Agriculture & Environment Fort Collins, CO Pop. 169,810

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado

The median agricultural scientist salary in Fort Collins, CO is $78,610 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$78,610
vs State Avg
+$742
vs National
+$4,450
Cost of Living
106%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in Fort Collins: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Collins offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $78,610, which is $742 above the Colorado state average of $77,868. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Fort Collins pays above average for this role.

Fort Collins's cost of living is 106% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Fort Collins spans from $46,640 at the 10th percentile to $129,320 at the 90th percentile — a $82,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,880, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $121,900. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $50,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,880
+$2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,560
+$4,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,900
+$6,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Collins, CO

Percentile Fort Collins
10th Percentile $46,640
25th Percentile $59,360
Median (50th) $78,610
75th Percentile $103,880
90th Percentile $129,320

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$94,925
Pop. 105,673
Denver, CO
$83,059
Pop. 715,522
Aurora, CO
$77,868
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$74,160
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Fort Collins

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Fort Collins and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Collins may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Fort Collins

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Fort Collins, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Fort Collins

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $78,610 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $46,640 (10th percentile) to $129,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,610, a agricultural scientist in Fort Collins earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Fort Collins's median agricultural scientist salary of $78,610 is 1.0% above the Colorado state average of $77,868. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 106% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $78,610 in Fort Collins has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Fort Collins? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Fort Collins require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agronomy, Research Methods, Data Analysis, Soil Science. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.