Data Scientist Salary in Colorado - Make Money and Achieve Financial Freedom

Data Scientist Salary in Colorado: Quick Overview

If you’re considering a career as a data scientist in Colorado, here’s what you need to know about compensation. Colorado data scientists earn a median salary of $111,970 per year, which is +3.7% vs national average.

Metric	Salary
Median Annual Salary	$111,970
Entry-Level (10th Percentile)	$65,420
Experienced (90th Percentile)	$174,700
Estimated Employment	5,910 workers
Salary Range	$65,420 – $174,700

How Colorado Compares to Other States

Here are the top 5 highest-paying states for data scientists across the country:

State	Median Salary
Delaware	$138,780
Virginia	$136,490
California	$133,690
Washington	$132,620
New Jersey	$130,570

Breaking Down the Numbers: What You’ll Actually Make

Let’s get real about the numbers. A data scientist in Colorado can expect their salary to grow significantly over their career:

Starting out (first 1-3 years): Expect somewhere around $65,420 per year. This is the 10th percentile — meaning 10% of workers earn less than this.
Mid-career (3-7 years): The median of $111,970 kicks in. Half of all data scientists in Colorado earn more than this, half earn less.
Senior level (7+ years): Top earners pull in $174,700 or more. The 90th percentile represents the top 10% of earners in the field.

What Affects Your Salary as a Data Scientist in Colorado

Several factors move the needle on your paycheck:

Location within Colorado: Major metro areas typically pay 10-20% more than rural areas. Cost of living plays a big role here.
Industry: Tech companies, financial institutions, and consulting firms usually pay above median. Government and non-profit roles tend to pay below.
Education and certifications: A bachelor’s degree is often the minimum. Specialized certifications can bump your salary by 5-15%.
Experience: Each year of relevant experience adds roughly 2-4% to your base salary, with the biggest jumps in years 1-5.
Company size: Companies with 500+ employees typically offer 8-12% higher base salaries but may have slower promotion cycles.

How to Maximize Your Data Scientist Salary in Colorado

Want to push past the median? Here are strategies that actually work:

Negotiate your starting offer: Companies expect negotiation. Aim for 10-15% above the initial offer. Use the data on this page as leverage.
Switch companies every 2-3 years: Job hoppers see 8-12% salary increases vs 3-5% for staying put. It’s not loyalty that pays — it’s leverage.
Build in-demand skills: Focus on skills that fewer people have. Check job postings in Colorado to see what employers are desperate for.
Get certified: Industry certifications show you’re serious. They also give HR a reason to classify you at a higher pay grade.
Consider remote work: If your role allows it, work remotely for a company in a higher-paying state while enjoying Colorado’s cost of living.

Data Scientist Salary by State

Wondering how Colorado stacks up against the rest? Browse data scientist salaries in other states:

What This Salary Looks Like After Cost of Living

Colorado’s cost of living index sits at 105, which is close to the national average of 100. Your cost of living is pretty much in line with the national average. A $111,970 salary in Colorado feels close to what you’d expect in most other states — no major premium or discount.

Here’s the math: your median salary of $111,970 in Colorado has the same purchasing power as earning roughly $106,638 in a state with average living costs. This is important when you’re comparing job offers across state lines — a higher number on paper doesn’t always mean more money in your pocket.

The biggest expenses that eat into your salary in Colorado:

Housing: Rent or mortgage is typically 30-40% of take-home pay for data scientists in Colorado.
Transportation: Commuting costs vary widely — urban areas with public transit save money, while rural areas require car ownership.
Healthcare: Expect to spend 5-10% of gross income on premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs.
Taxes: State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all factor in. Some states are far more tax-friendly than others.

The takeaway? Don’t just look at the raw salary number. A $65,420 starting salary in Colorado might actually give you more disposable income than a higher salary in a more expensive state.

Career Path: From $65,420 to $174,700

Your salary as a data scientist in Colorado won’t stay flat. Here’s what the typical progression looks like, based on BLS percentile data:

Years 0-3: Junior Data Scientist / Data Analyst

Expected salary range: $65,420 – $75,233

Cleaning data, building basic models, creating dashboards, and supporting senior scientists. You’re in the bottom quartile of earners, but this is where you build the foundation. Focus on learning fast, taking on stretch projects, and documenting your wins for future negotiations.

Years 3-7: Data Scientist / Senior Analyst

Expected salary range: $75,233 – $111,970

Designing experiments, deploying production models, communicating insights to stakeholders. This is where most people hit the median. The jump from entry-level to mid-career is usually the biggest percentage increase you’ll see.

Years 7+: Principal Data Scientist / Head of Data / VP of Analytics

Expected salary range: $111,970 – $174,700+

Setting data strategy, building teams, driving organizational decisions with analytics. The top 10% of data scientists in Colorado earn $174,700 or more. Getting there usually requires a mix of specialized skills, leadership experience, and strategic career moves.

Key milestones that trigger salary jumps: changing companies (8-15% bump), getting promoted (10-20%), earning certifications (5-10%), and relocating to higher-paying markets within Colorado.

How This Compares to Similar Jobs in Colorado

Wondering if you’d make more in a related field? Here’s how data scientist pay in Colorado stacks up against comparable roles:

Job Title	Median Salary	Entry-Level	Top 10%
Software Developer	$134,960	$86,560	$206,430
Accountant	$84,200	$55,960	$139,980
Marketing Manager	$169,220	$110,970	$270,752*

Is it worth moving to a different state for a higher data scientist salary?

Moving from Colorado to a higher-paying state can boost your salary, but run the numbers on cost of living first. A 20% salary increase means nothing if housing costs 40% more. Use the adjusted salary comparison on this page to make an informed decision.

What’s the salary range for data scientists with 10+ years of experience in Colorado?

With 10+ years of experience, data scientists in Colorado typically earn between $123,167 and $174,700. The top earners often have specialized skills, management experience, or work in high-demand industries. Senior-level roles may also include equity, bonuses, or profit-sharing that push total compensation well above the base salary figures shown here.

The Bottom Line on Data scientist Salaries in Colorado

Based on BLS data, data scientists in Colorado can expect a solid earning trajectory over their career. The key is to negotiate your starting salary aggressively, switch companies every few years for bigger jumps, and invest in skills that are actually in demand in Colorado’s job market. Don’t sleep on certifications and professional development — they’re often the difference between staying at median pay and breaking into the top quartile. And if you’re comparing offers from different states, always factor in cost of living. A lower salary in Colorado might actually leave you with more money at the end of the month than a higher salary somewhere expensive. Use the data on this page to make smarter career and financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is $111,970 a good salary for a Data Scientist in Colorado?

The median salary of $111,970 for data scientists in Colorado is above the national average. Whether it’s “good” depends on your experience level, the specific industry you work in, and Colorado’s cost of living. For a single person in most parts of Colorado, this salary provides a comfortable lifestyle.

How much do entry-level data scientists make in Colorado?

Entry-level data scientists in Colorado typically earn around $65,420 per year. This varies by industry and whether you’re in a metro or rural area. Internships and co-ops during school can help you start at a higher pay band.

What’s the job outlook for data scientists in Colorado?

There are approximately 5,910 data scientists employed in Colorado. Job growth varies by specialty, but roles requiring digital skills and data analysis tend to see stronger demand. Check the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest projections.

Do data scientists in Colorado get benefits on top of salary?

Most full-time data scientist positions in Colorado include benefits worth roughly 30% of base salary: health insurance, retirement contributions (often 3-6% match), paid time off (15-25 days), and sometimes bonuses or profit sharing.