Accountant Salary in Colorado
Based on 35K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$97,030
$46.65/hr
vs National Average
$82,597
+17.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$61K – $162K
35K employed in Colorado
Accountant salary in Colorado averages $97,030 per year, reflecting strong earning potential in the state's financial sector. This median sits 17% above the national average, positioning Colorado as an attractive location for accounting professionals. With over 35,410 accountants currently employed across the state, the market remains robust and competitive.
Several factors influence accountant compensation throughout Colorado, including experience level, industry specialization, and geographic location within the state. Salaries typically range from $60,760 for entry-level positions to $162,160 for senior roles, demonstrating considerable room for career advancement. Urban centers like Denver generally command higher wages compared to rural areas, while specialized certifications and advanced degrees can significantly boost earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Accountant in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,760 |
| 25th percentile | $74,900 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $97,030 |
| 75th percentile | $127,270 |
| 90th percentile | $162,160 |
Top H-1B Employers for Accountant in Colorado
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Colorado — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ernst & Young U.S. LLP | 6 | $85,999 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Accountant H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Colorado
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Colorado.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level II | Qualified | $92,088 | 10 |
| Level III | Experienced | $115,850 | 6 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $128,434 | 6 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Accountant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Accountants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Accountants in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $106,050 | 8K |
| Information | $99,430 | 35K |
| Utilities | $98,130 | 8K |
| Finance and Insurance | $93,290 | 119K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $91,940 | 105K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Accountant in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,290 |
| 2023 | $84,200 |
| 2024 | $90,030 |
| 2025 | $97,030 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,852 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,290 | $73,060 |
| 2023 | $84,200 | $76,751 |
| 2024 | $90,030 | $79,712 |
| 2025 | $97,030 | $82,597 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,852 | $87,553 |
Accountant Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $74,900 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $97,030 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $127,270 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $162,160 |
Accountant Salary in Other States
Related Accountant Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Accountant ($97,030 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Accountant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in CO | $182,690 | +88.3% | $87.83/hr |
| Economist in CO | $121,410 | +25.1% | $58.37/hr |
| Actuary in CO | $120,440 | +24.1% | $57.90/hr |
| Financial Analyst in CO | $103,850 | +7.0% | $49.93/hr |
| Financial Examiner in CO | $99,610 | +2.7% | $47.89/hr |
| Budget Analyst in CO | $97,100 | +0.1% | $46.68/hr |
| Loan Officer in CO | $94,520 | -2.6% | $45.44/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in CO | $89,280 | -8.0% | $42.92/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CO | $87,430 | -9.9% | $42.03/hr |
| Compliance Officer in CO | $82,450 | -15.0% | $39.64/hr |
| Credit Analyst in CO | $81,270 | -16.2% | $39.07/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in CO | $68,730 | -29.2% | $33.04/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do accountants make in Colorado?
- Accountants in Colorado earn a median salary of $97,030 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. This is 17.5% higher than the national average, making Colorado a competitive market for accounting professionals.
What is the salary range for accountants in Colorado?
- The salary range for accountants in Colorado spans from $60,760 at the lower end to $162,160 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer size across the state.
Is accountant salary in Colorado higher than the national average?
- Yes, accountants in Colorado earn 17.5% more than the national average, with a median salary of $97,030 compared to the national median. This makes Colorado one of the better-paying states for accounting careers.
How many accountants are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 35,410 accountants employed throughout Colorado. This substantial workforce demonstrates the strong demand for accounting professionals across the state's various industries.