Average Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary in Colorado
Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Colorado earn an impressive average annual salary of $111,120, significantly surpassing the national average of $94,720. This premium is largely driven by the state's robust demand for specialized scientific expertise and its thriving aerospace and research sectors, which necessitate a highly skilled workforce.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $111,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $175,460.
- Outlook: Colorado boasts a substantial concentration of Atmospheric and Space Scientists, indicated by a Location Quotient of 5.75, meaning the state employs over five times the national average proportion of these professionals. With a local workforce of 950 individuals in this field, the market demonstrates a strong and established presence, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for talent.
Salary Overview
The average Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Colorado earns+17.3%above the national average.
$53.4
$2,137
$9,260
Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Colorado have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing demand for climate research, space exploration initiatives, and advancements in atmospheric modeling likely contribute to upward salary pressure in this specialized field.
Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary Distribution in Colorado
Career progression for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Colorado typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting the value of their expertise and contributions.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $65,050 | $31.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $83,340 | $40.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $106,310 | $51.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $138,900 | $66.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $175,460 | $84.4 |
Detailed Atmospheric and Space Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$111,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$105,327
Adjusted for COL (105.5)
The average annual salary of $111,120 in Colorado presents a strong financial standing when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 105.5. While slightly above the national average, the higher salary offers a comfortable margin, suggesting that the increased cost of living is largely offset by the elevated earning potential for these scientists.
Job Market Context
950
Total Jobs
0.328
Per 1K Jobs
5.75
Location Quotient
Colorado has 5.8x the national concentration of Atmospheric and Space Scientists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Colorado's exceptionally high Location Quotient of 5.75 for Atmospheric and Space Scientists signifies a highly concentrated and specialized job market. This indicates that the state is a national hub for this profession, attracting and retaining a disproportionately large number of these experts compared to the rest of the country, making it a competitive yet opportunity-rich environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Atmospheric and Space Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary | $118,010↑ 6% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado
Hiring Atmospheric and Space Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Atmospheric and Space Scientists make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for a Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Colorado is $111,120. This typically ranges from $65,050 for entry-level positions to $175,460 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado is 17.3% higher than the national median of $94,720.
Is Colorado a lucrative place for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?
Yes, Colorado is a highly lucrative state for Atmospheric and Space Scientists.The average salary of $111,120 significantly exceeds the national average, and the state's high concentration of these professionals suggests strong demand and competitive compensation.
Is Colorado a good place to live for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?
Some top paying nearby cities include Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO ($118,010) and others.
How does Colorado's concentration of Atmospheric and Space Scientists compare nationally?
Colorado's Location Quotient of 5.75 indicates that the state has over 5.75 times the national average concentration of Atmospheric and Space Scientists, highlighting it as a major hub for the profession.
What is the average salary for an Atmospheric and Space Scientist in Colorado?
The average annual salary for an Atmospheric and Space Scientist in Colorado is $111,120.
How does the cost of living in Colorado affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 105.5, Colorado is slightly more expensive than the national average, but the higher average salary of $111,120 generally compensates for this increase.
What is the total number of Atmospheric and Space Scientists working in Colorado?
There are approximately 950 Atmospheric and Space Scientists employed within Colorado.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 950 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 0.328 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Atmospheric and Space Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado