๐Ÿ’ฐ COL Index: 100 โ€” Below Avg Cost

Salaries in Longmont, CO

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

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

Avg. Salary
$54,367
across 40 roles
COL-Adjusted Avg
$54,421
real purchasing power
Top Paying Role
Software Developer
$127,221
1BR Rent
$1,548
median monthly

You might assume a city of nearly 100,000 people, just a stone's throw from Boulder, is a crazy-expensive place to work. Longmont isn't. In 2026, its cost of living index sits at 99.9โ€”practically dead even with the national average. Thatโ€™s the surprising part. You get the Front Range lifestyle without the Front Range price tag that often comes with it.

What does that really mean for your wallet? The purchasing power story here is pretty straightforward. The median household income is $82,984, and a one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,548 a month. Thatโ€™s not cheap, but itโ€™s not crushing either. Youโ€™re not spending half your paycheck on rent like you would in Denver or Boulder. For the average salary across all rolesโ€”which is $54,367โ€”the math is tight but manageable. The COL-adjusted average is $54,421, showing that your dollar works almost exactly as hard here as it does anywhere else in the U.S. Itโ€™s a refreshing bit of honesty.

Longmontโ€™s economy is a mix of old and new. Youโ€™ve got a strong tech and aerospace presence, thanks to its proximity to Boulder and a history of innovation. The big names here include companies like Seagate Technology and a handful of thriving startups. But itโ€™s not all silicon and code. The healthcare sector is a major employer, and the St. Vrain Valley School District is a huge driver for teachers and support staff. The unemployment rate is a healthy 3.4%, which tells you itโ€™s a stable market if you have the right skills.

Hereโ€™s the honest catch: while the cost of living is fair, wages for many professions haven't kept pace with the rapid inflation of the last few years. The average salary can feel stretched if you have a family or significant debt. But for a dual-income household, or someone in a top-paying field like software development, Longmont offers a genuinely good quality of life without the financial panic. It works best for those who value community and space over a bustling urban core.

The data below will show you exactly where you stand, from the top earners to the jobs that keep this city running.

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

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

๐Ÿฅ‡ 0% vs national

Software Developer

$127,221
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $127,348
โฑ Hourly $61.16/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +17.0%
๐Ÿฅˆ 0% vs national

Accountant

$86,054
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $86,140
โฑ Hourly $41.37/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%
๐Ÿฅ‰ 0% vs national

Registered Nurse

$86,044
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $86,130
โฑ Hourly $41.37/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +6.0%
4๏ธโƒฃ 0% vs national

Elementary School Teacher

$63,650
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $63,714
โฑ Hourly $30.60/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%
5๏ธโƒฃ 0% vs national

Electrician

$61,531
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $61,593
โฑ Hourly $29.58/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%

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

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

# Occupation โ†• Raw Salary โ†•
1 Software Developer $127,221
2 Accountant $86,054
3 Registered Nurse $86,044
4 Elementary School Teacher $63,650
5 Electrician $61,531
6 Real Estate Agent $61,461
7 Heavy Truck Driver $53,074
8 Data Analyst $49,985
9 Plumber $49,985
10 Loan Officer $49,985
11 Paralegal $49,985
12 Carpenter $49,985
13 Human Resources Specialist $49,985
14 Welder $49,985
15 Graphic Designer $49,985
16 Insurance Agent $49,985
17 Physical Therapist $49,985
18 Financial Analyst $49,985
19 Pharmacist $49,985
20 HVAC Technician $49,985
21 Police Officer $49,985
22 Nursing Assistant (CNA) $49,985
23 Construction Manager $49,985
24 Dental Hygienist $49,985
25 Firefighter $49,985
26 Marketing Manager $49,985
27 Nail Technician $49,985
28 Web Developer $49,985
29 Cosmetologist $49,985
30 Personal Trainer $49,985
31 Chef/Head Cook $49,985
32 Medical Assistant $49,985
33 Auto Mechanic $49,985
34 Veterinary Technician $49,985
35 Social Worker $49,985
36 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $49,985
37 Pharmacy Technician $49,985
38 Dental Assistant $49,985
39 Project Manager $49,985
40 Security Guard $36,129

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

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Living Costs in Longmont

๐Ÿ 
1BR Rent
$1,548/mo
๐Ÿก
2BR Rent
$1,935/mo
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ
Median Home
$517,045
๐Ÿ“‰
Unemployment
3.4%
๐Ÿ’ณ
Median Income
$82,984
๐ŸŽ“
College Educated
49%
๐Ÿšถ
Walk Score
35/100
๐Ÿ“Š
Cost of Living
100
Below Avg Cost

๐Ÿงฎ Can You Afford to Live in Longmont?

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

โ“ Longmont Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in Longmont, CO?

โ–ผ
The average salary across 40 occupations in Longmont is $54,367 (2026). This figure is slightly below the national average, reflecting a moderate wage environment. Insight: The local cost of living index of 99.9 means salaries stretch nearly as far as the U.S. average.

What jobs pay the most in Longmont?

โ–ผ
The highest paying role in Longmont is Software Developer at $127,221 (2026). This is more than double the area's average salary across 40 occupations. Insight: Tech roles command a premium, outpacing other professions by a significant margin.

Is Longmont affordable on a Software Developer salary?

โ–ผ
Yes, a Software Developer salary of $127,221 is well above the area's median household income of $82,984. With a 1BR rent of $1,548/month, housing costs are manageable relative to income. Insight: This salary provides substantial disposable income after covering living expenses.

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

โ–ผ
Longmont's COL index of 99.9 indicates living costs are on par with the U.S. average. On a $54,367 average salary, your paycheck will cover expenses similarly to national benchmarks. Insight: The slight index dip means you may retain marginally more purchasing power than in a 100-index area.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Longmont?

โ–ผ
To live comfortably, aim for a salary above the median household income of $82,984, which covers housing and other costs comfortably. A 1BR rent of $1,548/month requires about $55,000 annually for the 30% housing rule. Insight: Earning $83,000+ provides a buffer for savings and discretionary spending.

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

Honestly, Longmont feels like a solid middle ground in 2026. With an average salary of $54,367 and a nearly neutral cost of living (99.9 index, $1,548 rent), your paycheck doesnโ€™t get instantly drained. But itโ€™s not a gold rush eitherโ€”unless youโ€™re in tech. Software developers are crushing it here, pulling in $127,221 (up to $127,348 adjusted), making them the clear winners. Healthcare and trades can do fine, but youโ€™ll feel the squeeze more than the coders.

Is it worth it? For tech workers, absolutely. For everyone else, itโ€™s a decent bet if you value community over chaos. If youโ€™re thinking of moving here for work, my advice: lock down a job before you sign a lease. The marketโ€™s stable, but tech roles are competitiveโ€”donโ€™t assume youโ€™ll land one easily. Longmontโ€™s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but itโ€™s a place where you can build a life without breaking the bank.

Explore Longmont Further