Software Developer in Broomfield, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Broomfield Stands

As someone who’s watched Broomfield’s tech scene evolve from the early 2000s dot-com days to its current status as a satellite hub for Denver’s tech corridor, I can tell you the numbers here are solid. Software Developers in Broomfield are earning more than the national average, and the local market is expanding. The median salary for a Software Developer in the Broomfield metro area is $129,359/year, translating to an hourly rate of $62.19. This outperforms the national average of $127,260/year, a modest but meaningful 1.6% premium that reflects the strong demand for tech talent in the Front Range.

The job market is tight but growing. There are currently 461 Software Developer jobs listed in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 17%. This isn't the explosive growth of Boulder or Denver proper, but it's steady, sustainable expansion driven by Broomfield's unique position as a corporate landing pad for tech companies priced out of Boulder and seeking a more suburban, business-friendly environment.

Here’s how salary breaks down by experience level, based on data aggregated from local job postings and BLS regional trends. Note that these are Broomfield-specific approximations, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups Broomfield into the broader Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Broomfield)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$95,000 - $110,000	Junior developer roles, full-stack development on established products, QA and testing support.
Mid-Level (3-6 years)	$115,000 - $140,000	Independent feature development, backend/ frontend specialization, mentoring junior developers.
Senior-Level (6-10 years)	$140,000 - $170,000	System design, API architecture, leading small teams, cross-functional project ownership.
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$165,000 - $200,000+	Principal engineer roles, CTO-level tech strategy, large-scale system optimization, significant equity packages.

How Broomfield Compares to Other Colorado Cities:

• Boulder: Higher salaries ($135,000-$140,000 median), but cost of living is significantly higher, driven by housing. The startup culture is denser.
• Denver: Similar median salary range, but the job market is vastly larger (2,500+ listings). Commutes from Broomfield to downtown Denver can be 30-50 minutes against traffic, which is a major lifestyle consideration.
• Colorado Springs: Lower median salary ($120,000-$125,000), with a stronger focus on defense and aerospace tech (Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin). Cost of living is slightly lower.
• Fort Collins: Comparable to Broomfield, with a focus on ag-tech and education tech from Colorado State University. The lifestyle is more college-town oriented.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. In Broomfield, many Senior+ roles at established companies (like those listed below) offer annual bonuses (5-15% of salary) and 401(k) matching (commonly 3-5%), which significantly impact total compensation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. With a median salary of $129,359, your monthly take-home pay after federal taxes, Colorado state income tax (4.4%), Social Security, and Medicare (FICA) will be approximately $7,500 - $7,800. This is a rough estimate; your actual take-home will vary based on your withholdings, health insurance premiums, and retirement contributions.

The average 1-bedroom rent in Broomfield is $1,835/month. Let's break down a realistic monthly budget for a single Software Developer:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Apartment)	$1,835	Rent ranges from $1,650 (older complexes) to $2,200+ (luxury new builds).
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$150 - $200	Highly dependent on season; winter heating bills can spike.
Groceries	$400 - $500	Broomfield has Costco, Whole Foods, and King Soopers (Kroger).
Transportation	$200 - $400	Most have a car payment (avg. $500) + gas/insurance or use RTD Bus/ Light Rail. Parking is often free.
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	Employer-sponsored plans vary; this is your out-of-pocket premium.
Entertainment/Dining	$300 - $500	Broomfield has a growing scene; Denver is a short drive for more options.
Savings/Investments	$1,000 - $2,000	Highly variable. This is where your financial goals dictate the number.
Miscellaneous	$200 - $300	Subscriptions, hobbies, personal care.
Total Estimated Expenses	$4,235 - $6,035	Leaves a surplus of $1,465 - $3,565 for additional savings or debt.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Affordability is the biggest challenge in the Denver metro area. The median home price in Broomfield is approximately $575,000. With a 20% down payment ($115,000), your mortgage, property taxes, and insurance would likely exceed $3,000/month. Given your estimated take-home of $7,500, this pushes your housing cost to over 40% of your income, which is high for most financial advisors.

Realistic Path to Homeownership:

1. Dual Income: Partnering with another professional makes a home purchase much more feasible.
2. Condo/Townhome: Consider a townhome in the $350,000 - $450,000 range (common in areas like Arvada or Westminster, which are adjacent). Monthly payments would be more manageable.
3. Increase Down Payment: Saving for a larger down payment over 3-5 years while renting can significantly reduce your monthly mortgage burden.
4. Look at Adjacent Towns: Consider Thornton or Northglenn for slightly lower entry prices, though the commute to Broomfield core employers increases.

Insider Tip: Use the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) programs for first-time homebuyers. They offer down payment assistance and favorable rates, which can be a game-changer.

Where the Jobs Are: Broomfield's Major Employers

Broomfield's economy is anchored by a mix of corporate headquarters, tech companies, and healthcare. The tech scene is less about flashy startups and more about stable, well-paying roles at established firms. Here are the key players:

1. Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. (Headquarters in Broomfield): The absolute cornerstone. They build spacecraft and advanced optical systems. Software roles here are heavy on C++, Python, embedded systems, and real-time operating systems. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on security-cleared engineers for government contracts. Security clearance (Secret or Top Secret) can add a 10-20% premium.

2. Sungard AS (Now part of Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. - FIS): A major financial technology employer. Their Broomfield office focuses on enterprise software, cloud infrastructure, and financial data platforms. Roles are often in Java, .NET, and cloud (AWS/Azure). Hiring Trend: Stable, with a focus on mid-to-senior level developers for internal systems.

3. Terumo BCT: A global leader in blood component and therapeutic apheresis technology. Their software developers work on FDA-regulated medical devices, which requires expertise in compliance (FDA 21 CFR Part 11) and complex data systems. This is a niche but highly valued skill set. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a preference for engineers with a background in regulated industries.

4. Oracle (Broomfield Campus): Oracle has a significant presence in Broomfield, primarily for its cloud infrastructure and enterprise software divisions. This is a classic corporate tech role with a strong benefits package. Hiring Trend: Active hiring for cloud engineers, database administrators, and Java developers, often tied to their cloud services growth.

5. Scripps Health (Broomfield Hospital): While a healthcare provider, Scripps has a robust IT department for its electronic health records (EHR), telemedicine platforms, and data analytics. Roles here are often in .NET, SQL, and health informatics. Hiring Trend: Growing, driven by the digital transformation of healthcare.

6. ZOLL Medical (a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei): Located in nearby Westminster, a 10-minute drive from Broomfield. They develop medical devices and software for resuscitation and critical care. Similar to Terumo BCT, roles are in embedded C, C++, and highly regulated software development. Hiring Trend: Strong, with a focus on software quality and compliance engineers.

Insider Tip: Many of these companies have a "Broomfield" mailing address but are technically in the Interlocken or Rocky Flats business parks along US-36. Knowing these specific locations can help you target your commute.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado does not have a state-specific license for Software Developers. However, there are critical certifications and legal requirements you must be aware of:

1. Professional Engineer (PE) License: Not required for standard software development. It is only necessary if you are designing software for critical infrastructure (e.g., power grid control, traffic systems) that falls under the Colorado Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers, and Professional Land Surveyors (APEG). Most developers will never need this.

2. Certifications (Industry Standard): While not state-mandated, these are highly valued by Broomfield employers:

   • Cloud Platforms: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect.
   • Security: CISSP, CompTIA Security+ (especially for Ball Aerospace and defense contractors).
   • Project Management: PMP (Project Management Professional) for lead roles.
   • Cost: Exams range from $300 - $600. Study materials and bootcamps can cost $1,000 - $3,000.

3. Legal/Background Checks: Due to the presence of defense contractors (Ball Aerospace), many jobs will require a standard background check. For roles requiring security clearance, you must be a U.S. citizen, and the process (initiated by the employer) is lengthy and invasive. It can take 6-18 months and cost the employer $5,000 - $15,000.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Weeks 1-2: Update your LinkedIn and resume. Begin networking on platforms like Built In Colorado and the Colorado Technology Association.
• Months 1-3: Leverage your existing skills. If you need a certification for a target role (e.g., AWS), start studying immediately. The timeline for earning a certification is typically 2-4 months of dedicated study.
• Months 3-6: Actively apply. The hiring process for larger Broomfield employers (Oracle, Ball) can be slow—often 6-10 weeks from first interview to offer.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Choosing where to live in Broomfield is about balancing commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is divided by US-36 and I-25, creating distinct zones.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Interlocken / Rock Creek	Corporate, clean, modern. 5-15 min drive to major employers (Ball, Oracle). Close to US-36 for Denver/Boulder access.	$1,900 - $2,300	Professionals who prioritize a short commute and modern amenities. Walkable to corporate offices.
Broomfield City Center (Old Town)	More residential, established. 10-20 min drive to employers. Quaint, with local coffee shops and a community feel.	$1,700 - $2,000	Those who want a suburban, community vibe with easy access to local parks and Broomfield's public library.
Westminster (Adjacent City)	Diverse, with a mix of older and new developments. 10-15 min drive to Broomfield core. Access to the Westminster Promenade.	$1,650 - $1,900	Budget-conscious developers who don't mind a slightly longer commute for more space and lower rent.
Thornton (North of Broomfield)	Family-oriented, sprawling suburbs. 15-25 min drive to Broomfield employers. More affordable housing options.	$1,500 - $1,800	Those planning to buy a home soon or with families seeking more square footage for the price.

Insider Tip: Traffic on US-36 (the Boulder Turnpike) is a major factor. Living east of the highway (Interlocken) means you're against the grain for commuting to Boulder or Denver, which is a significant time-saver. Always test the rush hour drive from a potential apartment to your job interview location.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Broomfield isn't a "jump-ship-every-18-months" market like San Francisco. It's a place to build a long-term career with a balanced lifestyle. The 10-year job growth projection of 17% indicates stable expansion, not a boom-bust cycle.

Specialty Premiums:

• Cloud & DevOps: Developers with deep AWS/Azure/GCP expertise earn a 15-25% premium over generalists. This is the single highest-value skill set.
• Embedded Systems (for Ball Aerospace, Terumo BCT): Commanding a 10-20% premium due to the niche skill set and clearance requirements.
• Data Engineering: With Colorado's growing data analytics sector, skills in Spark, Kafka, and cloud data warehouses (Snowflake, BigQuery) are highly sought after and can command a 10-15% premium.

Advancement Paths:
The typical path is technical, not managerial, given the engineering-heavy employers.

1. Junior → Mid: Focus on mastering a stack (e.g., Java/Spring Boot or C#/.NET).
2. Mid → Senior: Specialize (cloud, data, embedded) and take ownership of larger systems.
3. Senior → Expert/Architect: Move into system design, mentoring, and cross-team leadership.
4. Expert → Management (Optional): Only if you desire it. Many top engineers in Broomfield stay on the technical track, which is respected and well-compensated.

10-Year Outlook:
Demand will remain strong for developers who can navigate modern cloud architectures and cybersecurity. The rise of remote work has allowed Broomfield-based companies to tap into a wider talent pool, but they still value the stability of a local workforce. Expect continued growth in the defense-tech and med-tech sectors due to Colorado's established infrastructure and federal funding.

The Verdict: Is Broomfield Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salaries ($129,359 median) above national average.	High Cost of Living (Housing is expensive, Index is 105.5).
Stable, Long-Term Employers (Ball, Oracle) with strong benefits.	Limited Startup Scene compared to Boulder or Denver.
Excellent Work-Life Balance and access to outdoors (hiking, skiing).	Car-Dependent City; public transit (RTD) is limited outside US-36.
Short Commutes within the Broomfield metro area.	Suburban Lifestyle may feel "quiet" if you crave urban buzz.
Strong Job Growth (17% over 10 years).	Competitive Housing Market for both renting and buying.

Final Recommendation:
Broomfield is an ideal choice for Software Developers who are mid-career or looking to settle down and prioritize stability, work-life balance, and access to Colorado's outdoor recreation over the frenetic pace of a startup ecosystem. It's perfect for those who want a quiet, suburban home base with easy weekend access to mountains and occasional trips to Denver or Boulder for culture and dining.

Do not move to Broomfield if: You are early in your career and seeking a high-risk, high-reward startup environment, or if you require a vibrant, walkable urban neighborhood. The salary premium is real, but it's largely offset by the housing costs. Your quality of life here is excellent if you value space, safety, and easy access to nature over a bustling nightlife.

FAQs

1. Is it difficult to find a job as a Software Developer in Broomfield?
It's moderately competitive, but not