product lifecycle is key.
- Marketing Operations (MarTech): As marketing tech stacks become more complex, managers who can integrate and manage these systems are invaluable.
- Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Manager to Senior Manager, then to Director of Marketing. After that, you can move into VP of Marketing or a specialized role like Head of Growth. In Broomfield, many Directors eventually move to larger corporate hubs (Denver, Boulder, or out-of-state) or become CMOs at mid-sized companies.
- 10-Year Outlook (Based on 8% Growth): With a steady 8% growth in jobs, the market will add approximately 12-15 new marketing manager positions per year in the metro area. This isn't explosive growth, but it ensures steady opportunity for those with the right skills. The rise of AI in marketing will also create new roles focused on AI strategy and implementation, which early adopters can capitalize on.
Insider Tip: The most career-advancing move you can make in Broomfield is to get experience at a tech company. The skills and networks you build there are transferable to any industry and are highly valued across the country.
The Verdict: Is Broomfield Right for You?
Broomfield offers a compelling value proposition for marketing managers, but it's not for everyone. Hereโs a balanced look:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong Salaries: $160,220 median is well above the national average. | Competitive Job Market: You're competing with talent from Denver and Boulder. |
| Strategic Location: Easy access to two major job markets (Denver & Boulder) without their extreme costs. | Limited "Creative" Scene: Less agency density than Denver; corporate and in-house roles dominate. |
| Affordable Housing (Relative): You can afford to buy a home on a marketing manager's salary. | Car Dependency: Public transit is limited; you'll need a reliable vehicle. |
| Quality of Life: Excellent schools, low crime, abundant parks, and a family-friendly environment. | Suburban Feel: If you crave a dense, walkable urban core, Broomfield may feel too quiet. |
| Growing Tech Hub: Proximity to the US-36 corridor provides excellent networking and job-hopping opportunities. | Weather: High altitude and Colorado's four seasons mean adjusting to dry air and significant snowfall. |
Final Recommendation:
Broomfield is an excellent choice for mid-career to senior Marketing Managers who value financial stability, homeownership, and a high quality of life. It is particularly ideal if you work in tech, healthcare, or corporate marketing, and if you have a family or plan to start one. If you're a recent graduate seeking a vibrant, agency-driven creative scene, you might find Denver or Boulder more stimulating initially. However, for long-term career growth and financial health, Broomfield is one of the smartest markets to target in Colorado.
FAQs
1. Is the commute from Broomfield to Denver or Boulder manageable?
Yes, but it's highly dependent on your work location and schedule. A commute to downtown Denver against traffic (westbound on I-25) can be 25-35 minutes. A commute to Boulder (eastbound on US-36) is often 15-25 minutes. However, rush hour traffic on US-36 can be severe. Living in Broomfield and working in Denver is a common and generally manageable trade-off for the housing savings.
2. How competitive is the job market for marketing managers in Broomfield?
It's competitive but not saturated. The 153 jobs in the metro area indicate consistent demand. Your biggest competition will be from candidates in Denver and Boulder who are willing to commute. Having a digital specialty (SEO, analytics, automation) and a strong portfolio will set you apart immediately.
3. Can I live in Broomfield without a car?
It's very difficult. While parts of Broomfield have sidewalks and some bus routes (RTD), the city is spread out. Major employers like Oracle and Spectrum are not easily accessible by public transit from most residential areas. A car is a near-necessity for daily life and commuting.
4. What's the best way to network for marketing jobs in the area?
Leverage LinkedIn heavily, targeting recruiters and marketing leaders at the key employers listed. Attend events by Boulder/Denver Marketing & Advertising Professionals and the AMA Colorado Chapter. Many jobs are filled through referrals, so building a local network is crucial.
5. How does Broomfield's cost of living (105.5) compare to actual expenses?
The index (US avg
Other Careers in Broomfield
Explore More in Broomfield
Dive deeper into the local economy and lifestyle.