Boulder boasts one of the nation’s most educated workforces. Named the #1 “most educated city in America” by Forbes magazine, Boulder has the highest percentage of college graduates in the nation. The city is also ranked among the highest in graduate and doctoral degrees per capita in the U.S.
Boulder’s workforce is employed in a variety of occupations with a high concentration in white collar and service occupations. The table below shows employment and wage data by occupation for the Boulder MSA.
| Occupation | # of Employees | % of Employees | Median Hourly | Average Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Occupations | 160,680 | 100.0% | $18.57 | $50,780 |
| Architecture and engineering | 7,990 | 5.0% | $38.28 | $84,320 |
| Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media | 2,820 | 1.8% | $20.62 | $48,500 |
| Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance | 4,470 | 2.8% | $11.82 | $26,700 |
| Business and financial operations | 8,650 | 5.4% | $30.28 | $70,720 |
| Community and social services | 2,710 | 1.7% | $17.67 | $39,830 |
| Computer and mathematical | 12,280 | 7.6% | $39.06 | $86,900 |
| Construction and extraction | 4,580 | 2.9% | $17.98 | $40,110 |
| Education, training, and library | 10,690 | 6.7% | $21.49 | $48,920 |
| Farming, fishing, and forestry | 330 | .2% | $8.74 | $22,460 |
| Food preparation and serving | 14,090 | 8.8% | $8.74 | $20,540 |
| Healthcare practitioner and technical | 7,390 | 4.6% | $29.29 | $69,480 |
| Installation, maintenance, and repair | 4,710 | 2.9% | $19.00 | $42,400 |
| Legal | 1,120 | .7% | $31.61 | $76,630 |
| Life, physical, and social science | 5,380 | 3.3% | $34.62 | $77,210 |
| Management | 8,100 | 5.0% | $48.31 | $109,610 |
| Office and administrative support | 25,240 | 15.7% | $15.63 | $34,720 |
| Personal care and service | 4,080 | 2.5% | $10.56 | $26,730 |
| Production | 9,140 | 5.7% | $13.87 | $32,400 |
| Protective service | 1,760 | 1.1% | $21.53 | $45,320 |
| Sales and related | 16,680 | 10.4% | $13.50 | $42,400 |
| Transportation and material moving | 5,890 | 3.7% | $13.15 | $35,130 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2007 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates
Workers can add to their knowledge base by taking advantage of Boulder’s many adult educational programs. Area employers can also tap this vast pool of expertise to train workers in specific skills.
University of Colorado – Boulder is home to one of the nation’s leading public research universities. With over 29,000 on campus degree-seeking students and an operating budget of $961 million, the University of Colorado is a powerful engine for Boulder’s economy. CU offers a number of nationally recognized programs and is home to seven MacArthur Fellowship (“genius grant”) winners and four Nobel laureates. The University has over 90 research centers, institutes, and laboratories, with $280 million in sponsored research funding during fiscal year 2008.
Through its Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies, CU offers a online, weekend, and evening courses in almost every subject area. Students can complete undergraduate or graduate degrees, earn certificates or enhance skills.
Front Range Community College – The Boulder County campus of Front Range Community College offers day, evening, and weekend courses and numerous degree and certificate options. Workforce training for business and industry, small business development services, and personal development classes are also available.
Naropa University – Boulder is also home to Naropa University, a private, non-profit, non-sectarian liberal arts institution dedicated to advancing contemplative education. Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, education, environmental leadership, psychology, and religious studies as well as professional development training and classes for the community.
Workforce Boulder County provides free services to Boulder area employers and job seekers. Employer services include recruitment assistance, pre-screening and referral services, and tax credit and training reimbursement programs. Services for job seekers include training, job listings, computer and internet access, and career counseling.