Salary guide · US

Software Engineer salary in Denver: can you afford rent?

A Software Engineer in Denver typically earns $82,000$218,000/year, with a median around $129,000/year. Median 1-bedroom rent is $1,900/month.

Affordability verdict

Comfortable

At a typical Software Engineer salary of $129,000/year, spending on median Denver rent ($1,900/mo) would take up 18% of gross income. That's within the recommended 30% threshold — a comfortable situation.

Software Engineer salary range in Denver

$82,000

Entry level

lower quartile

$129,000

Typical

median estimate

$218,000

Experienced

upper quartile

Software engineers design, build, and maintain applications and systems software. Figures are gross annual salary estimates for Denver.

How much rent can a Software Engineer afford?

25% of income (comfortable)$2,688/mo
30% of income (standard)$3,225/mo
35% of income (stretch)$3,762/mo
Median Denver rent$1,900/mo

Rent landscape in Denver

$1,100

Budget

cheapest 10%

$1,900

Median

most common

$3,200

Premium

top 10%

1-bedroom equivalent. US Census ACS 2023 + Zillow Observed Rent Index · 2023–2024

Check your own rent affordability →

Frequently asked questions

What does a Software Engineer earn in Denver?

A Software Engineer in Denver typically earns between $82,000 and $218,000/year, with a median around $129,000/year. Salaries vary by experience, employer, and sector.

Can a Software Engineer afford to live in Denver?

At a typical Software Engineer salary of $129,000/year, median Denver rent ($1,900/month) takes up 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold. Budget options in Denver start around $1,100/month.

How much rent can a Software Engineer afford in Denver?

On a median Software Engineer salary of $129,000/year, the recommended 30% rent budget is $3,225/month. Compared to Denver's median rent of $1,900/month, this means median-priced accommodation is within reach.

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