Environmental Scientist Salary in Colorado
Based on 3K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$85,990
$41.34/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
+7.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $140K
3K employed in Colorado
Environmental Scientists in Colorado earn a median salary of $85,990 per year, which is 7% above the national average. With approximately 2,580 professionals employed in the state, Colorado offers competitive compensation for those pursuing careers in environmental science. The field encompasses diverse roles in conservation, pollution control, and environmental assessment across the state's varied landscape.
Environmental Scientist salary in Colorado varies significantly based on factors including experience level, employer type, and specialization. Government agencies, consulting firms, and private industries offer different compensation packages, with positions in urban areas and those requiring advanced credentials typically commanding higher pay. The salary range spans from $65,260 to $140,340 annually, reflecting how education, location, and specific expertise influence earning potential in this growing field.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,260 |
| 25th percentile | $65,670 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $85,990 |
| 75th percentile | $106,690 |
| 90th percentile | $140,340 |
Top-Paying Industries for Environmental Scientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Environmental Scientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Environmental Scientists in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $134,100 | 110 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $122,660 | 210 |
| Manufacturing | $120,930 | 1K |
| Utilities | $115,170 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $110,020 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Environmental Scientist in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $81,980 |
| 2023 | $91,750 |
| 2024 | $86,720 |
| 2025 | $85,990 |
| 2026 (projected) | $85,990 |
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 | $81,980 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $91,750 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $86,720 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $85,990 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $85,990 | $80,042 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,670 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $85,990 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $106,690 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $140,340 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Environmental Scientist ($85,990 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geoscientist in CO | $114,410 | +33.1% | $55.00/hr |
| Psychologist in CO | $113,290 | +31.7% | $54.47/hr |
| Physicist in CO | $104,580 | +21.6% | $50.28/hr |
| Chemist in CO | $101,980 | +18.6% | $49.03/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in CO | $101,340 | +17.9% | $48.72/hr |
| Web Developer in CO | $85,950 | -0.0% | $41.32/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in CO | $86,220 | +0.3% | $41.45/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CO | $87,430 | +1.7% | $42.03/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in CO | $87,760 | +2.1% | $42.19/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in CO | $83,590 | -2.8% | $40.19/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in CO | $82,750 | -3.8% | $39.78/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in CO | $89,280 | +3.8% | $42.92/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make in Colorado?
- Environmental scientists in Colorado earn a median salary of $85,990 per year, or $41 per hour. This is 7.4% higher than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists in Colorado?
- The salary range for environmental scientists in Colorado spans from $65,260 at the lower end to $140,340 at the upper end, reflecting differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many environmental scientist jobs are available in Colorado?
- There are approximately 2,580 environmental scientists currently employed in Colorado, providing a solid job market in the state.
Is Colorado a good state for environmental scientist salaries?
- Yes, Colorado offers competitive salaries for environmental scientists with a median of $85,990 annually, which is 7.4% above the national average, making it an above-average state for this profession.