Security Manager Salary Overview in Boulder, CO
Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Security Manager pay in Boulder, CO at about $145,873 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $87,240.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about $184,500.
Salary estimates are based on data from the Boulder, Co metropolitan area.
If you’re comparing Security Manager salaries in Boulder, CO, the real story isn’t just the headline number. Local employer mix, seniority, specialization, and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or onsite can push compensation well above or below the local median.
Boulder, CO vs. U.S. National Average
Boulder, CO pays +39% vs u.s. for Security Manager roles. The difference is driven by local employer demand, industry mix, cost pressures, and how concentrated this role is in the underlying metro labor market.
| Market | Projected Salary | vs Boulder, CO | Market Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO (this guide) | $145,873 | Baseline | Local market |
| United States | $104,690 | -28% vs U.S. | National baseline |
| Pueblo, CO | $129,410 | -11% vs U.S. | Comparable city |
| Fort Collins, CO | $127,510 | -13% vs U.S. | Comparable city |
| Denver, CO | $121,340 | -17% vs U.S. | Comparable city |
Security Manager Salary by Experience Level in Boulder, CO
Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Boulder, CO, this breakdown shows how aSecurity Manager can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.
| Level | Experience | Projected Salary | Projected Range | Market Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Security Manager | 0-2 years | $126,342 | $98,950.0 - $145,873 | +21% vs U.S. |
| Mid-Level Security Manager | 3-5 years | $145,873 | $126,342 - $171,972 | +39% vs U.S. |
| Senior Security Manager | 6-10 years | $171,972 | $145,873 - $209,265 | +64% vs U.S. |
| Lead / Principal Security Manager | 10+ years | $209,265 | $171,972 - $255,303 | +100% vs U.S. |
Best Salary Areas Near Boulder, CO
Nearby metro areas help show how Security Manager pay changes around Boulder, CO. Each market reflects its own employer mix, local demand, and industry concentration, making these comparisons useful for candidates weighing their location options.
Security Manager Salary by Industry in Boulder, CO
Industry premiums in Boulder, CO usually come from employers that place the Security Manager role close to revenue, infrastructure, compliance, product delivery, or other high-value work. National industry data gives the best available benchmark until local industry slices are available.
| Industry | Modeled Salary | Reference Range | Signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $158,990 | $101,700 - $218,270 | Stronger salary |
| Utilities | $143,970 | $99,170.0 - $197,090 | Stronger salary |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $128,970 | $75,500.0 - $217,850 | Stronger salary |
| Manufacturing | $125,640 | $83,120.0 - $176,710 | Competitive |
| Information | $125,430 | $70,770.0 - $222,520 | Competitive |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $122,240 | $71,260.0 - $209,780 | Competitive |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $118,710 | $79,410.0 - $179,060 | Competitive |
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting | $111,170 | $39,490.0 - $185,760 | Competitive |
Entry-Level Security Manager Salary in Boulder, CO
Entry-level Security Manager jobs in Boulder, CO are modeled around the lower local wage percentiles. Candidates who can show practical projects, job-ready tools, and strong fundamentals usually have a better path into the middle of the local salary range.
For a broader starting-pay benchmark beyond this city market, see the entry-level Security Manager salary guide.
Remote vs Onsite Security Manager Pay in Boulder, CO
Remote work can widen the employer pool for Security Manager candidates in Boulder, CO. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.
| Work Type | Estimated Salary | Experience | Best Fit | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote | $142,956 | Market dependent | National hiring pools | High |
| Hybrid | $148,790 | Metro dependent | Boulder, CO employers | Medium |
| Onsite | $145,873 | Location dependent | Local teams and operations | Lower |
Cost of Living vs Salary in Boulder, CO
A salary in Boulder, CO should be read alongside housing, commuting, tax, and everyday costs. The same annual pay can feel very different at entry, mid-level, and senior levels.
Top Employers Hiring Security Managers in Boulder, CO
Employer mix is one of the biggest city-level salary drivers. The industries below highlight where Security Manager pay tends to be strongest in Boulder, CO, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.
Boulder, CO Compared With Other U.S. Cities
This comparison is useful when one city salary number is not enough on its own. It shows whetherBoulder, CO is genuinely a stronger-paying market for Security Manager work or whether the local benchmark sits closer to the broader national middle.
Security Manager Salary Trends in Boulder, CO Over Time
Historical salary trend data for Security Manager in Boulder, CO is available across multiple BLS wage years. The chart below shows how the local salary benchmark has changed over time.
* 2024–2026 values are modeled estimates extending from the last confirmed BLS benchmark. The last confirmed BLS figure ($129K, 2024) is extended with recent wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available, then replaced when official data is published.
Career Growth Opportunities in Boulder, CO
Local career growth is strongest when it is read through both the city salary ladder and the broader national demand outlook. The city salary benchmark shows what this market currently pays, while the career path and BLS demand data show how that benchmark can expand with scope and responsibility.
| Metric | 2026 Outlook |
|---|---|
| Projected employment | 151.4k → 157.1k |
| Typical education | Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. |
| Related experience | A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. |
| Local market anchor | 140 jobs with a median of $145,873 |
Factors Affecting Security Manager Salary in Boulder, CO
Local pay rarely moves for one reason alone. In city markets, the biggest differences usually come from employer concentration, industry mix, seniority, and whether the role is tied to business-critical work that is harder to staff.
How to Increase Your Security Manager Salary in Boulder, CO
In city markets, salary growth often comes from better positioning as much as from patience. These moves are most useful when you already understand the local benchmark and want a clearer path beyond it.
Security Manager Salary in Boulder, CO: FAQs
These questions usually come up after readers compare the city benchmark, the statewide picture, and the local experience ladder. They help clarify how to read the market and what matters most when you compare this city with other options.
These FAQs focus on how readers searching for "Security Manager" usually compare local pay, employer mix, and market differences in this city.
What is the average Security Manager in Boulder, COs salary?⌄
What is the entry-level Security Manager in Boulder, COs salary?⌄
How much can senior Security Manager in Boulder, COs professionals earn?⌄
Does location affect Security Manager in Boulder, COs salary?⌄
Which skills matter for Security Manager in Boulder, COs salary growth?⌄
Salary figures use BLS OEWS wage facts for 2024. City pages use the BLS metropolitan area as the salary dataset, display the largest city as the public page name, and model experience bands from local wage percentiles.