For informational purposes only. Not financial or career advice. Rates vary by experience and market.
Freelance Web Developer Rates in Denver
Data-driven rate insights to help you price your services confidently.
Entry Level
$50
/hour
Mid-Range
$100
/hour
Expert Level
$200
/hour
Annual Equivalent (40hrs/week)
Entry
$104,000
Mid
$208,000
Expert
$416,000
Based on 2,080 billable hours/year (actual may be 1,500-1,800 after admin, marketing, and time off)
Rates by Experience Level
Core Skills
- HTML/CSS/JavaScript
- React or Vue.js
- Node.js or PHP
- WordPress/CMS platforms
- Responsive design
- Git version control
- SEO basics
Premium Skills (+20-50%)
- Headless CMS architecture
- JAMstack (Next.js, Astro)
- E-commerce (Shopify Plus)
- Performance optimization
- Accessibility (WCAG)
Top Industries
Typical Clients
Rate Setting Tips
These are general suggestions, not professional advice. Your situation may differ.
- Denver's outdoor brand market values lifestyle-aligned developers
- Cannabis industry has strong demand and pays competitively
- Many startups from SF/NYC relocating to Denver bring higher budgets
- Local businesses appreciate reliable, communicative developers
- Remote clients from coast cities increase rate flexibility
Common Pricing Mistakes
- Racing to the bottom on price for local clients
- Not specializing (WordPress vs. custom development)
- Undercharging for maintenance and hosting
- Over-promising timelines
Negotiation Tips
- Highlight Colorado-based business experience
- Show outdoor/lifestyle brand portfolio if applicable
- Offer maintenance packages as upsells
- Reference coastal rates for remote work
Frequently Asked Questions
What do freelance web developers charge in Denver?
Freelance web developers in Denver charge $50-200/hr. Mid-level developers average $100/hr, with specialists in e-commerce and custom applications earning $150-200/hr.
Is Denver a good market for web developers?
Yes, Denver's tech scene is growing rapidly with an influx of coastal transplants. The outdoor industry, cannabis sector, and startups provide steady demand.
How do Denver rates compare to coastal cities?
Denver rates are 15-25% lower than SF or NYC for equivalent skill levels. However, the lower cost of living means better take-home value for freelancers.
What web development niches pay well in Denver?
E-commerce, outdoor industry brands, cannabis companies, and healthcare tech pay above-average rates. WordPress still has strong local business demand.
Should I work with local or remote clients in Denver?
Both work well. Local clients value face-to-face meetings, while remote clients from higher-cost cities often pay coastal rates. A mix provides stability.
Methodology
Rates compiled from job postings, freelancer surveys, and local market data. Denver's neutral cost of living creates competitive rates.
Data Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024
- Built In Colorado Tech Report 2024
- Colorado Technology Association Survey
- Glassdoor Denver Tech Salaries
Important Disclaimer
These rates are estimates for educational purposes. Actual rates vary based on experience, skills, client industry, and negotiation. This is not financial advice.
Rate estimates are not guarantees. Actual rates depend on your specific experience, portfolio, negotiation skills, client budget, and market conditions.
This is not financial or career advice. Consult with a financial advisor or career counselor for personalized guidance on pricing and business decisions.
Data limitations: Freelance rates are notoriously difficult to benchmark accurately. Our data is compiled from multiple sources but may not reflect your specific market segment.
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