EXPLORE FAST GROWING CAREERS.
Pathways to
Prosperity in Colorado
There are eight industries that hold the key to Colorado’s continued growth and success. Here, we’ve made it easy for you to explore these top Colorado careers — including what to expect, how much they pay, and the impact you can make.
It's important to note that these salary ranges are just estimates and can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and industry. Additionally, many entry-level positions may offer opportunities for advancement and higher pay over time.
Transportation
This pathway involves the movement of people, goods, and services from one place to another, and includes careers such as logistics, aviation, and maritime operations. If you enjoy traveling, coordinating events, or managing supply chains, a career in transportation might be an exciting option. Entry-level salaries in Colorado for positions in transportation can range from $30,000 to $50,000 per year.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and additional training or related on-the-job experience.
Top Jobs & Careers
Top Transportation Employers in Colorado include Colorado Department of Transportation, Denver International Airport, and Regional Transportation District. Entry level positions and salaries in Transportation range from Passenger Service Supervisor ($45,000), Train Operator ($49,000), and Highway Maintenance Specialist ($50,000).
Health Professions
This pathway is dedicated to maintaining and improving human health, and includes careers such as nursing, dentistry, and pharmacy. If you're passionate about helping others stay healthy, preventing illness, or finding cures for diseases, a career in the health professions could be your calling. Entry-level salaries in Colorado for positions in the health professions can range from $40,000 to $70,000 per year.
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree to four-year bachelor's degree.
Top Jobs & Careers
Top Health Profession Employers in Colorado include Davita, UC Health, and Children’s Hospital. Entry level positions and salaries in Health Professions range from Patient Coordinator ($48,000), Pharmacy Technician ($55,000), and Medical Laboratory Assistant ($57,000).
Family & Social Sciences
This pathway explores the dynamics of human relationships and social interactions, and includes careers such as counseling, sociology, and family studies. If you're interested in understanding human behavior, addressing social issues, or supporting individuals and families, a career in the family and social sciences may be a good choice.
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree to four-year bachelor's degree.
Top Jobs & Careers
Top Family & Social Science Employers in Colorado include Colorado Department of Human Services, Colorado Department of Early Childhood, Community Reach Center. Entry level positions and salaries in Family & Social Sciences range from Intake Document Management Technician ($43,000), School Counselor ($47,000), and Early Learning Analyst ($56,000).
Engineering & Technology
This pathway covers a broad range of fields, including civil engineering, electrical engineering, and environmental engineering. If you enjoy solving complex problems, designing innovative solutions, or improving existing technologies, consider a career in engineering or technology. Entry-level salaries in Colorado for positions in engineering and technology can range from $50,000 to $80,000 per year.
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree to four-year bachelor's degree.
Top Jobs & Careers
Top Engineering & Technology employers include Jacobs Engineering Group, Zachry Group, and Tanco Engineering. Entry level positions and salaries in Engineering & Technology range from Environmental Analyst ($50,000), Structural Engineer ($55,000), and Software Engineer ($67,000).
Education
This pathway is focused on teaching and learning, and includes careers such as elementary education, special education, and curriculum design. If you enjoy helping others learn and want to make a positive impact on future generations, a career in education may be right for you. Entry-level salaries in Colorado for positions in education can range from $30,000 to $45,000 per year.
Education
These occupations usually require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Top Jobs & Careers
Top Education Employers in Colorado include Colorado State University, Aurora Public Schools, and Galvanize. Entry level positions and salaries in Education range from Lead Pre-School Teacher ($39,000), Admissions Representative ($39,000), and Teaching Aide ($45,000).
Construction
This pathway encompasses careers related to building and maintaining physical structures, such as architecture, construction management, and carpentry. If you enjoy hands-on work, building things, or seeing your ideas take shape, a career in construction could be a good fit. Entry-level salaries in Colorado for positions in construction can range from $30,000 to $50,000 per year.
Education
These occupations usually require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Top Jobs & Careers
Top Construction Employers in Colorado include Mortenson, Saunders Construction, and Hensel Phelps Construction Company. Entry level positions and salaries in Construction range from Construction Laborer ($32,000), Safety Coordinator ($46,000), and Equipment Operator ($47,000).
Computer & Information Sciences
This pathway focuses on the design, development, and maintenance of computer systems and software. If you're passionate about coding, gaming, or using technology to solve problems, consider exploring careers in computer science. Entry-level salaries in Colorado for positions in computer and information sciences can range from $40,000 to $70,000 per year.
Education
These occupations usually require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Top Jobs & Careers
Top Computer & Information Sciences employers in Colorado include EchoStar, Optiv and Panasonic. Entry level positions and salaries in Computer and Information Sciences range from Help Desk Specialist ($40,000), Production Programmer ($50,000), and Data Analyst ($60,000).
Advanced Manufacturing
This pathway involves the use of technology and automation to improve manufacturing processes and create new products. If you enjoy working with machines and problem-solving, you might find a career in advanced manufacturing interesting. Entry-level salaries in Colorado for positions in advanced manufacturing can range from $30,000 to $50,000 per year.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and additional training or certificate.
Top Jobs & Careers
Top Advanced Manufacturing employers in Colorado include Gates Corporation, Summit Materials, Inc., and Forge Nano. Entry level positions and salaries in Advanced Manufacturing range from Production Worker ($39,000), Treatment System Operator ($45,000), and Structural Welder ($52,000).
Interested in Opportunity Next Scholarships?
Apply to the following eligible programs across Colorado.
Please note, you do not need to apply directly for the Opportunity Next scholarship, as scholarships are administered through the respective programs.
Programs
There are a wide range of educational and training programs across the state of Colorado that can help you launch your career. Explore trusted institutions and programs near you that can help you build the future you want.
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![University of Colorado, Colorado Springs [ECE Department]](https://assets-global.website-files.com/65d8fddcee5c41ce7482dc11/65df9576021402523503b9b3_1L6A5158.jpg)
Registered apprenticeships, eligible training providers, and technical colleges!
We are working hard to bring you even more financial aid and skill-building opportunities.
- Registered Apprenticeships: Earn while you learn and gain valuable work experience in a field that interests you.
- Eligible Training Providers: Develop skills that employers need with training programs approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Technical Colleges: Pursue a degree or certificate in a technical field and jumpstart your career.
Find Free Money for Education After High School
Did you know the federal and state government gives out more than $100 billion each year to help students pay for education and training? This includes money you don’t have to pay back, and/or low interest college loans you can pay back over time. Opportunity Next also offers up to $1,500 in scholarships (nothing to pay back!) for students studying to work in Colorado’s top industries needing your engagement to power Colorado forward.
To find out how much financial aid has been put aside for you, there’s one critical thing you and your family must do: fill out a financial aid application (either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid {FAFSA} or Colorado Application for State Financial Aid {CASFA} – not both!) Here are three key links that can help:
The Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) is the State Financial Aid application for undocumented, Colorado ASSET students. Students who do not have lawful immigration status and who do not meet the ASSET qualifications are still encouraged to apply for institutional aid using the CASFA. To learn more about this financial aid application, and your eligibility for state financial aid, please visit the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA).
Interested in coaching? Sign up through the Opportunity Next Coaching Intake Form for free InsideTrack education and career coaching, eligible to all 2024 graduating seniors and equivalent completers.
We also offer free financial aid training and resources through our partners at uAspire.
