US
Boulder, CO
Colorado salary market
$134K
Avg / Year
+19% vs U.S.
vs National
650
Employment
$11.1K
Monthly Avg
Updated for 2026

Data Scientist Salary in Boulder, CO (2026)

The Data Scientist salary in Boulder, CO for 2026 is presented as a modeled salary benchmark built from the latest official BLS wage baseline, then extended with wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available. This guide compares the Boulder, CO market with the U.S. baseline and breaks projected pay down by experience, skills, industry, and nearby markets.

Official BLS baseline: 2024Boulder, CO city pageModeled salary guide10 min read
City Average
$134K
per year
Entry Level
$80.3K
starting range
Senior Level
$174K
upper local band
Remote / Hybrid
$180K
observed remote data
Monthly
$11.1K
avg before tax
Hourly Rate
$59
median equivalent
Salary figures projected to 2026  from May 2024BLS OEWS baseline  ·  Projections use wage history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available
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Data Scientist Salary Overview in Boulder, CO

Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Data Scientist pay in Boulder, CO at about $133,570 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $73,300.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about N/A.

Salary estimates are based on data from the Boulder, Co metropolitan area.

If you’re comparing Data Scientist salaries in Boulder, CO, the real story isn’t just the headline number. Local employer mix, seniority, specialization, and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or onsite can push compensation well above or below the local median.

Boulder, CO vs. U.S. National Average

Boulder, CO pays +19% vs u.s. for Data Scientist roles. The difference is driven by local employer demand, industry mix, cost pressures, and how concentrated this role is in the underlying metro labor market.

United States National Average
$113K
all U.S. markets combined
+19%
Boulder, CO Premium
Boulder, CO City Average
$134K
Data Scientist
MarketProjected Salaryvs Boulder, COMarket Maturity
Boulder, CO (this guide)$133,570BaselineLocal market
United States$112,590-16% vs U.S.National baseline
Colorado Springs, CO$116,900-12% vs U.S.Comparable city
Greeley, CO$114,270-14% vs U.S.Comparable city
Fort Collins, CO$112,400-16% vs U.S.Comparable city
Why Boulder, CO pay differsThe strongest city salary premiums usually appear where employers compete for specialized talent, where the role is concentrated, and where local costs make compensation harder to hold down.

Data Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Boulder, CO

Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Boulder, CO, this breakdown shows how aData Scientist can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.

Entry-Level
0-2 years
$106K
$64/hr median equivalent
$80.3K - $134K
Mid-Level
3-5 years
$134K
$64/hr median equivalent
$106K - $174K
Senior
6-10 years
$174K
$64/hr median equivalent
$134K - $221K
Lead / Principal
10+ years
$221K
$64/hr median equivalent
$174K - $269K
LevelExperienceProjected SalaryProjected RangeMarket Signal
Entry-Level Data Scientist0-2 years$105,699$80,337.0 - $133,570-6% vs U.S.
Mid-Level Data Scientist3-5 years$133,570$105,699 - $173,815+19% vs U.S.
Senior Data Scientist6-10 years$173,815$133,570 - $220,745+54% vs U.S.
Lead / Principal Data Scientist10+ years$220,745$173,815 - $269,309+96% vs U.S.
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Best Salary Areas Near Boulder, CO

Nearby metro areas help show how Data Scientist pay changes around Boulder, CO. Each market reflects its own employer mix, local demand, and industry concentration, making these comparisons useful for candidates weighing their location options.

#1
Boulder, CO
$134K
avg / year
Salary estimates are based on data from the Boulder, Co metropolitan area.
This guide
#2
Colorado Springs, CO
$117K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Data Scientist salaries around Boulder, CO.
-12% vs U.S.
#3
Greeley, CO
$114K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Data Scientist salaries around Boulder, CO.
-14% vs U.S.
#4
Fort Collins, CO
$112K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Data Scientist salaries around Boulder, CO.
-16% vs U.S.
#5
Denver, CO
$105K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Data Scientist salaries around Boulder, CO.
-21% vs U.S.

Data Scientist Salary by Industry in Boulder, CO

Industry premiums in Boulder, CO usually come from employers that place the Data Scientist role close to revenue, infrastructure, compliance, product delivery, or other high-value work. National industry data gives the best available benchmark until local industry slices are available.

IndustryModeled SalaryReference RangeSignal
Information$137,600$62,310.0 - $218,060Stronger salary
Management of Companies and Enterprises$126,940$74,540.0 - $191,930Stronger salary
Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing$125,770$64,300.0 - $167,240Stronger salary
Retail Trade$125,710$56,490.0 - $198,810Competitive
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction$123,640$49,420.0 - $171,270Competitive
Finance and Insurance$123,570$73,500.0 - $179,990Competitive
Manufacturing$118,080$67,010.0 - $185,210Competitive
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services$117,020$66,920.0 - $200,770Competitive

Data Scientist Salary by Skill Specialization in Boulder, CO

Skills like Python can make a Data Scientist easier to price at the high end of the Boulder, CO market, especially when the skill is tied to complex systems, measurable business value, or scarce local supply.

Common tool stackO*NET maps Data Scientist work to tools such as Apache Kafka, Clinical trial management software, Microsoft PowerPoint, and AJAX.
Python
$152K
SQL
$150K
Python
$150K
SQL
$150K
Bash/Shell (all shells)
$153K
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
$167K
PostgreSQL
$153K
C#
$133K
The Data Scientist skill stack in Boulder, COThe highest-value skills are the ones employers can connect to business-critical work, scarce tools, and harder-to-fill responsibilities in the local labor market.

Entry-Level Data Scientist Salary in Boulder, CO

Entry-level Data Scientist jobs in Boulder, CO are modeled around the lower local wage percentiles. Candidates who can show practical projects, job-ready tools, and strong fundamentals usually have a better path into the middle of the local salary range.

For a broader starting-pay benchmark beyond this city market, see the entry-level Data Scientist salary guide.

Entry estimateA reasonable entry-level salary benchmark for Data Scientist roles in Boulder, CO is about $105,699.
Preparation pathJob Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. Typical education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. Training signal: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Remote vs Onsite Data Scientist Pay in Boulder, CO

Remote work can widen the employer pool for Data Scientist candidates in Boulder, CO. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.

Work TypeEstimated SalaryExperienceBest FitFlexibility
Remote$180,000LeadNational hiring poolsHigh
Remote$190,000LeadNational hiring poolsHigh
Remote$165,000SeniorNational hiring poolsHigh
Remote$119,000SeniorNational hiring poolsHigh
Remote$104,000LeadNational hiring poolsHigh
Remote$90,000.0MidNational hiring poolsHigh
Hybrid$127,500LeadBoulder, CO employersMedium
Remote$38,800.0MidNational hiring poolsHigh

Cost of Living vs Salary in Boulder, CO

A salary in Boulder, CO should be read alongside housing, commuting, tax, and everyday costs. The same annual pay can feel very different at entry, mid-level, and senior levels.

Monthly Expense
Entry
Mid
Senior
Housing / rent
$1.8K
$2.4K
$3.1K
Transport / commute
$389.6
$445.2
$500.9
Food and groceries
$834.8
$890.5
$1.0K
Utilities and internet
$389.6
$445.2
$500.9
Estimated remainder
$3.8K
$5.8K
$7.1K
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Top Employers Hiring Data Scientists in Boulder, CO

Employer mix is one of the biggest city-level salary drivers. The industries below highlight where Data Scientist pay tends to be strongest in Boulder, CO, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.

1
Information employers
$138K
Industry benchmark for Data Scientist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
2
Management of Companies and Enterprises employers
$127K
Industry benchmark for Data Scientist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
3
Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing employers
$126K
Industry benchmark for Data Scientist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
4
Retail Trade employers
$126K
Industry benchmark for Data Scientist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
5
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction employers
$124K
Industry benchmark for Data Scientist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
6
Finance and Insurance employers
$124K
Industry benchmark for Data Scientist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.

Boulder, CO Compared With Other U.S. Cities

This comparison is useful when one city salary number is not enough on its own. It shows whetherBoulder, CO is genuinely a stronger-paying market for Data Scientist work or whether the local benchmark sits closer to the broader national middle.

Boulder, CO
This guide
$134K
Baseline
Colorado Springs, CO
Nearby U.S. market
$117K
-12% vs U.S.
Greeley, CO
Nearby U.S. market
$114K
-14% vs U.S.
Fort Collins, CO
Nearby U.S. market
$112K
-16% vs U.S.
Denver, CO
Nearby U.S. market
$105K
-21% vs U.S.
Grand Junction, CO
Nearby U.S. market
$95.4K
-29% vs U.S.
Fort Collins, CO
Nearby U.S. market
$114K
-15% vs U.S.

Career Growth Opportunities in Boulder, CO

Local career growth is strongest when it is read through both the city salary ladder and the broader national demand outlook. The city salary benchmark shows what this market currently pays, while the career path and BLS demand data show how that benchmark can expand with scope and responsibility.

1
Intern / Trainee
$65.3K - $87.8K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
2
Junior
$81.1K - $107K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
3
Mid Level
$101K - $126K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
4
Senior
$122K - $158K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
5
Lead
$144K - $182K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
6
Principal / Architect
$169K - $231K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
BLS Demand SignalEmployment is projected to change by 33.5% from 2024 to 2034.
Much faster than averageAnnual openings: 23.4 thousand.
Metric2026 Outlook
Projected employment245.9k → 328.3k
Typical educationMost of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Related experienceA considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Local market anchor650 jobs with a median of $133,570

Factors Affecting Data Scientist Salary in Boulder, CO

Local pay rarely moves for one reason alone. In city markets, the biggest differences usually come from employer concentration, industry mix, seniority, and whether the role is tied to business-critical work that is harder to staff.

Years of Experience
Salary usually rises as the role moves from entry-level execution to independent ownership, mentoring, and broader decision-making.
Location and Cost of Living
Local salary ranges vary by labor market, employer density, and household-income context.
Industry
Industry pay can vary when employers in higher-margin or harder-to-staff sectors compete for the same occupation.
Specialized Skills
O*NET marks high-demand role-specific skills as relevant skills for this role, making them useful anchors for specialization and salary-growth content.

How to Increase Your Data Scientist Salary in Boulder, CO

In city markets, salary growth often comes from better positioning as much as from patience. These moves are most useful when you already understand the local benchmark and want a clearer path beyond it.

1
Benchmark against stronger markets
Compare national, metro, and industry salary facts before negotiating so your target range is grounded in current wage data.
1-3 months timeline
2
Build a visible specialization
Prioritize skills such as high-demand role-specific skills; O*NET relevance scores make these good first candidates for portfolio and resume positioning.
3-9 months timeline
3
Target higher-paying industries
Use industry salary facts to identify sectors that already pay above the occupation baseline.
2-6 months timeline
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Data Scientist Salary in Boulder, CO: FAQs

These questions usually come up after readers compare the city benchmark, the statewide picture, and the local experience ladder. They help clarify how to read the market and what matters most when you compare this city with other options.

These FAQs focus on how readers searching for "Data Scientist" usually compare local pay, employer mix, and market differences in this city.

What is the average Data Scientist in Boulder, COs salary?
The latest national baseline for Data Scientists is about $112,600 per year, based on the current BLS-derived salary facts in CareerClev.
What is the entry-level Data Scientist in Boulder, COs salary?
Entry-level estimates for Data Scientists are modeled around the lower BLS percentile range, currently about $63,700 per year nationally.
How much can senior Data Scientist in Boulder, COs professionals earn?
Senior Data Scientists estimates are modeled from upper percentile wage bands and currently sit around $155,800 per year nationally.
Does location affect Data Scientist in Boulder, COs salary?
Yes. CareerClev stores salary facts by national, state, and metro locations, so location-specific pages should use the closest available geography instead of a single national number.
Which skills matter for Data Scientist in Boulder, COs salary growth?
CareerClev uses O*NET skill importance and level scores to identify role-relevant skills. These are useful for recommendations, but should not be presented as measured salary premiums unless enriched compensation data exists.
Data
Data Sources & MethodologyUpdated using 2024 BLS OEWS salary facts, O*NET occupation-skill data, Census location context where available, ILOSTAT country benchmarks where mapped, BLS Employment Projections where imported, and Stack Overflow Developer Survey enrichment for mapped tech roles.
Salary figures use BLS OEWS wage facts for 2024. City pages use the BLS metropolitan area as the salary dataset, display the largest city as the public page name, and model experience bands from local wage percentiles.
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