Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary in Colorado
Based on 400+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$133,160
$64.02/hr
vs National Average
$133,027
+0.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$85K – $215K
400 employed in Colorado
Computer and Information Research Scientists in Colorado earn a median salary of $133,160 per year, which matches the national average for this specialized field. With approximately 400 workers employed in this role across the state, Colorado maintains a competitive market for research scientists. Salaries in this profession range from $84,660 to $215,090 annually, reflecting the diversity of experience and specialization within the field.
Several factors influence Computer and Information Research Scientist salary in Colorado, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific area of research focus. Geographic location within the state, proximity to tech hubs, and the type of employer—whether academic institutions, private corporations, or government agencies—also play significant roles in compensation. Advanced degrees and specialized expertise in high-demand areas typically command higher salaries within this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Computer and Information Research Scientist in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $84,660 |
| 25th percentile | $107,090 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $133,160 |
| 75th percentile | $166,820 |
| 90th percentile | $215,090 |
Top-Paying Industries for Computer and Information Research Scientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Computer and Information Research Scientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Computer and Information Research Scientists in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $214,370 | 4K |
| Wholesale Trade | $178,640 | 810 |
| Manufacturing | $177,580 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $166,880 | 160 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $163,290 | 530 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Computer and Information Research Scientist in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $112,220 |
| 2023 | $126,840 |
| 2024 | $111,930 |
| 2025 | $133,160 |
| 2026 (projected) | $141,150 |
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 | $112,220 | $120,162 |
| 2023 | $126,840 | $127,853 |
| 2024 | $111,930 | $131,937 |
| 2025 | $133,160 | $133,027 |
| 2026 (projected) | $141,150 | $141,009 |
Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $107,090 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $133,160 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $166,820 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $215,090 |
Computer and Information Research Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Computer and Information Research Scientist Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Computer and Information Research Scientist ($133,160 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Computer and Information Research Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in CO | $199,420 | +49.8% | $95.88/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in CO | $156,080 | +17.2% | $75.04/hr |
| Database Administrator in CO | $154,560 | +16.1% | $74.31/hr |
| Software Engineer in CO | $139,580 | +4.8% | $67.11/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in CO | $139,230 | +4.6% | $66.94/hr |
| Software Developer in CO | $138,390 | +3.9% | $66.53/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in CO | $135,220 | +1.5% | $65.01/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in CO | $129,880 | -2.5% | $62.44/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in CO | $127,750 | -4.1% | $61.42/hr |
| Data Scientist in CO | $117,400 | -11.8% | $56.44/hr |
| Statistician in CO | $109,660 | -17.6% | $52.72/hr |
| Computer Programmer in CO | $104,610 | -21.4% | $50.29/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do computer and information research scientists make in Colorado?
- Computer and information research scientists in Colorado earn a median salary of $133,160 per year, or $64 per hour. This is slightly above the national average, representing a +0.1% difference compared to the rest of the country.
What is the salary range for research scientists in Colorado?
- The salary range for computer and information research scientists in Colorado spans from $84,660 at the lower end to $215,090 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many computer research scientists are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 400 computer and information research scientists currently employed in Colorado, representing the total workforce in this occupation within the state.
Is the Colorado research scientist salary competitive compared to the national average?
- Yes, Colorado's median salary of $133,160 for computer and information research scientists is competitive, sitting just 0.1% above the national average. This makes Colorado a comparable market for this specialized technical role.