Science & Research Aurora, CO Pop. 386,261

Physicist Salary in Aurora, Colorado

The median physicist salary in Aurora, CO is $160,052 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 0.0% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$160,052
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
+$7,622
Cost of Living
105%

Physicist Pay in Aurora: What to Expect (2026)

Aurora offers a median physicist salary of $160,052, which is $0 above the Colorado state average of $160,052. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Aurora pays above average for this role.

Aurora's cost of living is 105% 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 physicists in Aurora spans from $81,900 at the 10th percentile to $249,900 at the 90th percentile — a $168,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $86,100, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $231,000. With a population of 386,261, Aurora is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Aurora by Experience

In Aurora, an entry-level physicist earns around $86,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $231,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$86,100
+$4,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$162,750
+$7,750 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$231,000
+$11,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aurora, CO

Percentile Aurora
10th Percentile $81,900
25th Percentile $113,400
Median (50th) $160,052
75th Percentile $204,750
90th Percentile $249,900

Physicist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Aurora

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Aurora and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Aurora may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Aurora

Browse open physicist positions in Aurora, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Aurora

How much does a Physicist make in Aurora, CO? ▼
The median physicist salary in Aurora, Colorado is $160,052 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $81,900 (10th percentile) to $249,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Aurora? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $160,052, a physicist in Aurora earns approximately $77 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aurora compare to the Colorado state average for physicist pay? ▼
Aurora's median physicist salary of $160,052 is 0.0% above the Colorado state average of $160,052. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aurora, CO? ▼
Aurora has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $160,052 in Aurora has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Aurora? ▼
Most physicist positions in Aurora require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.