How to Get Paid to Move to Colorado in (2023)

Dreaming about leaving the busy city life behind and enjoying the natural beauty of Colorado?

You’re not alone. With its picturesque mountains and booming economy, Colorado offers much for individuals and families seeking relocation.

But what about the jobs and housing opportunities? Can you get paid to move to Colorado?

There are various ways to move to the Centennial State, from relocation assistance programs to companies that offer attractive relocation packages.

So whether you’re a business owner, a student, or a retiree, you can make your dream move to Colorado.

Can You Get Paid to Move to Colorado?

It sounds too good to be true, right? How can you be paid to relocate to such an amazing state as Colorado? The state does offer relocation packages, including discounts for first-time homeowners and incentives for those who wish to purchase a home in Colorado.

While these programs don’t directly pay you to move to the state, they offer great financial support to make relocation more affordable.

The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority provides relocation programs that grant individuals up to 4% of their first mortgage. So as long as you meet the income requirements of these programs, you’re likely to afford to move to Colorado.

How Much Can You Make by Moving to Colorado?

Forbes Advisor ranks Colorado 8th in terms of highest-paying states, with an average annual salary of $67,870. ZipRecruiter shows that you can earn at least $30,643 and up to $95,818 annually in Colorado. 

Remember that annual wages vary significantly depending on several factors, such as your experience, profession, position, skills, etc.

Most relocation programs offered by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority don’t pay you to move there; instead, they grant you a percentage of your first mortgage to help you buy a house and relocate.

Moreover, many companies offer relocation packages to individuals from outside the state. These relocation packages usually include moving expenses, cash bonuses, and temporary housing.

To get a clearer idea of how much you can make by moving to Colorado, you need to check out the different county and city homeownership assistance programs to see which program is best for you.

Then, you need to find a job based on your skills and qualifications to see how much you can earn per year.

Are There Tax Benefits to Moving to Colorado?

With a state sales tax rate of only 2.90%, Colorado has one of the lowest tax burdens on individuals in the country. The Centennial State also has multiple tax benefits for its residents.

In Colorado, retirees receive tax-free retirement income. People 55 and up to 64 years old receive $20,000 annually. Meanwhile, people above 65 receive $24,000 per year.

Making monetary contributions to child care charitable organizations is another way to reduce your state taxes. How?

The state’s law grants a 50% state income tax credit to individuals who make donations to childcare charitable organizations.

This incentive program encourages residents to help child care organizations with the financial support they need. In return, Colorado residents get to reduce the financial burden of taxation on their income.

Places in Colorado That Pay You To Move

From the thriving economy to the beautiful mountains and the year-round active lifestyle, there are many reasons to consider moving to Colorado.

Fortunately, there are multiple city and county homeownership assistance programs for individuals and families seeking to relocate to Colorado.

Let’s take a closer look at the places that pay you to move to Colorado.

1. Boulder

With its health-focused culture, beautiful weather, and decent job opportunities, Boulder is one of the most appealing places in Colorado.

The city is located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and mountain climbing.

Boulder also boasts some major industrial sectors such as biotech, aerospace, outdoor recreation, and information technology.

Boulder County offers a down payment assistance program to help first-time homebuyers with their first purchase. If you get accepted, you can be granted around 10% of the purchase price and up to $40,000.

The program is versatile, offering a chance for low and high-income residents alike. For example, if you earn below 60% of the Area Median Income, you can be qualified for a deferred loan, including zero percent interest and no monthly payments.

If you earn anywhere between 61-80% of the Area Median Income, you can get a 3% interest loan over 10 years.

• How much you can make: According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary in Boulder is around $66,347 annually. You can earn as low as $37,544 and up to $103,890, that depends on changing factors like your experience and skill set.
• What makes this option great: Boulder is an ideal place for individuals and families. Thanks to its fascinating mountains, high-quality schools and colleges, and booming economy.

2. Denver

Denver is one of the most ethnically and racially diverse cities in Colorado. Thanks to its booming economy, stunning natural sceneries, big city amenities, and bustling nightlife, Denver has much to offer for individuals and families. The city is also a few hours away from Colorado’s best landmarks and ski resorts.

If you want to relocate to Denver, consider applying for a homeownership assistance program like Del Norte’s Homeownership Program or NEWSED Community Development Corporation. 

These programs offer attractive packages for eligible buyers with loans up to $10,000, making the move to Denver more affordable.

• How much you can make: As of 2023, the average salary in Denver is around $67,317 per year. In Denver, you can expect to make as low as $37,490 and up to $106,468 annually.
• What makes this option great: Denver offers a contemporary mix between quiet suburban and busy city life. The city also has multiple job opportunities in various industries and plenty of outdoor activities.

3. Fort Collins

If you want to get away from the busy city life in Denver, Fort Collins should definitely be on your list. Over the last few years, Fort Collins has consistently taken a spot on the list of best new places to live in the U.S.

This medium-sized city is an ideal place for families and individuals for many reasons. It’s home to some of the highest-ranking secondary schools and endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Fort Collins is also home to Colorado State University, one of the best colleges in the country.

On top of that, there are three main homebuyer assistance programs serving the city:

• Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)
• metroDPA
• Impact Development Fund

Such programs offer various perks to newcomers to assist them in finding affordable housing opportunities in Fort Collins.

• How much you can make: ZipRecruiter states that the average salary in Fort Collins is around $61,345 per year. You can make a lot more or less than that depending on your job and experience. People earn at least $20,336 and up to $148,161 working in Fort Collins.
• What makes this option great: With its small-town vibe, top-notch schools, and steady housing market, Fort Collins is an excellent option for individuals and families.

Jobs That Pay You to Relocate to Colorado

Colorado’s booming economy and endless job opportunities make it a dream destination for many young and talented workers. Whether you’re relocating to complete your education, career shift, or find a new job, it’s crucial to know more about the high-demand jobs in Colorado.

1. Nurses

A recent study has shown that Colorado was the 4th best state for nurses in 2021. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also states that the demand for registered nurses is expected to grow by %6 from 2021 to 2032, which is faster than most other occupations.

Many hospitals and healthcare centers in Colorado offer job opportunities for registered nurses. They also provide generous relocation packages for nurses outside of the state to help them with their moving expenses.

• How much you can make: According to Indeed, the average annual salary for a registered nurse in Colorado is around $85,532. Depending on the level of experience, registered nurses can make as low as $61,061 and up to $119,812.
• What makes this option great: Nurses and other healthcare professionals are always in demand in all states nationwide. Most hospitals and healthcare centers offer attractive benefits, from health insurance to relocation bonuses and retirement plans.

2. Software Engineers and Developers

The tech sector is thriving across the country, and Colorado is no exception. Valuepenguin evaluated the software development market using key variables such as housing data, income levels, and economic strength.

The results showed that The Denver-Aurora-Lakewood MSA is the best place for tech professionals, thanks to the generous salaries, hot real estate market, and high demand.

• How much you can make: As a software developer in Colorado, you can expect to make an average salary of $110,523 per year. What you earn highly depends on your skills, talent, specialty, and more. But generally speaking, software engineers make between $74,306 and $164,393 in Colorado.
• What makes this option great: Colorado is home to top-tech companies such as Pax8, Bonterra, and DAT. Many companies also offer jobs with attractive relocation packages for new employees.

3. Physical Therapists

In Colorado, physical therapists are in high demand, with hundreds of annual job openings and a 44.3% job projection.

The career is promising, and many healthcare providers offer attractive salaries and relocation bonuses to employees from outside the state. The BLS predicts the job openings for physical therapists in Colorado to reach 490 in 2026.

As a physical therapist, you’ll always have the chance to start your private business and set your rates. That’s why it’s a rewarding and fulfilling career for people who want to maintain a good work-life balance.

• How much you can make: According to Indeed, the average salary for a physical therapist in Colorado is $75,521 per year. This number can fluctuate based on skills and years of experience, but in general, physical therapists make anywhere between $48,630 and $117,281 per year in Colorado.
• What makes this option great: The field is promising, as more than 70,000 job opportunities are expected to be available by 2026. Plenty of healthcare centers and hospitals also offer special relocation packages for workers from outside the state.

Why You Should Consider Moving to Colorado

Colorado should definitely be on your list if you’re planning to relocate. From its stunning scenery to the endless job opportunities, here are five reasons you should consider moving to Colorado:

1. Booming Economy

Colorado is home to some of the world’s most innovative companies in various fields, such as aerospace, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and more.

A recent report by WalletHub showed that Colorado is the 4th best state in terms of economic activity, innovation potential, and economic health. This makes it an ideal destination for individuals and families seeking relocation in a promising state.

2. Natural Beauty

Colorado is notorious for its stunning natural beauty, from the towering rocky mountains to the red canyons and lush forests.

The beautiful scenery and vast natural places allow for plenty of outdoor recreational activity, which is perfect for people who enjoy going out. The Centennial State is also home to four national parks:

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Mesa Verde

3. Work-Life Balance

Colorado is an outdoor-oriented state with endless opportunities for recreational activities. This makes it an ideal destination for hard workers who value the importance of a weekend or time off.

Many companies in Colorado offer discounted trips to the state’s famous landscapes for employees to increase employee satisfaction. So there’s always something to do in your free time, which allows you to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

4. Healthy Lifestyle

Living in Colorado is such a motivation to lead a healthy lifestyle. The numerous outdoor activities and healthy food options provide a chance for residents to stay healthy and active.

This is evident as Colorado is among the top 10 healthiest states in the country. So who wouldn’t enjoy living in such a beautiful place while leading an active lifestyle?

5. Great Job Market

Finding a decent job is a priority for newcomers, and Colorado has one of the top 10 job markets in the country. Industries like tech, biotechnology, ski, and aerospace are thriving in Colorado, and companies are always eager to attract talented workers.

What’s better, many companies offer relocation perks for job seekers from outside the state to help them with their moving expenses. Who wouldn’t enjoy making money by moving to a new location?

Is it Cheap to Live in Colorado?

Colorado is one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. Despite its booming economy and decent job opportunities, it’s not cheap to live in Colorado.

According to Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the overall cost of living in the Centennial State is 12% higher than the national average. So you can expect to pay more for transportation, groceries, and housing in Colorado than in other states.

What is a Livable Salary in Colorado?

According to Wisevoter, the minimum livable salary in Colorado is $19.16 per hour. This is the 10th highest livable salary in the country.

Living in areas like Boulder and Denver may contribute to this high livable salary. However, you can still find cheaper houses and costs of living in rural areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Similar Locations to Consider

Despite its stunning natural places and hiring economy, living in Colorado isn’t all sunshine. Some people can’t adapt to the cons of living there, such as the high altitude and expensive houses. So why not consider other options?

• Get Paid to Move to Vermont: The Green Mountain State aims to attract young and talented workers to boost its economy and workforce.
• Get Paid to Move to Montana: Montana is a sparse place with a small population offering various relocation packages.
• Get Paid to Move to Alaska: Alaska is one of the few states with no income taxes. So why not consider getting paid to move there?

Wrapping Up

Ever wondered about relocating and getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life? The towering mountains and red canyons of Colorado are calling your name!

Thanks to the state’s homeownership assistance programs, you can get financial assistance to buy your first home and relocate to the Centennial State.

We hope you now understand how to get paid to move to Colorado. If you have any questions, drop them in the comment section below. Don’t forget to share the article if you enjoyed reading it!