CU Denver Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at CU Denver in the United States is $109,478. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $53. Salaries at CU Denver typically range from $95,585 to $125,512 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at CU Denver

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at CU Denver. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is CU Denver’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does CU Denver's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
North Dakota State University $101,187
-7.6%
North Dakota State University operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
University at Albany $111,366
+1.7%
Aligns perfectly with prevailing regional benchmarks for this specific job family.
Dallas College $107,959
-1.4%
Confirms Dallas College is a direct competitor vying for the exact same talent pool.
Central Michigan University $99,974
-8.7%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where Central Michigan University primarily operates.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+5.4%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at CU Denver

Considering a career at CU Denver? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
The organization values consistency, which can be both a strength and a weakness. Overall, it’s structured and safe, with minimal surprises. Easy-to-understand metrics for accountability. Projects are well-organized, and feedback is constructive and appreciated.
The organization supports continuing education and promotes internal mobility. Overall, this is a fulfilling and stable place to build a meaningful public service career. The organization provides good job stability and decent benefits, but the pace cantake time and advancement is limited. The scale brings resources and opportunities districts can't match. A true example of professionalism in pub...
Employees benefit from well-structured development programs and a culture that promotes respect and inclusivity. Flexibility and open dialogue are encouraged, and leadership takes staff feedback seriously. Helpful and responsive at every stage. I appreciate the focus on professional growth through ongoing training and development opportunities. The work matters, and the team shares a real commitme...

CU Denver Overview

Website
www.ucdenver.edu
Founded In
1986
Employees
3,000 - 7,500 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
1201 Larimer St Denver Colorado CO 80204
Revenue
$200 Million - $500 Million
Phone Number
+1 3033155969
Social Media
About CU Denver
In the heart of downtown Denver, CU Denver combines innovative research and accessible education with the advantages that only a dynamic urban environment can provide. On our campus where all are welcome, we offer the quality education that the University of Colorado is known for at an exceptional value. For nearly 50 years, we have helped 100,000+ graduates achieve their goalsachieve yours too, w

What Benefits Does CU Denver Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. CU Denver offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Denver?

Understanding the cost of living near Denver is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at CU Denver.
Denver's Cost of Living Index is approximately 112.1 (12.1% more expensive than US average; 6.5% more than CO average). Housing costs are the primary driver above US average, high demand, vibrant city. Light Rail/Bus (RTD). When planning your budget based on a salary from CU Denver, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,600 - $2,400+ A significant portion of CU Denver salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $130 - $220 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $114 (RTD monthly regional pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $420 - $620 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $400 - $750+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $380 - $700+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,044 - $4,694+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of CU Denver

1. How much does a CU Denver employee make?

CU Denver pays its employees an average of $109,478 per year. The average salary at CU Denver range from $95,585 to $125,512 per year. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. Which similar company tend to pay more or less than CU Denver?

The salary at CU Denver is higher than the similar company. The average annual salary at CU Denver is $109,478, or an hourly wage of $53, in comparison to North Dakota State University which pays $101,187 per year or $49 per hour.

3. How much does a President typically earn at CU Denver?

A President at CU Denver typically earns an average annual base salary of around $847,453, with a general range of $643,764 to $1,082,875.

4. Do employees with advanced degrees (Master's, PhD) earn more at CU Denver?

In many roles at CU Denver, particularly those requiring specialized knowledge or research capabilities (e.g., certain engineering, scientific, or financial roles), an advanced degree like a Master's or PhD can lead to a higher starting salary and faster career progression, thus higher earnings. However, for some roles, direct experience and skills might be valued as much or more than an advanced degree. The impact varies by field and specific job requirements.

5. How does the cost of living near Denver affect the perceived value of a CU Denver salary?

Denver's Cost of Living Index is approximately 112.1 (12.1% more expensive than US average; 6.5% more than CO average). This significantly impacts the purchasing power of a salary from CU Denver based there. Our "Cost of Living Insights for Denver" module details this impact, helping you assess the 'real feel' value of your compensation.

6. What kind of benefits does CU Denver typically offer employees?

CU Denver generally offers a range of employee benefits designed to support their workforce's health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) retirement savings plan (often with a company match), paid time off (PTO), and potentially disability and life insurance are included. For a more detailed list of benefits, please see our "Employee Benefits at CU Denver" section on this page.