Average Chemists Salary in Boulder, CO
Chemists in Boulder, Colorado, command an impressive average annual salary of $113,220, significantly outperforming the national average of $94,000. This elevated compensation is largely driven by Boulder's robust scientific and technological ecosystem, fostering high demand for specialized roles and rewarding skilled professionals accordingly.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $113,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $166,330.
- Outlook: Boulder presents a compelling landscape for chemists, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 470 professionals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 4.44 indicates a concentration of chemists far exceeding the national norm, suggesting a dynamic and active job market with considerable demand for their expertise.
Salary Overview
The average Chemists in Boulder, CO earns+20.4%above the national average.
$54.4
$2,177
$9,435
Chemists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salary trend for chemists in Boulder over the past four years has mirrored national trends, likely experiencing steady growth. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for specialized chemical research, and advancements in the field typically contribute to upward salary adjustments for experienced professionals.
Chemists Salary Distribution in Boulder, CO
Career progression for chemists in Boulder is clearly reflected in salary potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, but with experience, chemists can advance into senior roles commanding significantly higher salaries. The widening salary gap between junior and senior positions underscores the value placed on accumulated knowledge, specialized skills, and leadership capabilities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $63,350 | $30.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $84,915 | $40.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $102,600 | $49.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $141,525 | $68 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $166,330 | $80 |
Detailed Chemists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$113,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$113,220
Adjusted for COL (100)
Relocating to Boulder, CO, as a chemist offers excellent financial prospects. With an average salary of $113,220 and a Cost of Living Index precisely at the national average of 100, your earnings will maintain their purchasing power. This means the higher nominal salary directly translates to a strong real income, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without the added financial strain often associated with high-paying cities.
Job Market Context
470
Total Jobs
2.398
Per 1K Jobs
4.44
Location Quotient
Boulder, CO has 4.4x the national concentration of Chemists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Boulder's Location Quotient of 4.44 for chemists is a powerful indicator of a highly concentrated and specialized job market. This signifies that Boulder is a significant hub for chemical professions, attracting and retaining a disproportionately large number of these workers compared to the rest of the nation. Such a high concentration suggests a competitive yet opportunity-rich environment for chemists.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chemists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Chemists Salary | $105,580↓ 7% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Chemists Salary | $98,590↓ 13% | 37 mi |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO Chemists Salary | $97,180↓ 14% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Boulder, CO
Hiring Chemistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chemists make in Boulder, CO?
The median annual salary for a Chemists in Boulder, CO is $113,220. This typically ranges from $63,350 for entry-level positions to $166,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boulder, CO is 20.4% higher than the national median of $94,000.
Is Boulder, CO a lucrative place for Chemists?
Yes, Boulder, CO is a highly lucrative location for Chemists.The average salary of $113,220 significantly exceeds the national average, and the Cost of Living Index is at the national average, making earnings highly valuable.
Is Boulder, CO a good place to live for Chemists?
The Cost of Living Index in Boulder, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Boulder, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO ($105,580) and Greeley, CO.
How does Boulder's Chemist concentration compare nationally?
Boulder's concentration of chemists is exceptionally high, with a Location Quotient of 4.44, meaning there are over four times the national average of chemists per worker in the area.
What is the typical salary range for a Chemist in Boulder?
While the average is $113,220, salary ranges can vary significantly based on experience, specialization, and employer. Entry-level roles will be lower, while senior or highly specialized positions can command substantially more.
Is the job market for Chemists strong in Boulder?
Yes, the strong Location Quotient and substantial local workforce suggest a robust and active job market for chemists in Boulder, indicating consistent demand for their skills.
Does the Cost of Living in Boulder affect Chemist salaries?
The Cost of Living Index in Boulder is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher average salary of $113,220 for chemists provides strong purchasing power without the typical premium associated with high-cost-of-living areas.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the Boulder, CO area with a job density of 2.398 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chemists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Boulder, CO