Denver vs Colorado Springs: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between Denver, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,631▲ | $87,219 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.35▲ | $41.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,209▲ | $56,979 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,169▲ | $67,076 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,286▲ | $120,916 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,317▲ | $147,451 |
| Total Employed | 22,720▲ | 2,580 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for accountants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Denver and Colorado Springs is $15,412 (17.67%). Denver's median is +19.53% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $104,108,Colorado Springs spans $90,472. 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, Denver ($97,021 effective) pays 12.03% more than Colorado Springs ($86,607 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,631/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,317)
- ✓Larger job market (22,720 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,021)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Denver grew 29.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.9% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Denver, CO
$77,070 (2019) → $100,020 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$66,480 (2019) → $85,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% 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 Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov