Business & Finance Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Economist Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median economist salary in Boulder, CO is $145,843 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$145,843
vs State Avg
+$26,206
vs National
+$31,903
Cost of Living
128%

Economist Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median economist salary of $145,843, which is $26,206 above the Colorado state average of $119,637. Compared to the national median of $113,940, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $145,843 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $113,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for economists in Boulder spans from $79,360 at the 10th percentile to $253,440 at the 90th percentile — a $174,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $83,200, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $236,800. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level economist earns around $83,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $236,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$83,200
+$18,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$147,200
+$32,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$236,800
+$51,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $79,360
25th Percentile $104,960
Median (50th) $145,843
75th Percentile $198,400
90th Percentile $253,440

Economist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$127,613
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$120,776
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$119,637
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$113,940
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Economist in Boulder

Education

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

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

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

Find Economist Jobs in Boulder

Browse open economist positions in Boulder, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Boulder

How much does a Economist make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median economist salary in Boulder, Colorado is $145,843 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $79,360 (10th percentile) to $253,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $145,843, a economist in Boulder earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for economist pay? ▼
Boulder's median economist salary of $145,843 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $119,637. 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 economist salary of $145,843 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Boulder? ▼
Most economist positions in Boulder require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.