Durango Jobs: Finding Work in Southwest Colorado

Looking for work in Durango, Colorado? As local real estate experts who know the Durango community well, we know that finding a good job is key when moving to our mountain town. This guide to Durango jobs will help you find local work options, explore career paths, and connect with job resources in Southwest Colorado.

Durango’s Job Market Overview

Durango has a diverse and stable job market. With unemployment below the national average (around 3.7% in early 2025), jobs in Durango CO are available despite the town’s remote location.

The city serves as the business center for Southwest Colorado, attracting workers from nearby towns like Bayfield, Ignacio, Hesperus, and northern New Mexico. This creates many job opportunities in durango co across different fields.

Key Employment Sectors in Durango

Tourism and Travel

Tourism drives much of Durango’s economy, creating many job openings in durango co:

Hotels and Lodging: Hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and resorts (including Purgatory)
Food Service: Restaurants, breweries, cafés, and catering companies
Outdoor Activities: Guides, ski instructors, and adventure companies
Retail: Shops, galleries, and specialty stores

While many tourism jobs are seasonal, management roles and positions at larger businesses often offer year-round work with good benefits.

Education

Education provides stable jobs with benefits:

Fort Lewis College: With over 3,500 students, the college has hundreds of faculty and staff jobs
Durango School District 9-R: Offers teaching, office, and support positions at multiple schools
Private and Charter Schools: Several other schools provide more job options

Education careers in durango co typically offer good benefits and stability, making them highly sought-after.

Healthcare

The healthcare sector continues to grow, offering some of the most stable and well-paid durango jobs:

Mercy Regional Medical Center: The largest healthcare employer, with positions from clinical roles to office support
Private Medical Practices: Many specialty clinics and medical offices
Mental Health Services: Growing need for counselors, therapists, and support staff
Senior Care: Several assisted living facilities and senior care organizations

Healthcare professionals often find that Durango offers a good balance of work opportunities and lifestyle benefits.

Government

Government jobs at various levels provide stable employment with good benefits:

City of Durango: Office, maintenance, planning, recreation, and public safety positions
La Plata County: Similar range of opportunities at the county level
Federal Agencies: U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other agencies have offices in the area
State Agencies: Colorado Parks and Wildlife and other state departments maintain local offices

Government positions typically feature good benefits packages and greater job security than many private sector jobs.

Natural Resources and Outdoor Industries

Durango’s location amid abundant natural resources creates unique employment durango co opportunities:

Forestry and Land Management: Both public and private sector positions
Energy: Traditional and renewable energy companies operate in the region
Outdoor Product Companies: Several outdoor gear and apparel companies are based in Durango
Environmental Services: Firms specializing in environmental studies and cleanup

These sectors often combine technical skills with a love for the outdoors, making them especially appealing to those attracted to Durango’s natural setting.

Professional Services

A growing professional services sector serves both local needs and clients beyond Durango:

Financial Services: Banks, credit unions, investment firms, and insurance companies
Real Estate: Brokerages, property management, and development companies
Legal Services: Law firms specializing in various practice areas
Marketing and Creative Services: Several agencies and freelance professionals
Technology: Growing number of tech startups and remote workers

Many professional service firms in Durango offer flexibility and work-life balance not always found in larger markets.

Remote Work Opportunities

Durango has become increasingly attractive to remote workers:

Co-Working Spaces: Several facilities offer professional environments for remote workers
High-Speed Internet: Available throughout most of the city and expanding in rural areas
Professional Community: Growing network of remote professionals who collaborate and socialize

The ability to work remotely while enjoying Durango’s outdoor activities and quality of life has brought many new residents in recent years.

Largest Employers for Durango Colorado Employment Opportunities

These organizations typically have the most durango job openings and stable employment:

Mercy Regional Medical Center: Healthcare services
Fort Lewis College: Higher education
Durango School District 9-R: K-12 education
City of Durango: Municipal government
La Plata County: County government
Purgatory Resort: Ski resort and year-round recreation
Walmart: Retail
Home Depot: Retail/home improvement
Southern Ute Indian Tribe: Various enterprises (primarily in nearby Ignacio)
Mercury Payment Systems/Worldpay: Financial technology

Salary Information for Jobs in Durango CO

Understanding local pay is crucial when considering a move to Durango:

Wage Overview

Durango wages vary significantly by industry, with tourism and service jobs typically paying less than professional, healthcare, and government positions. According to recent data, the median household income in Durango is about $66,000.

Cost of Living Considerations

While Durango offers competitive wages for a small city, the cost of living—especially housing—is higher than many similar communities. Recent analysis shows Durango’s overall cost of living is about 28% above the national average, with housing costs being the main factor.

For comfortable living in Durango, a single adult typically needs to earn at least $19-20 per hour, with families needing more.

Industry-Specific Salary Ranges

These ranges represent typical pay for various sectors in Durango as of early 2025:

Industry	Entry-Level	Mid-Career	Senior/Specialized
Tourism/Food Service	$15-18/hr	$20-25/hr	$50,000-70,000/yr
Education	$45,000-55,000/yr	$55,000-70,000/yr	$70,000-100,000+/yr
Healthcare	$18-25/hr	$60,000-80,000/yr	$100,000-200,000+/yr
Government	$40,000-50,000/yr	$50,000-70,000/yr	$70,000-110,000/yr
Professional Services	$45,000-60,000/yr	$60,000-90,000/yr	$90,000-150,000+/yr
Retail	$15-18/hr	$18-25/hr	$45,000-70,000/yr
Skilled Trades	$20-30/hr	$30-40/hr	$70,000-100,000+/yr

High Paying Jobs in Durango CO

For those seeking more lucrative opportunities, these positions typically offer the highest pay in the Durango area:

Medical Specialists: Physicians, surgeons, dentists, and specialized healthcare providers
Healthcare Administrators: Hospital and clinical leadership positions
College Administrators and Tenured Professors: Senior positions at Fort Lewis College
Engineering Professionals: Civil, environmental, and specialized engineering roles
Financial Services Professionals: Financial advisors, loan officers, and investment specialists
Technology Leaders: IT directors, software developers, and security specialists
Legal Professionals: Attorneys and legal consultants
Government Management: Department directors and senior administrators
Business Owners and Entrepreneurs: Successful local business ventures
Remote Executives: Senior professionals working remotely for national companies

Seasonal Employment and Durango Jobs Hiring

Durango’s economy has seasonal patterns that create specialized job opportunities:

Winter (December-March)

Ski Resort Staff: Instructors, lift operators, food service, and hotel positions at Purgatory Resort
Holiday Retail: Temporary roles in shops and restaurants during the holiday season
Winter Activities: Guides for activities like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice climbing

Summer (May-September)

River Guides: Whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing guides
Trail Guides: Mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding guides
Wildland Firefighters: Seasonal positions with federal and state agencies
Construction: Building activity increases significantly during warmer months
Agricultural Work: Farm and ranch positions in surrounding areas
Forest Technicians: Field positions with public land management agencies
Tourism Services: Increased staffing at attractions, hotels, and restaurants

These seasonal positions can provide good income during peak periods and may lead to year-round jobs with the right employers. Many places hiring durango co are seasonal businesses looking for summer or winter staff.

Finding Jobs Hiring in Durango CO

Successfully navigating the Durango job market requires knowing where and how to search:

Online Job Boards

These platforms regularly feature job listings durango co:

Indeed: Comprehensive job listings across various sectors
LinkedIn: Professional positions and networking opportunities
Colorado Workforce: State job board with Durango listings
Durango Jobs Facebook Group: Active community posting of local opportunities

Employer Websites

Many larger employers post durango job openings exclusively on their own websites:

City of Durango: Municipal government positions
Fort Lewis College: Faculty and staff openings
Mercy Regional Medical Center: Healthcare positions
Durango School District 9-R: Teaching and support staff roles

Local Resources for Job Search Durango CO

In-person networking remains valuable in Durango’s tight-knit community:

Durango Workforce Center: Located at 46 Burnett Drive, offering job listings, training programs, and career counseling
Chamber of Commerce: Networking events and business connections
Industry-Specific Events: Job fairs, professional gatherings, and informal networking opportunities

Professional Recruiting Services

Several agencies specialize in connecting qualified candidates with Durango employers:

Express Employment Professionals: Staffing services across multiple industries
Robert Half: Professional and financial positions
Healthcare-Specific Recruiters: Several agencies focus on medical positions

Full Time Jobs in Durango CO

For those seeking stable, year-round employment, these sectors consistently offer full-time jobs in durango co:

Healthcare: Always in demand with numerous full-time positions
Education: Teaching and administrative roles typically provide full benefits
Government: City, county, state, and federal positions usually offer full benefits
Financial Services: Banks, credit unions, and investment firms
Manufacturing: Several manufacturers in the area offer stable production roles
Professional Services: Law firms, accounting practices, and similar businesses
Retail Management: Department and specialty stores have full-time management needs

Finding durango jobs full time often requires patience, as Durango’s job market can be competitive for the most desirable positions.

Part-Time Opportunities and Careers Durango CO

For those seeking flexibility or supplemental income, part-time work is widely available:

Retail and Food Service: Numerous openings with flexible scheduling
Recreation and Tourism: Weekend and seasonal positions
Educational Support: Substitute teaching, teaching assistant roles, and after-school programs
Healthcare Support: Home health aides, medical receptionists, and similar roles

Learn more about jobs in Durango CO

Employment Durango CO Resources and Support

Durango offers several resources to help job seekers:

Colorado Workforce Center

Located in Durango, the Workforce Center provides:

Job listings and search assistance
Resume and interview coaching
Training programs and workshops
Career counseling services
Unemployment assistance

Fort Lewis College Career Services

While primarily serving students and alumni, some resources are available to community members:

Career fairs open to the public
Professional development workshops
Networking events

Small Business Development Center

For entrepreneurs and those considering starting businesses:

Business plan development
Market research assistance
Financing guidance
Mentoring programs

Tips for Job Openings in Durango CO

Based on our experience helping relocating professionals, we recommend these strategies:

Start Early: Begin your job search 3-6 months before your planned relocation
Visit in Person: If possible, spend time in Durango networking and interviewing
Leverage Local Connections: Mention any connections to the area in your applications
Highlight Outdoor Interests: Many employers value candidates who appreciate Durango’s lifestyle
Consider Seasonal Transitions: Some seasonal positions convert to year-round roles for the right candidates
Be Flexible: Consider positions that might not perfectly match your previous experience
Prepare for Video Interviews: Many employers conduct initial interviews remotely
Research Housing Simultaneously: Coordinate your job and housing searches to ensure both are viable

Durango Colorado Employment Opportunities Outlook

Looking ahead, several trends are shaping durango employment:

Growing Sectors

Healthcare: Continuing expansion with aging population and regional medical services
Technology: Increasing presence of remote workers and small tech companies
Renewable Energy: Emerging opportunities in solar, energy efficiency, and related fields
Professional Services: Growth in specialized consulting and business services

Challenges and Opportunities

Housing-Job Balance: The gap between wages and housing costs presents ongoing challenges
Remote Work: Increasing opportunities for residents to work for companies based elsewhere
Small Business Growth: Strong support for small business development and startups
Skills Training: Growing programs to develop workforce skills in high-demand areas

Working Remotely from Durango

Durango has become increasingly attractive to remote workers seeking quality of life while maintaining careers with companies based elsewhere:

Remote Work Infrastructure

High-Speed Internet: Available throughout most of the city and expanding in rural areas
Co-Working Spaces: Several professional shared working environments
Remote Work Community: Active network of professionals working for distant employers

Benefits of Remote Work in Durango

Lifestyle Access: Outdoor recreation before and after work hours
Cost Advantage: Earning salaries benchmarked to larger markets while living in Durango
Community Integration: Ability to fully engage with the local community while maintaining career advancement

Relocating to Durango for Work

If you’re considering moving to Durango for employment, here are some practical considerations:

Housing and Employment Coordination

Research housing options in relation to potential workplaces
Consider commute times, especially during winter months
Explore neighborhoods that match both your lifestyle and work location

Timing Your Move

Spring and fall typically see more housing inventory
Winter moves can be complicated by weather but may offer better housing deals
Summer is the most competitive time for both jobs and housing

Family Considerations

Research schools if relocating with children
Explore childcare options, which can be limited
Consider activities and resources for all family members

Ready to Explore Durango Careers?

Finding the right job and the perfect home often go hand-in-hand when relocating to Durango. At Destination DRO, we understand this connection and can help you navigate both aspects of your move for a successful transition to our mountain community.

Our knowledge of Durango neighborhoods, housing trends, and local job markets allows us to provide valuable insights beyond typical real estate services. We can help you find a home that aligns with your work opportunities, commuting preferences, and lifestyle priorities.

Ready to explore options for living and working in Durango? Contact our team of local experts who can provide personalized guidance for your relocation journey.

Contact Destination DRO today!

Phone: (970) 555-1234 Email: info@destinationdro.com Visit: 123 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301

Learn more about living in Durango CO

Employment information in this guide is current as of March 2025. Job market conditions, wages, and opportunities may change. Please contact Destination DRO for the most up-to-date information on Durango jobs and employment opportunities.

Durango Jobs: Complete Employment Guide for Southwest Colorado