In 2023, Denver’s workforce saw a wide range of salaries, with some earning well over $100,000 while others started at the city’s minimum wage of $17.29. Here’s a breakdown of the city’s pay landscape.
Top Earners:
- Dr. James Caruso, Chief Medical Examiner and Coroner, topped the list with a gross salary of $372,645.80.
- Nearly 200 employees surpassed the $200,000 mark, with several exceeding $300,000.
Interesting Trends:
- Law enforcement and first responders dominated the highest-paid positions. Among those making over $200,000, 45 were sheriff’s deputies, followed by police and fire sergeants (25) and lieutenants (11).
- Notable high earners included Denver Fire Chief Desmond Fulton at $265,761 and Sheriff Elias Diggins at $233,177.
Beyond City Employees:
- Denver Public Schools data revealed that Superintendent Alex Marrero earned $329,400.44, ranking him at number 4 if included in the city’s list.
The top 10 earners in Denver from a list obtained by KDVR:
| Name | Job Title | Gross |
| Caruso, James Louis | Chief Medical Examiner and Coroner | $372,645.80 |
| Hanley, Michael E | Associate Director Physician Services | $349,463.12 |
| Washington, Phillip Anthony | Manager Department of Aviation | $346,975.20 |
| Linas, Stuart L. | Physician Senior | $305,598.80 |
| Shlay, Judith Carol | Associate Director Physician Services | $296,146.50 |
| Bridges, Richard P | Lieutenant | $281,339.24 |
| Frank, Meredith Ann | Forensic Pathologist | $276,947.85 |
| Liggins, Gregory Cowels | Deputy Sheriff Sergeant | $276,169.51 |
| Jordan, Michael P. | Deputy Sheriff Captain | $274,788.22 |
| Thomas, Ronald E | Chief of Police | $266,432.01 |
