Science & Research Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Chemist Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median chemist salary in Denver, CO is $92,725 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$92,725
vs State Avg
+$5,795
vs National
+$9,935
Cost of Living
112%

Chemist Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median chemist salary of $92,725, which is $5,795 above the Colorado state average of $86,930. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $92,725 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chemists in Denver spans from $53,760 at the 10th percentile to $159,040 at the 90th percentile — a $105,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $151,200. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chemist Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level chemist earns around $56,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $151,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,000
+$6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,080
+$10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$151,200
+$16,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $53,760
25th Percentile $69,440
Median (50th) $92,725
75th Percentile $122,080
90th Percentile $159,040

Chemist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$105,971
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$87,757
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$86,930
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$82,790
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Chemist in Denver

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Denver 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 Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Denver

Browse open chemist positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Denver

How much does a Chemist make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median chemist salary in Denver, Colorado is $92,725 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $53,760 (10th percentile) to $159,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $92,725, a chemist in Denver earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for chemist pay? ▼
Denver's median chemist salary of $92,725 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $86,930. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $92,725 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Denver? ▼
Most chemist positions in Denver 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.