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Average Data Scientists Salary in Boulder, CO

Data Scientists in Boulder, Colorado, command an impressive average annual salary of $148,570, significantly outpacing the national average of $126,010. This premium is largely attributable to Boulder's thriving tech ecosystem and the high demand for specialized analytical talent within this dynamic market.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $148,570 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 46.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $222,855.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 650 Data Scientists and a Location Quotient of 2.2, Boulder demonstrates a robust and concentrated demand for this profession. The concentration, more than double the national average, suggests a strong presence of companies actively seeking and employing data science expertise, indicating a healthy and potentially growing job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$148,570

The average Data Scientists in Boulder, CO earns+17.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$71.4

Weekly

$2,857

Monthly

$12,381

Data Scientists Salary Distribution in Boulder, CO

The salary landscape for Data Scientists in Boulder, CO, naturally scales with experience. Entry-level positions typically fall within the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive project portfolios and leadership experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The discernible gaps between these percentiles highlight clear career progression pathways and the significant earning potential for advancement.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$73,300$35.2
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$111,428$53.6
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$121,870$58.6
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$185,713$89.3
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$222,855$107.1

Detailed Data Scientists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$148,570

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$148,570

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $148,570 in Boulder, CO, is particularly attractive when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the higher average salary directly translates to greater purchasing power for Data Scientists in Boulder, allowing their earnings to go further compared to many other high-paying tech hubs with elevated living costs.

Job Market Context

650

Total Jobs

3.338

Per 1K Jobs

2.2

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Boulder, CO has 2.2x the national concentration of Data Scientists 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 2.2 signifies a highly concentrated job market for Data Scientists, indicating that the area employs more than twice the national average proportion of these professionals. This suggests a competitive environment where employers actively vie for top talent, but also a rich ecosystem of opportunities for skilled individuals within the field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Data Scientists

CitySalaryDist.
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Data Scientists Salary$115,540↓ 22%27 mi
Greeley, CO Data Scientists Salary$119,120↓ 20%37 mi
Fort Collins-Loveland, CO Data Scientists Salary$112,870↓ 24%37 mi
Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Data Scientists Salary$100,670↓ 32%67 mi

Comparing salaries near Boulder, CO

Hiring Data Scientistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Data Scientists make in Boulder, CO?

The median annual salary for a Data Scientists in Boulder, CO is $148,570. This typically ranges from $73,300 for entry-level positions to $222,855 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Boulder, CO is 17.9% higher than the national median of $126,010.

Is Boulder, CO a lucrative place for Data Scientists?

Yes, Boulder, CO is a highly lucrative location for Data Scientists.Data Scientists in Boulder earn significantly above the national average salary, and their earnings hold strong purchasing power due to the national average cost of living.

Is Boulder, CO a good place to live for Data Scientists?

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 ($115,540) and Greeley, CO.

How does Boulder's Data Scientist salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Data Scientists in Boulder, CO, is $148,570, which is substantially higher than the national average of $126,010.

What is the concentration of Data Scientists in Boulder, CO?

Boulder has a high concentration of Data Scientists, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.2, meaning the area employs more than double the national average proportion of these professionals.

Does the cost of living in Boulder affect the value of the Data Scientist salary?

No, the cost of living in Boulder is at the national average (index of 100), meaning the higher average salary of $148,570 offers excellent real purchasing power.

How many Data Scientists are there in Boulder, CO?

There are approximately 650 Data Scientists working in Boulder, CO, contributing to the robust local tech workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 650 employees in the Boulder, CO area with a job density of 3.338 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Data Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Boulder, CO