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Federal Government Employee Salary in Denver, CO — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Denver's cost of living (index: 121). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Federal Government Employee Salary in Denver — Key Numbers

$117,370
Median Salary
$77,440
25th Percentile
$163,350
75th Percentile
$211,750
90th Percentile
National median (Federal Government Employee)$97,000
vs. National median+21.0%
Denver median household income$85,200
vs. City household income+37.8%

Cost of Living in Denver

Cost of Living Index
121(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,395/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio14.3%
Annual rent cost$16,740
Median Home Price$565,000
Home Price / Salary4.8×
20% Down Payment$113,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.8 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Denver

3.3%
Unemployment Rate
2,930,000
Metro Population
26 min
Avg Commute
36.6
Median Age

Denver has a metro population of 2,930,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.3% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Financial Calculators for Denver

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Federal Government Employee Salary in Colorado
Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Denver

Physician$277,453Chief Executive Officer$254,100Dentist$212,367IT Manager$205,107Marketing Manager$190,720Lawyer$176,370

Federal Government Employee Salary — Other Colorado Cities

Colorado Springs, CO$99,910Fort Collins, CO$107,670

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Federal Government Employee make in Denver, CO?

The estimated median salary for a Federal Government Employee in Denver is $117,370 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $97,000 adjusted by Denver's cost of living index (121). The typical salary range runs from $77,440 (25th percentile) to $163,350 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $211,750.

Is Denver affordable for a Federal Government Employee?

On a $117,370 annual salary, a Federal Government Employee in Denver would spend approximately 14.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,395/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Denver relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $565,000 is 4.8× the annual salary.

How does a Federal Government Employee's salary compare to Denver's overall income?

Denver's median household income is $85,200. A Federal Government Employee earning the city-adjusted median of $117,370 earns 37.8% more than the typical Denver household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Federal Government Employee — NationalFederal Government Employee in ColoradoAll Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.