Project Manager in Aurora, CO

The Aurora Project Manager's Career Guide

As a local and a career analyst, I’ve watched Aurora transform from a quiet suburb into one of Colorado’s most dynamic job markets. For Project Managers, this city offers a unique blend of aerospace, healthcare, and tech opportunities, all while providing more affordable living than Denver. But is it the right fit for you? This guide breaks down the real numbers, the local job scene, and the day-to-day realities to help you decide.

Let’s get straight to the data. As a Project Manager in Aurora, you're positioned in a market that pays slightly above the national average, with a strong demand for your skills in key local industries. The median salary for a Project Manager in Aurora is $102,951/year. That translates to an approximate hourly rate of $49.5/hour. For context, this sits just above the national average of $101,280/year for the role. The metro area has an estimated 789 Project Manager jobs open, with a 10-year job growth of 6% projected, which is stable but requires you to specialize to truly capitalize on it.

The city’s cost of living index is 105.5 (US avg = 100), which is important to factor in. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent is $1,835/month. The metro population is 394,701, giving you a mid-sized city feel with access to big-city amenities in neighboring Denver.

Here’s your deep dive into what it means to be a Project Manager in Aurora, Colorado.

The Salary Picture: Where Aurora Stands

Aurora’s salary landscape for Project Managers is competitive, especially when you factor in the local industries. However, pay scales significantly with experience and specialization. The city’s aerospace and healthcare sectors, in particular, offer premium compensation for PMs with relevant expertise.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Aurora market. These are local estimates based on aggregated data from job postings and industry reports.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Aurora)	Key Local Industries for Level
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$75,000 - $90,000	Tech startups, construction, entry-level healthcare admin
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$95,000 - $120,000	Healthcare (UCHealth, Children's), Aerospace, Public Sector
Senior	8-15 years	$125,000 - $155,000	Aerospace (Lockheed, Ball), Defense, Critical Infrastructure
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$160,000+	Enterprise SaaS, Aerospace Program Management, Consulting

Insider Tip: The jump from Mid-Career to Senior is where you see the most significant salary increase. This is often tied to obtaining a PMP certification and gaining experience in Aurora’s core sectors: aerospace/defense or healthcare systems implementation. A Senior PM at Ball Aerospace in nearby Broomfield or Lockheed Martin in Littleton will often earn at the top of that range, even with a commute from Aurora.

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities:

• Denver: Salaries are about 5-10% higher, but the cost of living, especially housing, is significantly steeper. The competition is also fiercer.
• Colorado Springs: Salaries are slightly lower than Aurora, but the cost of living is comparable. The market is heavily dominated by defense (e.g., Northrop Grumman, Boeing).
• Boulder: Offers the highest salaries for tech and biotech PMs but has an extremely high cost of living, making it less attainable for many.

Aurora strikes a balance: it offers strong, competitive wages while providing more affordable housing options than the Denver core or Boulder.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be practical. A $102,951 salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Aurora?

We'll assume a single filer with standard deductions. This is a rough estimate; consult a tax professional for your exact situation. For this calculation, we'll use a 30% effective tax rate (federal, state, and FICA combined), which is a reasonable estimate for this income bracket in Colorado.

Annual Breakdown:

• Gross Salary: $102,951
• Estimated Annual Taxes (30%): $30,885
• Estimated Net Annual Income: $72,066
• Estimated Monthly Net Income: $6,005

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Project Manager in Aurora:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Insights
Taxes (Net from above)	Already deducted	This is your take-home pay.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,835	This is the citywide average. See the neighborhoods section for variations.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200 - $300	Aurora winters can be cold; heating costs are a factor.
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500	The city has several King Soopers (Kroger) and Safeway stores.
Transportation	$250 - $400	Aurora is car-dependent. Gas, insurance, and potential tolls (E-470) add up.
Health Insurance	$300 - $500	Varies greatly by employer. Aurora has major providers like UCHealth and Centura.
Entertainment & Dining	$300 - $500	Aurora has a vibrant, diverse food scene, especially in places like the Stanley Marketplace.
Savings & Retirement	$1,000+	Highly recommended. Aim for 15-20% of your income.
Miscellaneous/Debt	$300 - $500	Student loans, subscriptions, etc.
TOTAL ESTIMATED MONTHLY	$4,585 - $5,435	This leaves a surplus of $570 - $1,420 per month.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
The median home price in Aurora is approximately $425,000 - $450,000. With a 10% down payment ($42,500 - $45,000), a 30-year mortgage at ~6.5% interest would have a monthly payment of roughly $2,400 - $2,600 (including property taxes and insurance). This is higher than the average rent. As a single earner making $102,951, buying a home on your own would be tight but potentially possible with a substantial down payment and careful budgeting. It’s more feasible for dual-income households or if you advance to a Senior PM role with a higher salary.

Personal Insight: Many Aurora residents work in Denver and commute via the I-225 corridor or light rail. If you can secure a hybrid or remote role, your housing budget can stretch further into more affordable suburbs like Central or Southeast Aurora.

Where the Jobs Are: Aurora's Major Employers

Aurora’s job market is anchored by a few key sectors. Your best bet is to target employers in these industries:

1. Healthcare: This is Aurora’s largest sector. The University of Colorado Hospital (UCHealth) and Children’s Hospital Colorado are massive employers. They constantly need PMs for IT systems (EPIC), new facility construction, and process improvement projects. Hiring Trend: Steady growth, with a focus on digital health and patient experience projects.

2. Aerospace & Defense: While the giants are headquartered in nearby Broomfield or Littleton, their presence is felt in Aurora. Companies like Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, and Boeing have significant operations and satellite offices. They require PMs for complex engineering and defense contracts. Hiring Trend: Strong, but competitive. Requires a security clearance for many roles.

3. Technology & Telecom: Comcast has a major campus in nearby Centennial. Dish Network is in nearby Englewood. Local tech firms and startups in the Denver-Aurora corridor need PMs for software development and product launches. Hiring Trend: Growing, especially for PMs with Agile/Scrum experience.

4. Public Sector & Federal: Aurora is home to Buckley Space Force Base. The City of Aurora itself is a major employer for public works and community development projects. Federal contractors are abundant. Hiring Trend: Stable, with a focus on infrastructure and security projects.

5. Education: The Community College of Aurora and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (a separate entity but a major economic driver) hire project managers for facility upgrades, accreditation projects, and IT initiatives.

Insider Tip: Don’t just search for "Project Manager" on job boards. Use keywords like "Construction Project Manager" for UCHealth, "IT Project Manager" for the Anschutz campus, or "Program Manager" for aerospace roles. The best opportunities are often filled through networking on platforms like LinkedIn or local groups like the Colorado Chapter of the PMI.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado does not have a state-specific license to practice as a Project Manager. However, the industry standard and most sought-after credential is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Requirements and Costs:

• PMP Certification:
  • Prerequisites: A four-year degree plus 36 months of experience leading projects, or a high school diploma plus 60 months of experience.
  • Exam Cost: $405 for PMI members, $555 for non-members. (Membership is $129 annual + $10 application fee).
  • Training: You must complete 35 hours of project management education. This can cost anywhere from $400 (online) to $2,000+ for in-person bootcamps.
  • Total Estimated Cost: $800 - $2,500.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Eligibility Check: 1-2 weeks.
2. Application Review by PMI: 5-10 business days.
3. Schedule & Study: 1-3 months (intensive study is recommended).
4. Take Exam: You have one year from application approval to take the exam.

Local Insight: Several PMI Colorado Chapter study groups and training providers operate in the Denver-Aurora area. The PMI Colorado Chapter hosts regular networking events and workshops (often in Denver or virtual), which are invaluable for local job seekers. For state government or public works projects, familiarity with the Colorado Procurement Code and state-specific grant management processes can be a major advantage, even without a formal license.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Aurora is geographically vast. Your commute is critical. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods by lifestyle and commute:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown Aurora	Urban, walkable, diverse. Close to Anschutz, UCHealth, and light rail. Commute to Denver is 20-30 mins.	$1,650 - $1,900	PMs working in healthcare or public sector who want a shorter commute and urban amenities.
Southeast Aurora	Suburban, family-oriented, newer homes. Excellent schools. Commute to Denver can be 35-50 mins (traffic-dependent).	$1,700 - $2,000	PMs with families or those who work remotely. Close to the E-470 toll road for quick access to the airport or tech suburbs.
Central Aurora	Established, diverse, affordable. Mix of older ranch-style homes and apartments. Commute to Denver is 20-30 mins via I-225.	$1,450 - $1,750	Budget-conscious PMs. Good access to the I-225 corridor for jobs in tech and aerospace.
North Aurora	More industrial, but with pockets of quiet residential areas. Close to I-70 for easy access to Denver International Airport (DEN) and the mountains.	$1,500 - $1,800	PMs who travel frequently for work (aerospace, consulting) or work at the airport.
Sable Ridge / Murphy Creek	Newer planned community on the eastern edge. Very suburban, quieter. Commute to Denver can be 40+ mins.	$1,600 - $1,950	PMs seeking a quiet, community-focused lifestyle. Best for remote/hybrid workers.

Personal Insight: If your job is at the Anschutz Medical Campus or UCHealth, Downtown Aurora or Central Aurora are unbeatable for a short commute. For aerospace jobs in Broomfield/Littleton, Southeast Aurora offers a more direct route via E-470, though you'll pay the toll.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 6% for Project Managers is steady, not explosive. To outpace this average and command a higher salary, you must specialize.

Specialty Premiums:

• Agile/Scrum Master: High demand in tech. Can add 10-15% to your salary.
• IT Project Management (PMP + ITIL): Crucial for healthcare and telecom. Significant premium.
• Construction/Engineering PM (PMP + LEED): Essential for UCHealth’s expansion and local infrastructure. Premium pay.
• Security Clearance (DoD): If you can obtain or maintain a security clearance, your value in the Aurora aerospace/defense sector skyrockets, often adding a 20-30% salary premium.

Advancement Paths:

• Project Coordinator -> Project Manager -> Senior PM -> Program Manager -> Director of PMO.
• The leap to Program Manager is key. This involves managing a portfolio of related projects and is where you see salaries jump into the $140,000+ range.

10-Year Outlook: Aurora will continue to grow, driven by healthcare (Anschutz is a national leader) and its proximity to the aerospace corridor. The demand for PMs who can manage complex, cross-functional projects (e.g., merging new tech in a hospital setting) will remain strong. Remote work may increase competition from national candidates, making local networking and specialization critical.

Insider Tip: Consider joining the board of a local non-profit or a local chapter of a professional association. Leadership roles there can provide the "strategic experience" needed to move into Director-level positions.

The Verdict: Is Aurora Right for You?

Here’s a final, balanced look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary Slightly Above National Avg: $102,951 median is solid.	Car-Dependent City: Public transit is improving but not comprehensive. You'll need a car.
Strong, Diverse Job Market: Major employers in healthcare, aerospace, and tech.	Extreme Weather: Hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters can be challenging.
More Affordable Than Denver: Rent and home prices are lower than the city center.	Cost of Living Still Above Average: Index of 105.5 means everything is ~5.5% pricier than the US average.
Proximity to Mountains & Outdoor Recreation: Easy weekend access to hiking, skiing.	Traffic Congestion: I-225 and I-70 can be heavily congested during rush hour.
Cultural Diversity: Aurora is one of the most diverse cities in CO, reflected in its food and festivals.	"City of Suburbs" Feel: Lacks a single, centralized downtown core like Denver.

Final Recommendation:
Aurora is an excellent choice for Project Managers in the mid-to-senior career range who work in healthcare, aerospace, or public sector roles. It offers a strong salary-to-cost-of-living ratio, especially if you can secure a hybrid or flexible role. It's less ideal for a new graduate seeking a vibrant, walkable urban core or for those averse to commuting by car. For a PM seeking stability, growth, and a place where their salary goes further, Aurora deserves serious consideration.

FAQs

1. Is it easier to find a Project Manager job in Aurora or Denver?
Denver has a larger volume of jobs, but Aurora has concentrated demand in specific, high-value sectors (healthcare, aerospace). You may find less competition for specialized roles in Aurora, especially those requiring security clearances. A broad search across the entire Denver-Aurora-Boulder metro area is the best strategy.

2. Do I need to live in Aurora to work there?
Absolutely not. Many Aurora residents commute to Denver, and vice-versa. The I-225 corridor and the A Line light rail (which connects to Denver International Airport and downtown Denver) make commuting feasible. Living in a neighboring suburb like Centennial or Parker is also common.

3. What's the best way to network for PM jobs in the area?
The PMI Colorado Chapter is your #1 resource. Attend their monthly virtual and in-person events. Also, use LinkedIn, filter by location "Aurora, CO" and connect with PMs at UCHealth, Lockheed Martin, and the City of Aurora. The Aurora Chamber of Commerce also hosts business mixers.

4. How important is a PMP certification in the Aurora market?
It's highly recommended