Science & Research Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Chemist Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median chemist salary in Boulder, CO is $105,971 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$105,971
vs State Avg
+$19,041
vs National
+$23,181
Cost of Living
128%

Chemist Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level chemist earns around $64,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$64,000
+$14,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$107,520
+$23,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$172,800
+$37,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $61,440
25th Percentile $79,360
Median (50th) $105,971
75th Percentile $139,520
90th Percentile $181,760

Chemist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Chemist in Boulder

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Boulder

Browse open chemist positions in Boulder, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Boulder

How much does a Chemist make in Boulder, CO?
The median chemist salary in Boulder, Colorado is $105,971 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $61,440 (10th percentile) to $181,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Boulder?
Based on the median annual salary of $105,971, a chemist in Boulder earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for chemist pay?
Boulder's median chemist salary of $105,971 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $86,930. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO?
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $105,971 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Boulder?
Most chemist positions in Boulder require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.