The Mile High City has a diverse economy, and there are plenty of job opportunities for people from different backgrounds and with varied skill sets. That said, those looking to end up working in Denver must have skills and attributes that set them apart from the competition.
Denver is recognised for its highly educated workforce, with a large segment of the city’s adult population having a tertiary education. Furthermore, with all its amenities and outstanding quality of life, Denver continues to attract and retain a smart, talented, and experienced workforce.
Job market in Denver
Healthcare is the largest employment sector in Metro Denver, with major employers like CommonSpirit Health and UCHealth. Denver International Airport employs tens of thousands of people across airline operations, security, and customer service. Thanks to the city’s central location, federal agencies maintain a steady presence here, and the US defence industry has operations in the area, with military bases located close to the city.
Historically, mining and energy have played a prominent role in Denver’s economy. Located near the mineral-rich Rocky Mountains, mining and energy companies remain based here, although the sector has moved toward uranium, rare earth elements and renewable energy alongside traditional oil and gas operations.
Other significant industries in Denver include aerospace, IT, finance, manufacturing, telecommunications, and healthcare. Education also employs many newcomers, with thousands of workers in Denver Public Schools and the University of Colorado System.
Salaries in Denver are well above the national average. Tech workers fare particularly well, with salaries running more than double the metro-wide median. This pay premium, combined with a cost of living lower than traditional tech hubs like San Francisco or New York, gives Denver an edge in attracting skilled workers.
Finding a job in Denver
People who move to Denver generally do so with a job already in hand. For those who still need to find a job in Denver, online job portals are an excellent place to start. It could also be beneficial to research local companies and enquire about any openings. Once you’re in the city, you’ll find that making connections and networking is key to securing employment, especially in the tech and startup sectors.
Useful links
- Built In Colorado: Tech & Startup Jobs
- Indeed: Jobs in Denver
- Colorado Department of Labor: Employment Opportunities
Work culture in Denver
Unlike many other large cities in the USA, Denver has a great work-life balance. Many people move to Denver for the lifestyle, and employers encourage their workers to enjoy it. Businesses in Denver often have unique benefits such as unlimited time off, flexible schedules, hybrid arrangements and the ability to work from home.
Work hours are usually from 8am to 5pm, although flexible schedules and hybrid arrangements are increasingly common. They provide these benefits to attract employees and encourage them to stay. They usually lead to a happier workforce and a more commercially viable company.
Denver offers flexible working arrangements more than most American cities. Around half of employees with remote-capable roles work hybrid schedules, splitting their time between home and office. This shift has reshaped expectations around when and where work happens, with most companies now offering some form of location flexibility as standard rather than a perk.
The work culture also reflects the laid-back attitude of locals. For example, work dress tends to be much more casual in Denver than in some eastern states. It’s common to see people arrive at work wearing jeans and a T-shirt. That said, some offices do expect business suits to be worn, so it’s best to enquire about this with your employer.