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Average Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in Colorado

Food Scientists and Technologists in Colorado earn an average annual salary of $90,520. This figure is marginally below the national average of $92,790, suggesting that while Colorado offers competitive compensation, regional economic factors and the specific demands of the local food industry play a significant role in shaping pay scales.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $90,520 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 52.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $129,630.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 310 individuals, the Food Scientist and Technologist sector in Colorado demonstrates a notable presence. The Location Quotient of 1.16 indicates a concentration of these professionals that is 16% higher than the national average, signaling a robust and potentially growing demand for specialized talent within the state's food industry.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$90,520

The average Food Scientists and Technologists in Colorado earns-2.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$43.5

Weekly

$1,741

Monthly

$7,543

Food Scientists and Technologists Salary Distribution in Colorado

Career progression for Food Scientists and Technologists in Colorado typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and leadership responsibilities can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting the value of their expertise and contributions to product development and quality assurance.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$52,570$25.3
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$67,890$32.6
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$86,370$41.5
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$113,150$54.4
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$129,630$62.3

Detailed Food Scientists and Technologists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$90,520

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$85,801

Adjusted for COL (105.5)

The average annual salary of $90,520 in Colorado needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 105.5. This index, which is 5.5% higher than the national average, means that while the nominal salary is substantial, the purchasing power may be slightly diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living. Careful budgeting is advised for those relocating to the state.

Job Market Context

310

Total Jobs

0.108

Per 1K Jobs

1.16

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.16, Colorado has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Food Scientists and Technologists roles compared to the national norm.

Colorado's Location Quotient of 1.16 for Food Scientists and Technologists suggests a market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy demand and a specialized talent pool, making the job market competitive but also offering good opportunities for skilled professionals who can fill specific industry needs within the state.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Food Scientists and Technologists

CitySalaryDist.
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Food Scientists and Technologists Salary$93,580↑ 3%54 mi

Comparing salaries near Colorado

Hiring Food Scientists and Technologistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Food Scientists and Technologists make in Colorado?

The median annual salary for a Food Scientists and Technologists in Colorado is $90,520. This typically ranges from $52,570 for entry-level positions to $129,630 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Colorado is 2.4% lower than the national median of $92,790.

Is Colorado a lucrative place for Food Scientists and Technologists?

Yes, with caveats.Colorado offers a strong job market with a higher concentration of Food Scientists and Technologists than the national average. However, the average salary is slightly below the national benchmark, and the cost of living is higher, requiring careful financial consideration.

Is Colorado a good place to live for Food Scientists and Technologists?

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 ($93,580) and others.

What is the average salary for a Food Scientist in Colorado?

The average annual salary for Food Scientists and Technologists in Colorado is $90,520.

How does Colorado's salary for Food Scientists compare to the national average?

The average salary in Colorado ($90,520) is slightly lower than the national average ($92,790).

Is the job market for Food Scientists strong in Colorado?

Yes, Colorado has a Location Quotient of 1.16, indicating a higher concentration of these professionals than the national average, suggesting a robust market.

How does the cost of living in Colorado affect the salary of a Food Scientist?

Colorado's Cost of Living Index is 105.5, meaning it's 5.5% higher than the national average. This higher cost of living slightly reduces the purchasing power of the $90,520 average salary compared to national averages.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 0.108 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Food Scientists and Technologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado