The Software Developer's Guide to Lakewood, Colorado

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

As a local who’s watched the tech scene evolve from the foothills of the Rockies, I can tell you Lakewood offers a solid, if not explosive, salary market for software developers. It’s not San Francisco, but the trade-off—mountain access, a more relaxed cost of living, and a genuine community—can be worthwhile.

Let's start with the hard data. The median salary for a Software Developer in Lakewood is $129,359 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.19. This sits just slightly above the national average of $127,260/year. While it doesn’t command a massive premium over the national figure, it’s a strong foundation when balanced against the local cost of living. The metro area, which includes Denver and Aurora, has a robust 935 active software developer jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 17%, indicating sustained demand.

To understand where you might land, here’s a realistic breakdown by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry chatter, not official BLS data, but they reflect the current market pulse.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Lakewood Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$85,000 - $105,000	Often found at startups or small local firms. Strong in Python, JavaScript.
Mid-Level	3-5 years	$110,000 - $140,000	Most common bracket. Full-stack, cloud (AWS/Azure) skills are in high demand.
Senior-Level	6-9 years	$140,000 - $170,000	Moves into architecture or team lead roles. Specialization boosts pay.
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$170,000+	Often at major employers like Lockheed or tech firms. May include equity.

How does Lakewood compare to other Colorado cities? Lakewood is a suburb in the Denver metro, so salaries are in line with the region. Boulder and Denver proper often have slightly higher averages due to a higher concentration of tech startups and major headquarters, but the cost of living in those areas is significantly steeper. Fort Collins has a similar vibe and salary range but less major corporate presence. The key for Lakewood is its position: you get metro-level pay with suburban living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $129,359 is a number on paper. To understand your financial reality in Lakewood, we need to look at the after-tax and after-rent picture. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%, and federal taxes will take a significant chunk. Let's estimate your monthly take-home.

For a single filer with no dependents (using standard deductions), your estimated monthly take-home pay would be roughly $7,800 - $8,200. This is a conservative estimate, as health insurance premiums and 401(k) contributions will lower this figure.

Now, let's layer in the average 1-bedroom rent in Lakewood of $1,835/month. The Cost of Living Index is 105.5 (US avg = 100), meaning everyday expenses are about 5.5% higher than the national average, largely driven by housing and utilities.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a Software Developer earning $129,359/year:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay (Post-Tax)	$8,000	Assumes single filer, no dependents, standard deductions.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,835	Your biggest fixed cost.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$250	Varies by season; internet is critical for remote work.
Groceries & Household	-$500	Lakewood has standard grocery chains (King Soopers, Safeway).
Transportation	-$400	Assumes a car payment/insurance/gas. Car is essential here.
Health Insurance (Employer Share)	-$300	Pre-tax premium, typical for mid-sized employer.
Discretionary & Savings	-$4,715	This is your buffer for dining, entertainment, and savings.

Can you afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median home price in Lakewood hovers around $550,000 - $600,000. With a 20% down payment ($110,000 - $120,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would have a monthly payment of approximately $2,800 - $3,200 (including taxes and insurance). This would consume roughly 35-40% of your gross monthly income, which is at the upper limit of what's considered affordable. It's possible, especially with dual incomes, but it requires significant savings upfront and a tighter budget. Many developers I know opt for a condo or townhome in the $400,000 range to ease into ownership.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood isn't a tech hub like Denver's RiNo district, but it's a critical node in the metro's defense, aerospace, and healthcare tech ecosystem. The tech jobs here are often embedded within larger, established companies.

1. Lockheed Martin (Waterton Campus): This is the giant. The Waterton campus, just south of Lakewood in Littleton, is a major employer for software developers working on aerospace, defense, and satellite systems. Hiring is steady, with a focus on systems engineering, embedded software, and cybersecurity. Security clearance is often required, which can be a barrier but also a career accelerator.

2. Centura Health: Headquartered in the Denver metro, Centura has a massive tech footprint. They need developers for their patient portal, electronic health record (EHR) integrations, and internal operations software. It's a stable, large-scale environment. The hiring trend is strong in cloud migration (AWS), data engineering, and mobile app development for patient care.

3. Charles Schwab (Lakewood Campus): While not a pure "tech company," Schwab's massive Lakewood campus is a major hub for financial technology. They employ hundreds of developers for trading platforms, internal tools, and security. The culture is more corporate, but the pay is top-tier and stable. They're hiring aggressively for full-stack, DevOps, and data science roles.

4. Terumo BCT (Lakewood): A global leader in blood component and therapeutic technologies. Their work is at the intersection of biotech and software. They need developers for medical device software, manufacturing automation, and data analytics. This is a niche but growing field with high job security.

5. Ball Aerospace (Westminster, just north): A short commute up I-25, Ball is a key player in aerospace and defense. Their software teams work on space optics, satellite payloads, and ground systems. Similar to Lockheed, they value low-level programming, systems integration, and often require or offer security clearances.

6. Local & Remote-First Startups: While less concentrated in Lakewood itself, the Denver metro has a thriving startup scene (e.g., in Golden, LoDo, and Denver). Many offer remote or hybrid roles. Companies like Palantir (though in Denver) and Guild Education (in Denver) often seek talent from the western suburbs. The trend is toward remote flexibility, making Lakewood's location a viable option for metro-wide opportunities.

Insider Tip: The real job density for Lakewood developers isn't always in Lakewood. It's along the C-470 and I-25 corridors. A commute to Greenwood Village (tech corridor) or Denver Central Park can be 20-30 minutes, opening up thousands more jobs.

Getting Licensed in CO

Software development is a field built on portfolios and experience, not state licenses. However, there are critical certifications and clearances that can impact your career and salary potential in Colorado.

State Professional Engineer (PE) License:

• Relevance: This is not required for most software developers. It's for civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers. For software, it's only relevant if you're working on systems that require a PE stamp (e.g., building automation, critical infrastructure). Most developers will never need it.
• Cost/Timeline: If you needed it, it would be a years-long process (4-year degree, FE exam, 4 years of experience, PE exam). Cost is ~$1,000 for exams and fees. Ignore this unless you're in a very specific niche.

Security Clearances (Federal/Defense):

• Relevance: Critical for Lakewood's defense employers (Lockheed, Ball Aerospace, Northrop Grumman). A Secret or Top Secret clearance can boost your salary by $10,000 - $30,000.
• Process: The employer sponsors you. You fill out an SF-86 form, undergo a background investigation (financial, criminal, personal references). Timeline can be 6 months to 2 years depending on the clearance level and backlog.
• Cost: Free for you, but the employer invests heavily. The best way to get one is to join a company that sponsors.

Key Certifications (The Real "Licenses"):

• AWS/Azure/GCP Certifications: Cloud architect or developer certs are gold. Cost: ~$150 per exam.
• Kubernetes (CKA/CKAD): Highly valued for DevOps roles. Cost: ~$395 per exam.
• CISSP (for Security): For cybersecurity roles. Cost: ~$750 for the exam.

Getting Started: Your portfolio on GitHub is your primary credential. For clearances, target companies on the Defense Industrial Base list. For cloud certs, use free AWS/Azure tiers to build projects. No state-specific licensing board is involved; it's all about private certifications and federal clearances.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Choosing a neighborhood in Lakewood is about balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. The city is a patchwork of mid-century suburbs and newer developments.

1. Belmar (West Lakewood): This is Lakewood's "downtown" revival. A walkable area with shops, restaurants, and the Alamo Drafthouse. It's popular with younger professionals and remote workers. Rent is above average, but you can walk to everything.

   • Commute: Easy access to C-470. ~20 mins to Denver Tech Center, ~30 mins to downtown Denver (traffic dependent).
   • 1-BR Rent Estimate: $1,900 - $2,200/month.
   • Vibe: Urban-suburban, lively, car-dependent for work.

2. Greenwood Village / Southwest Lakewood: This is the affluent, quieter area. It's close to the Chatfield State Park and has larger lots. It's popular with senior developers and families. Commute to major employers is very short.

   • Commute: Proximity to Lockheed Waterton and Centennial Airport. ~15 mins to Greenwood Village tech corridor.
   • 1-BR Rent Estimate: $1,800 - $2,100/month (more for townhomes).
   • Vibe: Family-oriented, peaceful, less nightlife.

3. Columbine / Southwest Lakewood: More affordable than Belmar, with a mix of older homes and new builds. Excellent access to C-470 for a quick commute to the mountains or Denver. It's a practical choice for developers who prioritize weekend hiking.

   • Commute: ~25 mins to most metro job centers.
   • 1-BR Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $1,900/month.
   • Vibe: Suburban, established, great for outdoor access.

4. Lakewood's Historic District (Near 6th Ave & Wadsworth): The oldest part of the city, with charming bungalows and a distinct character. It's closer to downtown Denver, offering a slightly more urban feel. Can be a bit grittier, but with a lot of character.

   • Commute: ~15-20 mins to downtown Denver. Easy access to I-25.
   • 1-BR Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,900/month.
   • Vibe: Historic, eclectic, with a growing art scene.

Insider Tip: The "sweet spot" for many software developers is West Lakewood near Belmar or Southwest Lakewood near the foothills. You're 10-15 minutes from major employers, 20 minutes from downtown Denver, and a 30-minute drive from world-class skiing and hiking. Traffic on 6th Ave (US-6) and C-470 during rush hour is the main drawback—plan accordingly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 17% is promising, but your personal growth depends on specialization.

Specialty Premiums:

• DevOps/SRE: +15-25% over base salary. Cloud-native skills are paramount.
• Cybersecurity: +20-30%. Especially valuable with a clearance. Colorado is a national hub for cyber (thanks to USCYBERCOM and defense contractors).
• Data Engineering/AI/ML: +10-20%. Growing fast, but more competitive. Often requires advanced degrees.
• Full-Stack (React/Node): Base Rate. Highly competitive, but steady demand.

Advancement Paths:

1. Technical Track: Senior Engineer → Staff Engineer → Principal Engineer. This path focuses on deep technical expertise and systems architecture. You'll work more on design and less on coding.
2. Management Track: Tech Lead → Engineering Manager → Director. This path shifts to people management, project delivery, and strategy. It requires strong soft skills.
3. Consulting/Freelance: Many Lakewood developers consult for Denver-based startups or remote companies. The flexibility is high, but so is the hustle. Rates can be $100-$150/hour for experienced talent.

The 10-Year Outlook: The Denver metro's tech scene is maturing. We're moving from pure app development to more complex systems—autonomous vehicles (thanks to aerospace), fintech, and medtech. Lakewood's proximity to Lockheed, Ball, and aerospace R&D in Golden positions it well for this shift. Your long-term growth will be tied to systems thinking, cloud architecture, and security. The days of just writing code are fading; understanding the whole stack and its business impact is key.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, Stable Job Market in defense and healthcare tech.	Lower salary ceiling compared to coastal tech hubs or even Boulder.
Excellent Work-Life Balance with easy access to mountains for hiking/skiing.	Car Dependency is high; public transit (RTD) is limited.
More Affordable than Denver proper or Boulder, with a Median Salary of $129,359.	Traffic on major corridors (6th Ave, C-470) can be frustrating.
Family-Friendly with good schools and safe neighborhoods.	Less "Tech Vibe" than RiNo or Boulder; fewer meetups and startup hubs.
Diverse Employers (defense, healthcare, finance) provide job stability.	Housing is still expensive relative to national averages.

Final Recommendation: Lakewood is an excellent choice for mid-career software developers (3-10 years experience) who value stability, outdoor access, and a manageable cost of living. It's ideal for those working in defense, aerospace, or enterprise software who don't need the frenetic energy of a pure tech startup. If you're early in your career, you might find more mentorship and networking in Denver or Boulder. If you're purely chasing the highest possible salary, you might look to coastal cities. But for a balanced, data-driven career with a high quality of life, Lakewood is a compelling, practical contender.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for entry-level developers in Lakewood?
It's moderately competitive. Many local employers (Lockheed, Schwab) have structured intern programs, but they often convert to full-time offers. Entry-level roles are more common in the broader Denver metro. Insider Tip: Build a strong portfolio with a few solid projects, and be open to hybrid roles in Denver. The commute is worth it for the right career start.

2. Do I need a car to live in Lakewood?
Yes, absolutely. While RTD has light rail and bus lines, the system is designed for commuting into Denver, not for navigating the suburbs. The West Rail Line runs through Lakewood, but it won't get you to most employers or trailheads. A reliable car is a non-negotiable part of the budget.

3. Is the salary of $129,359 enough for a family?
It depends. For a single income, it's tight but doable with careful budgeting. With a partner's income, it becomes very comfortable. The median home price ($550k+) is the biggest hurdle. Many families in Lakewood are dual-income. Childcare costs are