SalaryNode

Average Hydrologists Salary in Colorado

Hydrologists in Colorado earn a compelling average annual salary of $121,920, significantly surpassing the national average of $107,260. This elevated compensation is driven by Colorado's robust demand for water resource management professionals, influenced by its unique geography and critical water infrastructure needs.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $121,920 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $180,060.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 270 Hydrologists and a Location Quotient of 2.53, Colorado exhibits a strong concentration of these professionals, indicating a healthy and potentially growing job market. The ratio of 0.094 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a specialized demand that outpaces the national average, pointing to a robust outlook for the profession within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$121,920

The average Hydrologists in Colorado earns+13.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$58.6

Weekly

$2,345

Monthly

$10,160

Hydrologists Salary Distribution in Colorado

Career progression for Hydrologists in Colorado typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior Hydrologists, with extensive project management and specialized knowledge, can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$75,940$36.5
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$91,440$44
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$116,000$55.8
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$152,400$73.3
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$180,060$86.6

Detailed Hydrologists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$121,920

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$115,564

Adjusted for COL (105.5)

The average annual salary of $121,920 in Colorado presents a strong financial standing, especially when considering the state's Cost of Living Index of 105.5. While slightly above the national average, this salary comfortably offsets the increased cost of living, suggesting that Hydrologists can maintain a high quality of life and purchasing power in Colorado.

Job Market Context

270

Total Jobs

0.094

Per 1K Jobs

2.53

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Colorado has 2.5x the national concentration of Hydrologists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Colorado's Location Quotient of 2.53 for Hydrologists is a clear indicator of a highly concentrated job market, more than double the national average. This suggests that the state has a disproportionately large number of Hydrologists relative to its overall workforce, pointing to specialized industry needs and potentially a competitive environment for new entrants, but also a rich ecosystem of expertise.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Hydrologists

CitySalaryDist.
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Hydrologists Salary$124,630↑ 2%54 mi

Comparing salaries near Colorado

Hiring Hydrologistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Hydrologists make in Colorado?

The median annual salary for a Hydrologists in Colorado is $121,920. This typically ranges from $75,940 for entry-level positions to $180,060 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Colorado is 13.7% higher than the national median of $107,260.

Is Colorado a lucrative place for Hydrologists?

Yes, Colorado is a highly lucrative state for Hydrologists.Hydrologists in Colorado earn approximately 14% more than the national average, with a strong market concentration indicating high demand for their specialized skills.

Is Colorado a good place to live for Hydrologists?

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 ($124,630) and others.

How does Colorado's cost of living affect Hydrologist salaries?

Colorado's cost of living is 5.5% higher than the national average. However, the average Hydrologist salary of $121,920 significantly outpaces this, offering strong purchasing power.

What does the Location Quotient of 2.53 mean for Hydrologists in Colorado?

A Location Quotient of 2.53 signifies that Hydrologists are more than twice as concentrated in Colorado compared to the national average, indicating a specialized and robust job market.

Are there many Hydrologist jobs in Colorado?

While the total workforce is 270, the high Location Quotient suggests a significant concentration of demand relative to the national average, implying ample opportunities for skilled professionals.

What is the average salary for a Hydrologist in Colorado?

The average annual salary for a Hydrologist in Colorado is $121,920, which is considerably higher than the national average of $107,260.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 0.094 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Hydrologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado