Economist Salary in Colorado
Based on 240+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$121,410
$58.37/hr
vs National Average
$111,296
+9.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$73K – $193K
240 employed in Colorado
Economists in Colorado earn a median salary of $121,410 per year, positioning the state as an attractive market for professionals in this field. With approximately 240 economists employed throughout Colorado, the state offers competitive compensation that runs 9% above the national average, reflecting strong demand for economic expertise in the region.
Economist salary in Colorado varies based on several factors, including experience level, industry sector, and geographic location within the state. Educational background, specialized certifications, and whether professionals work in government, academia, or private consulting also influence earning potential, with salaries typically ranging from $73,450 to $193,480 annually depending on these variables.
Salary Distribution — Economist in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $73,450 |
| 25th percentile | $82,430 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $121,410 |
| 75th percentile | $157,350 |
| 90th percentile | $193,480 |
Top-Paying Industries for Economist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Economists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Economists in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $210,780 | 30 |
| Wholesale Trade | $207,400 | 40 |
| Manufacturing | $180,320 | 90 |
| Finance and Insurance | $173,990 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $160,150 | 170 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Economist in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $102,070 |
| 2023 | $105,060 |
| 2024 | $111,540 |
| 2025 | $121,410 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,695 |
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 | $102,070 | $96,369 |
| 2023 | $105,060 | $98,241 |
| 2024 | $111,540 | $102,371 |
| 2025 | $121,410 | $111,296 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,695 | $117,974 |
Economist Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $82,430 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $121,410 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $157,350 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $193,480 |
Economist Salary in Other States
Related Economist Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Economist ($121,410 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Economist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in CO | $182,690 | +50.5% | $87.83/hr |
| Actuary in CO | $120,440 | -0.8% | $57.90/hr |
| Financial Analyst in CO | $103,850 | -14.5% | $49.93/hr |
| Financial Examiner in CO | $99,610 | -18.0% | $47.89/hr |
| Budget Analyst in CO | $97,100 | -20.0% | $46.68/hr |
| Accountant in CO | $97,030 | -20.1% | $46.65/hr |
| Loan Officer in CO | $94,520 | -22.1% | $45.44/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in CO | $89,280 | -26.5% | $42.92/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CO | $87,430 | -28.0% | $42.03/hr |
| Compliance Officer in CO | $82,450 | -32.1% | $39.64/hr |
| Credit Analyst in CO | $81,270 | -33.1% | $39.07/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in CO | $68,730 | -43.4% | $33.04/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do economists make in Colorado?
- The median salary for economists in Colorado is $121,410 per year, or $58 per hour. This is 9.1% higher than the national average, making Colorado a competitive market for this profession.
What is the salary range for economists in Colorado?
- Economist salaries in Colorado range from $73,450 at the lower end to $193,480 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, and specific roles within the field.
Is an economist salary in Colorado above the national average?
- Yes, Colorado economists earn 9.1% more than the national average. With a median salary of $121,410 annually, Colorado offers above-average compensation for economists compared to other states.
How many economist jobs are available in Colorado?
- There are approximately 240 economists currently employed in Colorado. This represents the total number of positions in this field across the state.