Environmental Scientist Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado
The median environmental scientist salary in Fort Collins, CO is $81,122 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Colorado state average.
Environmental Scientist Pay in Fort Collins: What to Expect (2026)
Fort Collins offers a median environmental scientist salary of $81,122, which is $765 above the Colorado state average of $80,357. Compared to the national median of $76,530, 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 environmental scientists in Fort Collins spans from $50,880 at the 10th percentile to $133,560 at the 90th percentile — a $82,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,200. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Environmental Scientist Salary in Fort Collins by Experience
In Fort Collins, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $53,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Fort Collins, CO
| Percentile | Fort Collins |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $50,880 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,540 |
| Median (50th) | $81,122 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,940 |
| 90th Percentile | $133,560 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Colorado Cities
How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Fort Collins
Education
Most environmental scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Fort Collins and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Collins may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Fort Collins
Browse open environmental scientist positions in Fort Collins, CO: