Find a Job You Really Want In
When you think of Colorado, you might picture breathtaking hikes, vibrant local culture, and delicious cuisine. However, what often goes unnoticed is the robust economy and thriving job market that have continued to evolve in recent years.
At Zippia, we delve into local economies to identify which jobs and industries are flourishing. This insight helps job seekers and those considering relocating for work understand what to expect in the Colorado job landscape.
Our analysis aimed to uncover the best industries for employment opportunities in Colorado in 2026.
Based on our extensive data analysis, here are the top five industries for jobs in Colorado:
Continue reading to learn how we determined these leading industries for job seekers in Colorado.
If you’re interested in exploring more about the Colorado job market, check out:
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Denver
- Top 10 Startups to Work For in Denver
- The 10 Best Places to Get a Job in Colorado
How We Identified the Best Industries for Jobs in Colorado
Data is a powerful tool for decision-making, often more reliable than individual opinions. We set out to gather comprehensive data about the Colorado job market, focusing on key criteria to determine the top industries:
- Average Salary
- Job Availability
- Average Stress Level within the Industry
Our data sources include the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor.
We assessed stress levels based on self-reported statistics from professionals within each industry, ranking them from 1 to 21, where 1 represents the least stress. We then averaged these rankings to create a ‘Best Industry’ index, ultimately designating the Architecture and Engineering sector as the leading industry in Colorado.
For a detailed overview of our findings, refer to the table below. Let’s explore why these industries stand out for job seekers.
Detailed List of the Best Industries in Colorado
| Rank | Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Architecture and Engineering | $89,580 |
| 2 | Computer and Mathematical | $94,320 |
| 3 | Business and Financial Operations | $76,810 |
| 4 | Legal | $104,600 |
| 5 | Life, Physical, and Social Science | $75,350 |
| 6 | Education, Training, and Library | $52,480 |
| 7 | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $82,020 |
| 8 | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $52,410 |
| 9 | Office and Administrative Support | $38,910 |
| 10 | Community and Social Service | $48,020 |
| 11 | Construction and Extraction | $46,340 |
| 12 | Sales | $44,880 |
| 13 | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $48,600 |
| 14 | Personal Care and Service | $28,070 |
| 15 | Production and Manufacturing | $37,980 |
| 16 | Food Preparation and Serving Related | $24,380 |
| 17 | Transportation | $40,180 |
| 18 | Protective Service | $46,930 |
| 19 | Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $28,650 |
| 20 | Healthcare Support | $33,420 |
| 21 | Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $28,520 |
Summary of the Best Industries in Colorado
In conclusion, the Architecture and Engineering sector stands out as the best industry for job seekers in Colorado in 2026. Conversely, the Farming, Fishing, and Forestry industry ranks the lowest, primarily due to its limited job opportunities and lower wages.
For more insights, explore:
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
