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Environmental Scientist Salary in Denver, CO

How much does a environmental scientist make in Denver? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Denver's cost of living.

Median Salary
$95,680
per year in Denver
Entry Level
$58,880
Starting salary
Senior Level
$134,934
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
129
29% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how environmental scientist salaries break down across different pay periods in Denver.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$58,880$95,680$134,934
Monthly$4,907$7,973$11,245
Biweekly$2,265$3,680$5,190
Weekly$1,132$1,840$2,595
Hourly$28$46$65

Denver vs National Average

How Denver's environmental scientist salaries compare to national figures.

Denver Salary
$95,680
COL Index: 129
National Average
$77,390
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$18,290
Higher in Denver

Cost of Living in Denver

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,850
per month
Median Income
$69,452
per year
Population
727,211
residents
Rent % of Income
32.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 129 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Denver have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Environmental Scientist

Overview

Monitor and protect the environment and assess environmental impacts.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field

Key Skills

Environmental AnalysisField WorkData CollectionRegulatory Knowledge

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Environmental Scientist Salary

See Environmental Scientist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$83,510
-13%
Los Angeles, CA
$101,540
+6%
Chicago, IL
$96,410
+1%
Houston, TX
$79,520
-17%
Phoenix, AZ
$78,870
-18%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Environmental Scientist Salary in Denver, CO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a environmental scientist in Denver, CO is $95,680 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 129. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Denver's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level environmental scientist professionals in Denver can expect to earn around $58,880 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level environmental scientists earning approximately $134,934 per year. This represents a 129% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Denver's cost of living index of 129 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Denver are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $77,390, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a environmental scientist's salary in Denver typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,850 per month, housing represents about 23.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Environmental Scientists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Denver, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.