Average Physicists Salary in Boulder, CO
Physicists in Boulder, Colorado, command an average annual salary of $153,390. This figure is notably below the national average of $177,260, suggesting that while Boulder is a hub for scientific research, specific market dynamics or a higher concentration of specialized roles may influence compensation. The local economic landscape and the demand for highly specialized scientific talent are key factors shaping this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $153,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $183,170.
- Outlook: Boulder, CO, hosts a substantial local workforce of 890 Physicists, with 4.533 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 32.76 indicates a significantly higher concentration of Physicists compared to the national average. This robust presence suggests a strong and established job market for physicists in the area, pointing towards consistent demand and potential for career growth within this specialized field.
Salary Overview
The average Physicists in Boulder, CO earns-13.5%below the national average.
$73.7
$2,950
$12,783
Physicists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Boulder's physicist salaries over the past four years is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, advancements in scientific research, and increasing demand for specialized skills typically drive salary increases for highly technical roles like physicists, suggesting a positive trajectory for earnings in this field.
Physicists Salary Distribution in Boulder, CO
The salary trajectory for Physicists in Boulder, CO, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and extensive research experience can command salaries well into the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior physicist salaries reflects the value placed on specialized knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and proven track records in complex scientific endeavors.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $109,250 | $52.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $115,043 | $55.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $144,670 | $69.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $191,738 | $92.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $183,170 | $88.1 |
Detailed Physicists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$153,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$153,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $153,390 for Physicists in Boulder, CO, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, without the added financial strain of a higher cost of living. Consequently, the compensation is relatively stable in terms of real value when compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
890
Total Jobs
4.533
Per 1K Jobs
32.76
Location Quotient
Boulder, CO has 32.8x the national concentration of Physicists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 32.76, Boulder, CO, exhibits an exceptionally high concentration of Physicists relative to the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and potentially competitive job market, where employers actively seek out this specific talent pool. The abundance of roles suggests a strong ecosystem supporting physics-related research and development, making it a prime location for professionals in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physicists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Physicists Salary | $155,520↑ 1% | 27 mi |
Comparing salaries near Boulder, CO
Hiring Physicistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physicists make in Boulder, CO?
The median annual salary for a Physicists in Boulder, CO is $153,390. This typically ranges from $109,250 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 13.5% lower than the national median of $177,260.
Is Boulder, CO a lucrative place for Physicists?
Yes, with caveats.Boulder, CO, offers a strong concentration of physicist jobs and a cost of living on par with the national average, making the $153,390 salary competitive in real terms. However, the average salary is below the national average, which is a point to consider.
Is Boulder, CO a good place to live for Physicists?
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 ($155,520) and others.
How does the number of physicists in Boulder compare nationally?
Boulder, CO, has a significantly higher concentration of physicists, as indicated by its Location Quotient of 32.76, which is over 32 times the national average.
What is the cost of living like for a physicist in Boulder?
The cost of living in Boulder, CO, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning your salary of $153,390 has the same purchasing power as it would nationally.
Are there many job opportunities for physicists in Boulder?
Yes, with 4.533 jobs per 1,000 workers and a high location quotient, the job market for physicists in Boulder appears robust and concentrated.
How does the average physicist salary in Boulder compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for physicists in Boulder, CO, is $153,390, which is lower than the national average of $177,260.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 890 employees in the Boulder, CO area with a job density of 4.533 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physicists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Boulder, CO