Fresh Profile: Colorado Jobs

Published on 2008-05-20

Colorado's economy has historically been one of the strongest in the United States. Its central location, complex climate, and wealth of natural resources and world-class parks and recreation areas have all contributed significantly to its economic success. The Pike's Peak Gold Rush prior to the declaration of statehood in 1876 and the Colorado Silver Boom afterwards were just two of the most sensational examples of the abundant financial opportunities that Colorado offered its settlers. Today, Colorado is a leading center for shipping jobs, military jobs, and industries such as agriculture, food processing, beer production, tourism, manufacturing, finance and technology. In 2007, Colorado's economic performance was ranked 7th in the nation by the American Legislative Exchange Council's Rich States, Poor States report.

Colorado's economy had its origin not only in gold and silver mining, but also in agriculture, thanks to large-scale irrigation and a thriving cattle industry that relied on the ample grass of the Colorado plains. Gold and molybdenum are still mined in CO today, while agricultural jobs center on corn, wheat, dairy products, and cattle.

Colorado government jobs play a major role in the state's employment outlook. NORAD and the United States Air Force Academy are located there, as are facilities for the National Institute of Standards and Technology and U.S. Geological Survey. Colorado's scenic beauty has also prompted extensive preservation by the federal government. Nearly 40% of CO's total area is under federal ownership, including four National Parks - Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Denver is Colorado's capital and most populous city. Its centralized location has ensured that many of the jobs in Denver, Colorado are related to trade and the storage and distribution of goods. Denver's centrality and elevation are also convenient for satellite uplinks, and several well-known telecommunications companies have operations in the city, providing opportunities for information technology careers and high-tech employment.

About 60 miles south of Denver is Colorado Springs, the state's second most populous city. Colorado Springs jobs are concentrated primarily within the military, high-tech and religious/nonprofit sectors. Fort Carson is the largest military base in CO Springs. Some of the largest private-sector providers of Colorado jobs in defense include ITT, Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Dozens of evangelical Christian organizations are also headquartered in Colorado Springs.

Statewide, tourism is a principal source of Colorado careers. Breckenridge, Vail and other towns along the I-70 west of Denver are top ski destinations for both Americans and international travelers. Telluride is another popular ski spot that also attracts tourists via the annual Telluride Film Festival and Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

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