Technology Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Data Scientist Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median data scientist salary in Denver, CO is $129,624 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median and 6.2% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$129,624
vs State Avg
+$7,561
vs National
+$21,604
Cost of Living
112%

Data Scientist Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median data scientist salary of $129,624, which is $7,561 above the Colorado state average of $122,063. Compared to the national median of $108,020, 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 $129,624 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $115,736. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for data scientists in Denver spans from $73,680 at the 10th percentile to $213,840 at the 90th percentile — a $140,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $86,400, while senior data scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $198,000. 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.

Data Scientist Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level data scientist earns around $86,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $198,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$86,400
+$14,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$134,400
+$22,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$198,000
+$33,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $73,680
25th Percentile $101,040
Median (50th) $129,624
75th Percentile $169,200
90th Percentile $213,840

Data Scientist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$146,907
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$123,143
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$122,063
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$116,662
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Data Scientist in Denver

Education

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

Key Skills

PythonRSQLMachine LearningStatisticsData Visualization

Job Outlook

Nationally, data scientist employment is projected to grow 35% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Data Scientist Jobs in Denver

Browse open data scientist positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Data Scientist Salary in Denver

How much does a Data Scientist make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median data scientist salary in Denver, Colorado is $129,624 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $108,020. Salaries range from $73,680 (10th percentile) to $213,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Data Scientist make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $129,624, a data scientist in Denver earns approximately $62 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for data scientist pay? ▼
Denver's median data scientist salary of $129,624 is 6.2% above the Colorado state average of $122,063. 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 data scientist salary of $129,624 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a data scientist in Denver? ▼
Most data scientist positions in Denver require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Python, R, SQL, Machine Learning. The job market is projected to grow 35% nationally over the next decade.