Project Manager in Broomfield, CO

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Project Managers considering a move to Broomfield, Colorado.

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The Salary Picture: Where Broomfield Stands

As a local who’s watched Broomfield’s job market evolve from suburbs to a tech and healthcare hub, I can tell you the numbers reflect this transition. The median salary for Project Managers here is $102,951/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.5/hour. This sits slightly above the national average of $101,280/year, but the real story is in the experience breakdown. The metro area has a healthy 153 jobs available for Project Managers, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, signaling steady demand.

Here’s how salary typically scales with experience in the Broomfield area:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Broomfield)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$75,000 - $88,000	Supporting senior PMs, tracking schedules, managing documentation for smaller projects.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$95,000 - $115,000	Leading cross-functional teams, managing budgets up to $500k, stakeholder communication.
Senior-Level (8-12 years)	$120,000 - $145,000	Overseeing portfolios of projects, strategic planning, mentoring PMs, managing large-scale budgets.
Expert/Principal (12+ years)	$150,000+	Executive-level portfolio management, influencing company strategy, specializing in complex sectors (e.g., aerospace, healthcare).

Comparing to Other Colorado Cities:
Broomfield holds a unique middle ground. Compared to Denver, salaries are about 5-7% higher for the same experience level to offset commutes and attract talent to the suburbs. Boulder, just 20 minutes west, offers higher premiums ($110,000+ for mid-level), but the cost of living is significantly steeper. In contrast, cities like Greeley or Fort Collins offer slightly lower median salaries (around $98,000). For a Project Manager prioritizing a balance of salary, amenities, and proximity to both mountains and city, Broomfield is competitively positioned.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. On an annual salary of $102,951, your monthly take-home pay (after federal, state, and FICA taxes) is approximately $6,200 - $6,400. The average 1-bedroom rent in Broomfield is $1,835/month.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single Project Manager living in Broomfield:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,300	After taxes (approx. 28% effective rate).
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,835	Average for a modern unit in a safe, central area.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200	Varies by season; winter heating can spike.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	Essential; public transit is limited.
Gas/Fuel	$150	Commute to Denver or Boulder adds cost.
Groceries	$400	Broomfield has standard grocery prices (King Soopers, Costco).
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-subsidized is common; this is your share.
Entertainment/Dining	$300	Moderate lifestyle—breweries, local restaurants.
Savings/Retirement (10%)	$630	Recommended minimum.
Remaining Buffer	$1,035	For vacations, emergencies, or additional savings.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it requires discipline. The median home price in Broomfield is roughly $525,000. With a 20% down payment ($105,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of ~$2,600 (including taxes and insurance). This would consume over 40% of your take-home pay, which is tight. A more feasible path is to rent for 2-3 years, aggressively save your $1,035 monthly buffer (plus any bonuses), and target a dual-income household or consider a townhome in the $350,000 - $450,000 range.

Where the Jobs Are: Broomfield's Major Employers

Broomfield’s economy is anchored by aerospace, healthcare, and tech. The job market here is less about Fortune 500 headquarters and more about regional offices and innovative mid-sized companies. Hiring is steady, with a recent uptick in project management roles tied to infrastructure and software rollout.

1. Ball Aerospace (Westminster/Broomfield border): A massive employer. They hire Technical Project Managers and Program Managers for space and defense projects. Security clearance is a huge plus here. They often post 15-20 PM roles at any given time.
2. SCL Health (now Intermountain Health) - Broomfield Hospital: The hospital expansion and ongoing digital health initiatives create a constant need for IT and Clinical Project Managers. Knowledge of HIPAA is essential.
3. Oracle (Boulder Office, 15 min away): While the main office is in Boulder, many Oracle PMs live in Broomfield. They hire for cloud implementation projects. Experience with SaaS is highly valued.
4. Workiva (headquartered in Waukee, IA, but large Boulder/Broomfield presence): A leader in cloud-based reporting software. They are aggressively hiring for Agile Project Managers and Scrum Masters. The culture is fast-paced and tech-forward.
5. IBM (Boulder, 20 min away): IBM’s Boulder campus is a hub for research and analytics. They seek Project Managers with experience in data science, AI, or enterprise software deployments.
6. StorageCraft (Corporate HQ in Broomfield): A data management and backup software company. They hire Project Managers for product development and customer implementation teams.
7. Thornton (adjacent city): A short commute south, Thornton has a growing industrial and logistics park. Companies like Trimble (construction tech) and various distribution centers hire PMs for operations and construction projects.

Insider Tip: The biannual Broomfield Job Fair (hosted at the Broomfield Event Center) is a goldmine. It’s less about tech giants and more about local companies, from construction to manufacturing, looking for seasoned PMs. Attend in the spring and fall.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado does not require a state-specific license to practice as a Project Manager. However, professional certifications are the de factolicense for career advancement. The most recognized are from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

1. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM):

   • Cost: Exam fee is $225 for non-members, $112.50 for PMI members (membership is $129).
   • Requirements: 23 hours of project management education.
   • Timeline: 1-3 months to prepare. Ideal for entry-level candidates.

2. Project Management Professional (PMP):

   • Cost: Exam fee is $405 for non-members, $256 for PMI members.
   • Requirements: 36 months of leading projects with a 4-year degree, or 60 months without.
   • Timeline: 3-6 months to prepare (studying and application). This is the gold standard and can boost your salary by 10-15% in the Broomfield market.

State-Specific Note: If you work in construction, you may need a Colorado Contractor’s License (via the DORA Division of Real Estate) for certain roles, but this is for the General Contractor, not the PM. For IT/Software PMs, no state license is needed.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Broomfield is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute profile.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For
The Village / Central Broomfield	Urban-suburban mix. Walkable to parks, the library, and 1st Bank Center. Easy access to I-25 & US-36.	$1,700 - $1,900	Young professionals who want a social scene without living in downtown Denver.
Lakekeeper / Anthem Highlands	Family-oriented, newer builds. 10-15 min to I-25. More space, but farther from the city core.	$1,850 - $2,100	PMs who want a quiet, suburban feel with mountain views.
Bradburn / Westlake	Affluent, established area with larger homes. Close to top-rated schools. 15 min to Boulder.	$1,900 - $2,200 (for larger units)	Senior PMs with families or those seeking a prestigious address.
Interlocken / Arista	High-tech corridor. Corporate offices (like Ball Aerospace) are nearby. Modern apartments, ideal for short commutes.	$1,800 - $2,000	Tech PMs who value a 10-minute commute above all else.
Boulder / Superior (Adjacent)	Not Broomfield proper, but a 10-15 min commute. More walkable, eclectic, but higher rent ($2,000+).	$2,000+	Those who prioritize a vibrant, liberal cultural scene over saving on rent.

Insider Tip: Avoid the West 120th Avenue corridor during rush hour. It’s a main artery and can be clogged. If you work in Boulder, look for rentals off Harvard Square or Baseline Road for a reverse commute from Broomfield.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% 10-year job growth is solid, but specialization is where you’ll see the real premium. In Broomfield’s market, these specializations command higher salaries:

• Agile/Scrum Master Certified: In high demand at tech firms like Workiva. Can add a $10,000 - $15,000 premium to your base.
• Construction/Engineering PM: For roles with Ball Aerospace or local contractors. Experience with government contracts (FAR/DFARS) is a golden ticket.
• Healthcare IT PM: At Intermountain Health and SCL. Requires knowledge of Epic or Cerner systems and HIPAA. Premium: $8,000 - $12,000.

Advancement Path: The standard trajectory is PM → Senior PM → Program Manager → Director of Project Management/Portfolio Manager. Many PMs in Boulder/Broomfield also pivot into Product Management or Operations Management for a broader scope.

10-Year Outlook: With the 6% growth and continued expansion of the Front Range tech corridor, demand will remain strong. The key risk is economic downturns affecting aerospace (Ball) and tech (Oracle, IBM). Diversifying your specialty (e.g., adding healthcare IT to your tech PM experience) makes you recession-resistant.

The Verdict: Is Broomfield Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-Median Salary ($102,951) with a lower cost of living than Denver/Boulder.	Car Dependency: You will drive everywhere. Public transit (RTD) is minimal.
Strategic Location: 20 min to Boulder, 25 min to Denver, 30 min to mountains.	Limited "City" Vibe: It’s a suburb, not a cultural hub. Nightlife is quiet.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by aerospace, healthcare, and tech.	Competitive Housing Market: Rent and home prices are rising.
Outdoor Access: Direct access to trails (Rocky Flats, Broomfield Lake), parks, and quick trips to the Rockies.	Traffic on US-36/I-25: Commuting to Denver/Boulder can be congested during peak hours.
Family-Friendly: Top-rated schools (Jeffco, Adams 12), low crime, and community events.	Fewer Networking Hubs: Fewer large PMI chapter events than in Denver; requires more initiative.

Final Recommendation:
Broomfield is an excellent choice for Project Managers who are settled in their career (mid-level and above), value a balance of nature and city access, and are seeking financial stability without the extreme costs of Denver or Boulder. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind a short commute and prefer a quieter, suburban lifestyle. If you’re a new PM seeking a vibrant, walkable urban environment, you may find Broomfield too quiet. For everyone else, it’s a strategic, data-driven move.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to know someone to get a job in Broomfield?
A: While networking helps, the local job market is increasingly meritocratic, especially in tech and healthcare. Apply directly on company websites (Ball, Intermountain, Workiva) and use LinkedIn. The Broomfield Job Fair is a direct line to hiring managers without prior connections.

Q: What’s the real commute like to Denver?
A: It’s manageable but variable. From central Broomfield to downtown Denver (I-25) is 25-35 minutes without traffic. During rush hour, it can stretch to 45-60 minutes. The US-36 express lane (toll) can save 10-15 minutes for a Boulder commute.

Q: Is the cost of living really 5.5% above the national average?
A: Yes, the Cost of Living Index is 105.5 (US avg = 100). This is driven primarily by housing. Groceries, utilities, and healthcare are close to the national average. Your $102,951 salary effectively feels like ~$97,500 nationally, but the superior job market often compensates for this.

Q: Are there many remote Project Manager roles based in Broomfield?
A: Yes. Post-pandemic, many companies with local offices (like Oracle, IBM) have embraced hybrid models. You can often work remotely 2-3 days a week. However, for roles at Ball Aerospace or Intermountain Health, some on-site presence is usually required.

Q: Which certification should I get first if I’m new to project management?
A: Start with the CAPM. It’s more affordable, requires less experience, and is recognized by Colorado employers. Once you have 3 years of experience, upgrade to the PMP, which is the key to unlocking the $120,000+ salaries in the Broomfield market.

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Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, PMI.org, Broomfield City data, and local market analysis.