๐Ÿ’ฐ COL Index: 96 โ€” Below Avg Cost

Salaries in Greeley, CO

What every job actually pays โ€” cost-of-living adjusted

Updated: February 2026 ยท 40 occupations ยท BLS + Census data

Avg. Salary
$68,274
across 40 roles
COL-Adjusted Avg
$71,119
real purchasing power
Top Paying Role
Marketing Manager
$155,728
1BR Rent
$1,190
median monthly

You might assume a city of 112,000 people with a median income of $63,526 would feel squeezed by 2026โ€™s economy. But in Greeley, the unemployment rate is a shockingly low 3.4%. Itโ€™s a workerโ€™s market here, plain and simple.

The real story, though, is purchasing power. With a cost of living index at 96.0โ€”4% below the national averageโ€”your paycheck stretches. That median household income buys more here than it would in Denver, no question. A one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,190 a month, which feels manageable on a $68,000 average salary. The COL-adjusted average hits $71,119, and for many, that feels like a solid, middle-class life.

So whoโ€™s thriving? Greeley isnโ€™t just a farm town anymore. While agriculture and food processing (JBS is a massive employer) are the backbone, the healthcare and tech sectors are growing fast. Youโ€™ve got Banner Health pulling in pharmacists at nearly $135,000 and software developers earning over $125,000. Construction managers are also doing well, fueled by the cityโ€™s steady growth.

Hereโ€™s my honest take: wages are good, but theyโ€™re not keeping pace with the rapid cost increases weโ€™ve seen nationwide. Greeley is still a bargain, but that gap is narrowing. Itโ€™s an excellent spot for skilled trades, healthcare professionals, and remote tech workers who want a lower overhead. If youโ€™re in marketing management, youโ€™ll do exceptionally well hereโ€”your $155,000 salary goes a lot further than it would in a coastal city.

The data below breaks down the top-paying jobs and what you can actually expect to take home. Itโ€™s a pragmatic look at what works in this Northern Colorado city.

๐Ÿ† Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Greeley

Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.

๐Ÿฅ‡ -1% vs national

Marketing Manager

$155,728
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $162,217
โฑ Hourly $74.87/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +8.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 225
๐Ÿฅˆ -1% vs national

Pharmacist

$134,397
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $139,997
โฑ Hourly $64.61/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth -3.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 225
๐Ÿฅ‰ -1% vs national

Software Developer

$125,732
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $130,971
โฑ Hourly $60.45/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +17.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 675
4๏ธโƒฃ -1% vs national

Construction Manager

$106,911
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $111,366
โฑ Hourly $51.40/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +8.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 225
5๏ธโƒฃ -1% vs national

Project Manager

$100,064
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $104,233
โฑ Hourly $48.11/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +6.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 225

๐Ÿ“‹ Complete Salary Guide โ€” All 40 Occupations in Greeley

COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (96/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.

# Occupation โ†• Raw Salary โ†•
1 Marketing Manager $155,728
2 Pharmacist $134,397
3 Software Developer $125,732
4 Construction Manager $106,911
5 Project Manager $100,064
6 Physical Therapist $98,513
7 Financial Analyst $97,821
8 Web Developer $91,637
9 Dental Hygienist $86,479
10 Accountant $85,047
11 Registered Nurse $85,037
12 Data Analyst $82,359
13 Police Officer $74,011
14 Human Resources Specialist $66,838
15 Elementary School Teacher $62,905
16 Plumber $62,589
17 Paralegal $61,997
18 Electrician $60,811
19 Real Estate Agent $60,742
20 Graphic Designer $60,603
21 Firefighter $56,434
22 Carpenter $56,236
23 HVAC Technician $55,001
24 Heavy Truck Driver $52,452
25 Social Worker $49,400
26 Insurance Agent $49,400
27 Pharmacy Technician $49,400
28 Dental Assistant $49,400
29 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $49,400
30 Loan Officer $49,400
31 Nail Technician $49,400
32 Cosmetologist $49,400
33 Personal Trainer $49,400
34 Auto Mechanic $49,400
35 Chef/Head Cook $49,400
36 Veterinary Technician $49,400
37 Welder $48,994
38 Medical Assistant $37,810
39 Security Guard $35,706
40 Nursing Assistant (CNA) $35,330

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Living Costs in Greeley

๐Ÿ 
1BR Rent
$1,190/mo
๐Ÿก
2BR Rent
$1,533/mo
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ
Median Home
$412,500
๐Ÿ“‰
Unemployment
3.4%
๐Ÿ’ณ
Median Income
$63,526
๐ŸŽ“
College Educated
26%
๐Ÿšถ
Walk Score
45/100
๐Ÿ“Š
Cost of Living
96
Below Avg Cost

๐Ÿงฎ Can You Afford to Live in Greeley?

Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Greeley. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.

โ“ Greeley Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in Greeley, CO?

โ–ผ
The average salary across 40 occupations in Greeley is $68,274 (2026 data). This is 8% above the median household income of $63,526. Insight: Salaries vary significantly by occupation, with a range from ~$35k to over $155k.

What jobs pay the most in Greeley?

โ–ผ
The highest paying role in Greeley is Marketing Manager at $155,728 (2026 data). This is 128% above the city's average salary of $68,274. Insight: Management and specialized roles dominate the top of the pay scale.

Is Greeley affordable on a Marketing Manager salary?

โ–ผ
Yes, a Marketing Manager salary of $155,728 is highly affordable in Greeley. With a Cost of Living Index of 96.0 (4% below the national average) and 1BR rent at $1,190/month, housing costs are just 9.2% of gross income. Insight: This leaves substantial budget for savings and discretionary spending.

How does Greeley's cost of living affect my paycheck?

โ–ผ
Greeley's Cost of Living Index is 96.0, meaning your paycheck goes 4% further than the national average. For example, a $68,274 salary has the purchasing power of ~$71,118 nationally. Insight: Lower costs, especially in housing, increase real disposable income.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Greeley?

โ–ผ
To live comfortably in Greeley, a salary of approximately $75,000 is recommended. This covers a 1BR rent ($1,190/mo), utilities, groceries, transportation, and savings, aligning with the 50/30/20 budget rule. Insight: This is only 10% above the city's average salary of $68,274, indicating comfortable living is achievable for many.

๐Ÿ“ Editor's Verdict: Is Greeley Worth It?

After crunching the numbers, hereโ€™s my honest verdict: Greeley is a solid financial bet if youโ€™re strategic. With a cost-of-living index of 96.0 and rent at $1,190, your paycheck stretches further than in Denver or Boulder. The average salary of $68,274 feels livable here.

Marketing Managers clearly win, earning a COL-adjusted $162,217. But the real winners are skilled trades and healthcare workers. Greeleyโ€™s energy and agriculture roots, plus its growing medical scene, mean steady, well-paid demand that beats the average.

Tech is trickier: youโ€™ll find opportunities, but salaries may not fully capitalize on the low COL unless youโ€™re remote.

My advice? If you move here, lock in a job before you pack. Greeleyโ€™s affordability is the draw, but you need a solid income to make it sing. Donโ€™t come here expecting Denverโ€™s tech buzz; come here for a manageable life and a paycheck that actually covers the basics with room to spare.

Explore Greeley Further