Physicist Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado
The median physicist salary in Fort Collins, CO is $161,576 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Colorado state average.
Physicist Pay in Fort Collins: What to Expect (2026)
Fort Collins offers a median physicist salary of $161,576, which is $1,524 above the Colorado state average of $160,052. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 physicists in Fort Collins spans from $82,680 at the 10th percentile to $252,280 at the 90th percentile — a $169,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $86,920, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $233,200. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Physicist Salary in Fort Collins by Experience
In Fort Collins, an entry-level physicist earns around $86,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $233,200 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 | $82,680 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,480 |
| Median (50th) | $161,576 |
| 75th Percentile | $206,700 |
| 90th Percentile | $252,280 |
Physicist Salary in Other Colorado Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Fort Collins
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Fort Collins and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Collins may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physicist Jobs in Fort Collins
Browse open physicist positions in Fort Collins, CO: