Are there really job openings out there? It depends on whom you ask. Employers who are hiring say yes, but some job seekers feel differently. Andrew Hudson, founder of Andrew Hudson’s Jobs List, notes: "Finding a job in Colorado is so difficult right now. Employers are hiring — but more cautiously. Companies are taking longer to make decisions, interviewing more candidates, and looking for extremely precise fits for their open roles."
The National and Regional Job Landscape
U.S. job openings fell 5% in February from a year earlier, according to the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary (JOLTS) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The federal government was hit hard, with openings falling 24.6% in a year. Industries like construction, finance, information, and retail saw job listings decline between 20% to 35%, while real estate and rental and leasing jobs dropped 62.4% nationwide.
Comparable data for Colorado is no longer available monthly, but the West region, which includes Colorado, saw 6.1% fewer job openings in February. Economists like Bill Craighead from the UCCS Economic Forum rely on private data sources, such as Lightcast, which show subdued job postings compared to a few years ago.
Spotlight on Tech Jobs
Tech job growth was flat in 2025, but is projected to grow in 2026. U.S. tech jobs dropped 0.3% last year to 9,597,888, according to CompTIA’s annual State of the Tech Workforce 2026 report. Job numbers in the sector have been flat for the past three years. However, as emerging technologies like AI spread to nontech companies, tech employment is expected to grow 1.9% this year.
Colorado’s stats aligned with U.S. trends. The state lost about 3,200 tech jobs last year, down 0.6%, ending with 254,937 jobs. Employment is expected to grow in 2026, adding 4,386 jobs or a 2.8% growth. Colorado ranked fourth nationwide for the highest concentration of tech workers based on overall employment, at 8.2%.
- In Colorado Springs, tech jobs fell 0.3% last year but are expected to increase by 2.5% this year.
- Denver saw a steeper loss of 0.7% in 2025 but is expected to add 2,742 jobs next year for a 2.8% growth.
Featured Job Opportunities
Despite challenges, there are available jobs. Here are insights into specific roles and what it takes to get hired:
Field Service Solutions Technician at AMP, $31-$36/hour
AMP, a recycling-automation company in Louisville backed by $91 million in funding, builds waste-sorting facilities that use automation, AI, and robots. They are hiring a field service solutions tech, which can work remotely but prefers someone near Colorado headquarters.
"You don’t have to have a college degree," says AMP recruiter Jodi Parsell. "We’re looking for competency in electrical, pneumatics, mechanical, or skilled trades like being a millwright." Experience in the utility industry or power plants is a plus. The role requires up to 75% travel, but has seen qualified applicants.
As trash moves through Amp’s conveyer system, the machines identify potential recyclables based on their artificial intelligence training and image recognition.
Business Operations Director at GrowHaus, $88,000-$103,000
The GrowHaus, a Denver nonprofit focusing on fresh food and wellness programs, is hiring a business operations director. Executive director Giselle DÃaz Campagna hopes to attract an experienced director yearning for impact, with financial experience, budget tracking, and bilingual skills in English and Spanish.
"Our scale is real. Our impact is real," Campagna says. "We’re talking thousands of people, hundreds and hundreds of households every single week that benefit from this work." The role offers full medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.
During the 2025 federal government shutdown, The GrowHaus activated a Temporary Emergency Food Assistance program to support Denver neighbors.
Sales Manager at Colorado Convention Center, $59,400-$63,000
This sales manager role at the Colorado Convention Center has been challenging to hire for, leading to a $1,000 signing bonus. Rich Carollo, director of sales and services, notes fewer qualified applicants, possibly due to industry-specific experience requirements.
"You get zero % of the jobs you don’t apply for," Carollo advises. The job includes health benefits, a 4% employer match on a 401(k), and an RTD Eco Pass.
The Colorado Convention Center photographed on Nov. 13, 2023.
Additional Labor Market Insights
- Labor Strikes: Colorado has at least three labor strikes currently, including workers at Swift Beef Company in Greeley, educators at Sheridan School District, and employees at Alamo Drafthouse in Sloans Lake protesting mobile ordering systems.
- Beverage Distributor Shutdown: Eagle Rock Distributing Company is shutting down Colorado operations on June 5, laying off 526 employees, after being acquired by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.
- Apprenticeship Month: April is Colorado Apprenticeship Month 2026, with National Apprenticeship Week starting April 26. Registered programs can help companies qualify for tax credits and grants.
Take the Poll: How Hard Is It to Get a Job?
Job data indicates challenges in finding work. Help understand how Coloradans are impacted by taking the reader poll.
Key Takeaways for Job Seekers
- Employers are hiring cautiously, with longer decision times and precise fit requirements.
- Tech jobs are expected to grow in 2026, driven by AI and emerging technologies.
- Specific roles in fields like automation, nonprofit operations, and sales offer opportunities, but may require niche experience or travel.
- Networking and applying strategically are crucial in a competitive market.
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