Salaries in Lakewood, CO

You might assume a city of 156,000 people just off I-25 would be a bedroom community. Lakewood’s actually got a surprisingly sharp economic engine of its own, with a 3.4% unemployment rate that’s been stubbornly low for years.

Let’s talk real money. The cost of living here sits at 105.5, which means you’re paying a 5.5% premium over the national average. That median household income of $83,987 sounds decent, but when you factor in a one-bedroom apartment at $1,835 a month, that paycheck doesn’t stretch as far as you’d hope. The COL-adjusted average salary drops to $66,582, revealing the squeeze many feel.

Who’s actually thriving? You’ll find solid work in professional services, healthcare, and tech. While it’s not a tech hub like Boulder, there are enough software developer roles (average $129,359) to keep the scene active. The real money, though, is in management—marketing managers and construction managers are pulling in the top spots, often tied to the city’s proximity to Denver’s business sprawl.

Here’s my honest take: Wages here have been playing catch-up, but barely. The gap between the top-paying jobs and the average is stark. For a single professional, especially in tech or marketing, it can work. For a family trying to buy a home? That median income feels tight against these housing costs. It’s a city that rewards specific, high-demand skills, but doesn’t offer a ton of financial grace for everyone else.

The data below breaks down exactly who gets paid what, and how much of that is actually yours to keep.