Science & Research Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Physicist Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median physicist salary in Boulder, CO is $195,110 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$195,110
vs State Avg
+$35,058
vs National
+$42,680
Cost of Living
128%

Physicist Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median physicist salary of $195,110, which is $35,058 above the Colorado state average of $160,052. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 $195,110 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $152,430. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for physicists in Boulder spans from $99,840 at the 10th percentile to $304,640 at the 90th percentile — a $204,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $104,960, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $281,600. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physicist Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level physicist earns around $104,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $281,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$104,960
+$22,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$198,400
+$43,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$281,600
+$61,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $99,840
25th Percentile $138,240
Median (50th) $195,110
75th Percentile $249,600
90th Percentile $304,640

Physicist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$170,722
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$161,576
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$160,052
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$152,430
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Physicist in Boulder

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Boulder 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 Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Boulder

Browse open physicist positions in Boulder, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Boulder

How much does a Physicist make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median physicist salary in Boulder, Colorado is $195,110 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $99,840 (10th percentile) to $304,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $195,110, a physicist in Boulder earns approximately $94 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for physicist pay? ▼
Boulder's median physicist salary of $195,110 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $160,052. 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 physicist salary of $195,110 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Boulder? ▼
Most physicist positions in Boulder 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.