Denver vs Boulder: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Denver, CO and Boulder, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Boulder, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,007 | $141,073▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.83 | $67.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,065 | $117,878▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $132,167▲ | $126,236 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,161 | $171,460▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,420 | $185,893▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,650▲ | 270 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Boulder is $2,066 (1.49%). Boulder's median is +0.49% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $72,355,Boulder spans $68,015. Denver has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boulder ($134,097 effective) pays 2.05% more than Denver ($131,409 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,073/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,893)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,097)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Denver grew 29.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.8% growth in Boulder over the same period.
Denver, CO
$104,190 (2019) → $134,540 (2025)
Boulder, CO
$113,940 (2019) → $136,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Boulder, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov