Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Boulder, CO
In Boulder, Colorado, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations command an impressive average annual salary of $113,530. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $91,840, indicating a strong local demand and a premium placed on these specialized skills within the Boulder economic landscape. The concentration of research institutions and innovative industries in Boulder likely drives this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $113,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $183,170.
- Outlook: The local job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Boulder appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 5,860 individuals. Furthermore, a Location Quotient of 3.2 signifies a concentration of these roles nearly 3.2 times the national average, suggesting a thriving and specialized sector with considerable employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Boulder, CO earns+23.6%above the national average.
$54.6
$2,183
$9,461
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Boulder have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typical in dynamic job markets with high demand and a strong emphasis on scientific and technical expertise, reflecting increasing employer investment in talent.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Boulder, CO
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Boulder is typically marked by a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior scientists and lead researchers can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight the substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities available.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $58,660 | $28.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $85,148 | $40.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $106,310 | $51.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $141,913 | $68.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $183,170 | $88.1 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$113,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$113,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
An average annual salary of $113,530 in Boulder, CO, is particularly advantageous given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the higher nominal income translates directly into strong purchasing power, allowing residents to maintain a comparable standard of living to the national average while earning a significantly higher wage.
Job Market Context
5,860
Total Jobs
29.987
Per 1K Jobs
3.2
Location Quotient
Boulder, CO has 3.2x the national concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations 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 3.2 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations indicates a highly concentrated and specialized job market. This suggests that the area is a significant hub for these professions, potentially offering more specialized roles and a competitive environment for talent, with employers actively seeking individuals with relevant expertise.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Comparing salaries near Boulder, CO
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Boulder, CO?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Boulder, CO is $113,530. This typically ranges from $58,660 for entry-level positions to $183,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boulder, CO is 23.6% higher than the national median of $91,840.
Is Boulder, CO a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Yes, Boulder, CO is a highly lucrative location for these professionals.The average salary of $113,530 is substantially higher than the national average, and the Cost of Living Index matches the national average, maximizing earning potential.
Is Boulder, CO a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
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 ($100,700) and Greeley, CO.
How does Boulder's salary compare to the national average for these roles?
Professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Boulder earn an average of $113,530 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $91,840.
What does the Location Quotient of 3.2 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 3.2 signifies that Boulder has a significantly higher concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs compared to the national average, indicating a robust and specialized local market.
How does the Cost of Living in Boulder affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Boulder's cost of living is on par with the national average. This means the higher average salary of $113,530 offers excellent purchasing power for residents.
What is the total number of Life, Physical, and Social Science workers in Boulder?
There are approximately 5,860 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within the Boulder area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,860 employees in the Boulder, CO area with a job density of 29.987 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Boulder, CO