Find a Job You Really Want In
Are you planning a job search in 2026? The landscape of job markets has evolved significantly, and understanding where the best opportunities lie is crucial. Different cities in Colorado offer varying levels of employment prospects, making it essential to know which areas are thriving.
At Zippia, we have analyzed the latest data to identify the top job markets in Colorado for 2026.
Here’s a look at the ten most promising job markets in Colorado.
The 10 Hottest Job Markets In Colorado
These cities represent the top ten locations for job seekers in Colorado. If your city is not listed, continue reading to discover where it ranks in the complete list.
How We Determined the Best Job Markets in Colorado
Using the latest data from the Census American Community Survey, we focused on Colorado’s metropolitan areas with a civilian workforce exceeding 5,000.
While the unemployment rate is a key indicator of a job market’s health, we believe it’s just one piece of a larger puzzle. Therefore, we evaluated various metrics to provide a comprehensive picture of job availability in Colorado.
Each metropolitan area was ranked from 1 to 47 across four critical categories:
- Unemployment Rate
- Change in Unemployment Rate
- Household Income Change
- Current Average Household Income
A lower score in each category indicates a stronger job market. For instance, the Superior area achieved the lowest unemployment rate at 2.42%, securing its position as the top region for job seekers. The scores across these categories were averaged to identify our final rankings.
1. Castle Pines
Unemployment Rate: 3.19%
Average Income: $192,062
2. Erie
Unemployment Rate: 3.88%
Average Income: $133,173
3. Greenwood Village
Unemployment Rate: 3.44%
Average Income: $219,261
4. Frederick
Unemployment Rate: 3.85%
Average Income: $110,937
5. Centennial
Unemployment Rate: 3.42%
Average Income: $128,624
6. Castle Rock
Unemployment Rate: 3.02%
Average Income: $122,417
7. Superior
Unemployment Rate: 2.42%
Average Income: $146,254
8. Steamboat Springs
Unemployment Rate: 3.45%
Average Income: $100,951
9. Broomfield
Unemployment Rate: 3.6%
Average Income: $115,956
10. Durango
Unemployment Rate: 4.35%
Average Income: $96,916
Measuring the Best Job Markets in Colorado
If you’re in a city like Superior and still struggling to find work, it’s understandable to feel concerned. While Superior boasts the strongest job market in Colorado, individual circumstances such as education, experience, and career field significantly impact employment opportunities. Nonetheless, on average, job seekers in Superior will find it easier to secure a position than in areas ranked lower.
Detailed List of the Hottest Job Markets in Colorado
| Rank | Place | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Castle Pines | 3.19% |
| 2 | Erie | 3.88% |
| 3 | Greenwood Village | 3.44% |
| 4 | Frederick | 3.85% |
| 5 | Centennial | 3.42% |
| 6 | Castle Rock | 3.02% |
| 7 | Superior | 2.42% |
| 8 | Steamboat Springs | 3.45% |
| 9 | Broomfield | 3.6% |
| 10 | Durango | 4.35% |
| 11 | Johnstown | 4.99% |
| 12 | Lone Tree | 3.13% |
| 13 | Arvada | 3.82% |
| 14 | Denver | 4.01% |
| 15 | Littleton | 3.98% |
| 16 | Loveland | 4.29% |
| 17 | Lafayette | 3.88% |
| 18 | Parker | 3.11% |
| 19 | Windsor | 2.97% |
| 20 | Louisville | 4.26% |
| 21 | Aurora | 5.0% |
| 22 | Evans | 3.18% |
| 23 | Firestone | 4.29% |
| 24 | Northglenn | 5.08% |
| 25 | Commerce | 4.2% |
| 26 | Lakewood | 3.58% |
| 27 | Golden | 3.94% |
| 28 | Brighton | 4.69% |
| 29 | Fountain | 8.61% |
| 30 | Thornton | 3.71% |
| 31 | Montrose | 8.18% |
| 32 | Wheat Ridge | 3.9% |
| 33 | Boulder | 5.05% |
| 34 | Longmont | 6.02% |
| 35 | Glenwood Springs | 4.51% |
| 36 | Westminster | 4.35% |
| 37 | Fort Collins | 5.92% |
| 38 | Greeley | 5.58% |
| 39 | Fort Morgan | 3.95% |
| 40 | Federal Heights | 4.07% |
| 41 | Ca���on | 5.39% |
| 42 | Colorado Springs | 6.09% |
| 43 | Fruita | 10.6% |
| 44 | Englewood | 5.76% |
| 45 | Sterling | 5.15% |
| 46 | Pueblo | 9.5% |
| 47 | Grand Junction | 7.73% |
In conclusion, understanding the dynamics of Colorado’s job markets can significantly enhance your job search strategy. Whether you’re drawn to the opportunities in Castle Pines or looking for prospects in other regions, this guide serves as a valuable resource for navigating the employment landscape in 2026.
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
