Chief Executive Officer Salary in Colorado
State-level salary data from BLS OES and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$213,370
$102.58/hr
vs National Average
$212,619
+0.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$88K – $402K
Chief Executive Officer salary in Colorado averages $213,370 annually, matching the national median exactly. CEOs in the state earn between $88,400 and $402,230 depending on various circumstances. This salary range reflects the diversity of organizations across Colorado, from smaller regional companies to larger enterprises headquartered in major metro areas like Denver.
Several factors influence Chief Executive Officer salary in Colorado, including company size, industry sector, years of experience, and organizational revenue. Technology and healthcare companies tend to offer higher compensation packages, while nonprofit and smaller businesses typically pay less. Geographic location within the state, local market conditions, and individual qualifications all play significant roles in determining final compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Chief Executive Officer in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $88,400 |
| 25th percentile | $134,380 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $213,370 |
| 75th percentile | $302,380 |
| 90th percentile | $402,230 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chief Executive Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chief Executive Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chief Executive Officers in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $358,310 | 15K |
| Finance and Insurance | $316,050 | 17K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $311,120 | 680 |
| Information | $275,030 | 9K |
| Manufacturing | $263,290 | 11K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chief Executive Officer in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $171,990 |
| 2023 | $179,900 |
| 2024 | $194,810 |
| 2025 | $213,370 |
| 2026 (projected) | $226,172 |
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 | $171,990 | $168,969 |
| 2023 | $179,900 | $173,235 |
| 2024 | $194,810 | $176,421 |
| 2025 | $213,370 | $212,619 |
| 2026 (projected) | $226,172 | $225,376 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $134,380 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $213,370 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $302,380 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $402,230 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary in Other States
Related Chief Executive Officer Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Chief Executive Officer ($213,370 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chief Executive Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Manager in CO | $182,730 | -14.4% | $87.85/hr |
| Sales Manager in CO | $180,850 | -15.2% | $86.95/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in CO | $171,250 | -19.7% | $82.33/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in CO | $166,400 | -22.0% | $80.00/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in CO | $162,870 | -23.7% | $78.30/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in CO | $157,000 | -26.4% | $75.48/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in CO | $141,020 | -33.9% | $67.80/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in CO | $139,980 | -34.4% | $67.30/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in CO | $131,840 | -38.2% | $63.38/hr |
| Construction Manager in CO | $124,830 | -41.5% | $60.01/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in CO | $110,050 | -48.4% | $52.91/hr |
| Management Analyst in CO | $104,750 | -50.9% | $50.36/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CEO make in Colorado?
- The median CEO salary in Colorado is $213,370 per year, which translates to approximately $103 per hour. This is slightly above the national average, representing a +0.4% difference compared to CEO salaries across the United States.
What is the salary range for a Chief Executive Officer in Colorado?
- CEO salaries in Colorado range from a low of $88,400 to a high of $402,230 annually. This wide range reflects differences in company size, industry, and individual experience levels among executives in the state.
Is being a CEO in Colorado better paid than the national average?
- Yes, CEO compensation in Colorado is slightly better than the national average, with Colorado's median salary of $213,370 exceeding the national median by 0.4%. This modest premium makes Colorado a competitive market for executive-level positions.
What's the lowest and highest CEO salary in Colorado?
- The lowest reported CEO salary in Colorado is $88,400 per year, while the highest reaches $402,230 annually. This $313,830 difference shows significant variation based on factors like company size and industry sector.