Science & Research Fort Collins, CO Pop. 169,810

Chemist Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado

The median chemist salary in Fort Collins, CO is $87,757 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$87,757
vs State Avg
+$827
vs National
+$4,967
Cost of Living
106%

Chemist Pay in Fort Collins: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Collins offers a median chemist salary of $87,757, which is $827 above the Colorado state average of $86,930. Compared to the national median of $82,790, 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 chemists in Fort Collins spans from $50,880 at the 10th percentile to $150,520 at the 90th percentile — a $99,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $143,100. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level chemist earns around $53,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $143,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,000
+$3,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,040
+$5,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$143,100
+$8,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Collins, CO

Percentile Fort Collins
10th Percentile $50,880
25th Percentile $65,720
Median (50th) $87,757
75th Percentile $115,540
90th Percentile $150,520

Chemist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Chemist in Fort Collins

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Fort Collins

Browse open chemist positions in Fort Collins, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Fort Collins

How much does a Chemist make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
The median chemist salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $87,757 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $50,880 (10th percentile) to $150,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,757, a chemist in Fort Collins earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for chemist pay? ▼
Fort Collins's median chemist salary of $87,757 is 1.0% above the Colorado state average of $86,930. 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 chemist salary of $87,757 in Fort Collins has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Fort Collins? ▼
Most chemist positions in Fort Collins 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.