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Independent Consultant Salary in Denver, CO β€” 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.

Independent Consultant Salary in Denver β€” Key Numbers

$114,950
Median Salary
$70,180
25th Percentile
$175,450
75th Percentile
$254,100
90th Percentile
National median (Independent Consultant)$95,000
vs. National median+21.0%
Denver median household income$85,200
vs. City household income+34.9%

Cost of Living in Denver

Cost of Living Index
121(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,395/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio14.6%
Annual rent cost$16,740
Median Home Price$565,000
Home Price / Salary4.9Γ—
20% Down Payment$113,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.9 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— 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.

Independent Consultant Salary β€” Other Colorado Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Independent Consultant make in Denver, CO?

The estimated median salary for a Independent Consultant in Denver is $114,950 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $95,000 adjusted by Denver's cost of living index (121). The typical salary range runs from $70,180 (25th percentile) to $175,450 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $254,100.

Is Denver affordable for a Independent Consultant?

On a $114,950 annual salary, a Independent Consultant in Denver would spend approximately 14.6% 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 4.9Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Independent Consultant's salary compare to Denver's overall income?

Denver's median household income is $85,200. A Independent Consultant earning the city-adjusted median of $114,950 earns 34.9% more than the typical Denver household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.