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Military Enlisted Salary in Fort Collins, CO β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Fort Collins's cost of living (index: 111). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Military Enlisted Salary in Fort Collins β€” Key Numbers

$45,510
Median Salary
$32,745
25th Percentile
$63,048
75th Percentile
$82,140
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median+11.0%
Fort Collins median household income$78,600
vs. City household income-42.1%

Cost of Living in Fort Collins

Cost of Living Index
111(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,500/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio39.6%
Annual rent cost$18,000
Median Home Price$500,000
Home Price / Salary11.0Γ—
20% Down Payment$100,000
Years to save (20% rate)11.0 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 Fort Collins

2.8%
Unemployment Rate
365,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
30.8
Median Age

Fort Collins has a metro population of 365,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 2.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Military Enlisted Salary β€” Other Colorado Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in Fort Collins, CO?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Fort Collins is $45,510 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Fort Collins's cost of living index (111). The typical salary range runs from $32,745 (25th percentile) to $63,048 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $82,140.

Is Fort Collins affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $45,510 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Fort Collins would spend approximately 39.6% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,500/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Military Enlisteds in Fort Collins may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $500,000 is 11.0Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Fort Collins's overall income?

Fort Collins's median household income is $78,600. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $45,510 earns 42.1% less than the typical Fort Collins household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Fort Collins has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

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.