Chemist Salary in Colorado
Based on 2K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$101,980
$49.03/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
+10.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$61K – $163K
2K employed in Colorado
Chemists working in Colorado earn a median salary of $101,980 per year, which is 11% above the national average. The state currently employs approximately 1,790 chemists across various industries, from pharmaceuticals to research institutions. Salaries in this field typically range from $61,260 to $162,680 annually, reflecting differences in experience and specialization.
Several factors influence chemist salary in Colorado, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific industry sector. Geographic location within the state, employer size, and whether positions involve research, quality control, or production management also play significant roles in compensation. Advanced degrees and specialized certifications tend to command higher salaries, as do roles requiring extensive technical expertise or regulatory knowledge.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $61,260 |
| 25th percentile | $77,910 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $101,980 |
| 75th percentile | $132,560 |
| 90th percentile | $162,680 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chemist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chemists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chemists in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $123,380 | 610 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $112,840 | 3K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $109,990 | 190 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $107,330 | 10K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $96,840 | 160 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chemist in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $84,180 |
| 2023 | $92,900 |
| 2024 | $97,380 |
| 2025 | $101,980 |
| 2026 (projected) | $106,797 |
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 | $84,180 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $92,900 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $97,380 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $101,980 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $106,797 | $96,356 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $77,910 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $101,980 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $132,560 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $162,680 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Chemist ($101,980 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geoscientist in CO | $114,410 | +12.2% | $55.00/hr |
| Psychologist in CO | $113,290 | +11.1% | $54.47/hr |
| Physicist in CO | $104,580 | +2.5% | $50.28/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in CO | $101,340 | -0.6% | $48.72/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in CO | $85,990 | -15.7% | $41.34/hr |
| Physical Therapist in CO | $102,030 | +0.0% | $49.05/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CO | $101,420 | -0.5% | $48.76/hr |
| Network Administrator in CO | $103,370 | +1.4% | $49.70/hr |
| Registered Nurse in CO | $100,260 | -1.7% | $48.20/hr |
| Financial Analyst in CO | $103,850 | +1.8% | $49.93/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in CO | $100,080 | -1.9% | $48.12/hr |
| Art Director in CO | $99,990 | -2.0% | $48.07/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemists make in Colorado?
- The median salary for chemists in Colorado is $101,980 per year, or $49 per hour. This is 10.8% higher than the national average for chemists, making Colorado a competitive market for this profession.
What is the salary range for chemists in Colorado?
- Chemist salaries in Colorado range from $61,260 at the lower end to $162,680 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, employer, and specialization within the field.
Is Colorado a good state for chemist salaries compared to the national average?
- Yes, Colorado offers chemists 10.8% above the national average salary. With a median of $101,980 annually, Colorado ranks as a favorable location for chemists seeking competitive compensation.
How many chemists are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 1,790 chemists currently employed in Colorado. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's chemical and related industries.