Colorado Ranks High for Shifting Middle-Class Income

When was the last time you got a raise or changed jobs for a higher-paying salary in Colorado? Chances are, you have probably gotten a raise or made a move to a different company in the past decade to better your financial situation.

Colorado Workers Know Salaries Have Changed

According to the World Economic Forum, the average American has had about 12 jobs by age 55, and many employees are expected to change careers more often as the job market continues to evolve.

READ MORE: What It Takes to Live Comfortably in Denver

People change jobs for many different reasons. One of the biggest factors is a bump in pay when entering a new role with a new company. A bigger annual salary can mean a change in class. In 2026, the middle-class income range in Colorado is anywhere from $67,290 to $201,871 per household.

Recently, we told you that if you make $107k annually, you would still be considered lower-middle-class in the state of Colorado. So the numbers above track for the middle class.

Colorado Ranks Fifth for Middle-Class Income Change

Money Lion recently released a report on the changes to the middle-class income by state, and Colorado ranked fifth for the biggest shift. From 2016 to 2026, the addition of middle-class residents has increased by 21.5 percent. From 2021 to 2026, the increase has been 7.4 percent, putting Colorado fifth on the list.

READ MORE: Colorado Living Costs in 2025: You'll Need Over $100K

Idaho has had the biggest increase in middle-class residents, with a 24.4 percent increase from 2016 to 2026, and a 13.5 percent increase from 2021 to 2026. You can see the full list of states and how they each ranked when it comes to middle-class income growth at moneylion.com.