Geoscientist Salary in Colorado
Based on 1K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$114,410
$55.00/hr
vs National Average
$90,668
+26.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$70K – $210K
1K employed in Colorado
The median Geoscientist salary in Colorado is $114,410 per year, significantly higher than the national average. This translates to an hourly rate of approximately $55, reflecting strong demand for geological expertise in the state. Colorado's robust energy sector and geological survey needs contribute to this favorable compensation.
Several factors influence the Geoscientist salary in Colorado. Experience level plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions typically falling towards the lower end of the $70,410 to $210,090 range, while seasoned professionals can command salaries closer to the upper limit. Location within Colorado, specific industry employers, and specialized skills also contribute to salary variations.
Salary Distribution — Geoscientist in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $70,410 |
| 25th percentile | $82,360 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $114,410 |
| 75th percentile | $162,450 |
| 90th percentile | $210,090 |
Top-Paying Industries for Geoscientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Geoscientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Geoscientists in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $168,680 | 910 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $158,590 | 4K |
| Utilities | $133,170 | 120 |
| Manufacturing | $131,040 | 110 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $122,390 | 30 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Geoscientist in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $114,410 |
| 2026 (projected) | $117,842 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $114,410 | $90,668 |
| 2026 (projected) | $117,842 | $93,388 |
Geoscientist Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $82,360 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $114,410 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $162,450 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $210,090 |
Geoscientist Salary in Other States
Related Geoscientist Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Geoscientist ($114,410 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Geoscientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist in CO | $113,290 | -1.0% | $54.47/hr |
| Physicist in CO | $104,580 | -8.6% | $50.28/hr |
| Chemist in CO | $101,980 | -10.9% | $49.03/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in CO | $101,340 | -11.4% | $48.72/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in CO | $85,990 | -24.8% | $41.34/hr |
| Data Scientist in CO | $117,400 | +2.6% | $56.44/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in CO | $110,750 | -3.2% | $53.25/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in CO | $110,650 | -3.3% | $53.20/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in CO | $110,050 | -3.8% | $52.91/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in CO | $109,750 | -4.1% | $52.76/hr |
| Statistician in CO | $109,660 | -4.2% | $52.72/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in CO | $109,580 | -4.2% | $52.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical Geoscientist salary range in Colorado?
- The salary range for Geoscientists in Colorado generally falls between $70,410 and $210,090 annually. This wide spread indicates significant differences in compensation based on experience, specialization, and employer.
How much does a Geoscientist make on average in Colorado?
- The median Geoscientist salary in Colorado is $114,410 per year, or roughly $55 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of all salaries, meaning half of geoscientists earn more and half earn less.
Is the Geoscientist salary in Colorado higher than the national average?
- Yes, the Geoscientist salary in Colorado is considerably higher than the national average, by approximately 26.2%. This suggests a stronger job market and higher demand for these professionals within the state.
How many Geoscientists are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 1,480 Geoscientists employed in Colorado. This total number of professionals in the field provides context for the job market and salary potential.