Physicist Salary in Colorado
Based on 1K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$104,580
$50.28/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
-32.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$82K – $211K
1K employed in Colorado
The median physicist salary in Colorado is $104,580 annually, based on data from approximately 1,050 employed physicists in the state. However, this figure falls about 32 percent below the national average for the profession, reflecting regional economic differences and the state's industry composition compared to other major employment centers.
Several factors influence physicist salary in Colorado, including the type of employer, years of experience, and specialized expertise. The state's mix of government research facilities, universities, and private technology companies creates varied compensation levels. Additionally, cost of living considerations and competition for talent in growing sectors like aerospace and renewable energy can affect individual earning potential within the state.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $82,340 |
| 25th percentile | $82,340 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $104,580 |
| 75th percentile | $168,240 |
| 90th percentile | $210,950 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physicist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physicists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physicists in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $239,360 | 3K |
| Wholesale Trade | $219,010 | — |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $213,780 | 50 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $210,530 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $176,170 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physicist in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $130,640 |
| 2023 | $137,150 |
| 2024 | $144,670 |
| 2025 | $104,580 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,580 |
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 | $130,640 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $137,150 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $144,670 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $104,580 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,580 | $153,763 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $82,340 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $104,580 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $168,240 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $210,950 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Physicist ($104,580 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geoscientist in CO | $114,410 | +9.4% | $55.00/hr |
| Psychologist in CO | $113,290 | +8.3% | $54.47/hr |
| Chemist in CO | $101,980 | -2.5% | $49.03/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in CO | $101,340 | -3.1% | $48.72/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in CO | $85,990 | -17.8% | $41.34/hr |
| Computer Programmer in CO | $104,610 | +0.0% | $50.29/hr |
| Management Analyst in CO | $104,750 | +0.2% | $50.36/hr |
| Financial Analyst in CO | $103,850 | -0.7% | $49.93/hr |
| Network Administrator in CO | $103,370 | -1.2% | $49.70/hr |
| Occupational Therapist in CO | $106,720 | +2.0% | $51.31/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in CO | $106,890 | +2.2% | $51.39/hr |
| Physical Therapist in CO | $102,030 | -2.4% | $49.05/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Colorado?
- The median salary for physicists in Colorado is $104,580 per year, or $50 per hour. This is approximately 32% lower than the national average for physicists.
What is the salary range for physicists in Colorado?
- Physicist salaries in Colorado range from $82,340 at the lower end to $210,950 at the higher end, representing significant variation based on experience and specialization.
How many physicists are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 1,050 physicists currently employed in Colorado.
Is the physicist salary in Colorado below the national average?
- Yes, Colorado's median physicist salary of $104,580 is 32% below the national average, making it one of the lower-paying states for this profession.