Data Scientist Salary in Denver 2025

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Denver: Full Breakdown

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average annual salary of $115,540 for data scientists in the Denver metropolitan area as of 2024. This figure reflects demand for advanced analytics and machine learning expertise in Colorado’s growing tech hub.

Denver’s position as a major tech and business center—home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and startups—supports competitive compensation for data science roles. The city’s cost of living, while rising, remains lower than coastal tech hubs like San Francisco or New York, making the $115,540 mean salary particularly attractive for professionals evaluating relocation.

Cost of Living Context

Understanding Denver’s cost of living is essential for evaluating whether the $115,540 data scientist salary translates to strong purchasing power.

Denver has experienced significant growth in housing costs over the past five years. While specific 2025 median rent data is not available in the current dataset, the city’s rental market has tightened considerably. A data scientist earning $115,540 annually (approximately $9,628 monthly gross) should budget carefully for housing, as Denver’s rental and home purchase prices have risen substantially.

For context: A data scientist in Denver earning $115,540 has greater purchasing power than peers in Seattle, San Francisco, or Boston earning similar nominal salaries, but less than those in lower-cost metros like Austin or Nashville.

Geographic Context: Denver Metro Area

Denver serves as the economic hub for Colorado’s Front Range. The metropolitan statistical area includes several notable cities:

• Aurora – Second-largest city in Colorado, home to tech and aerospace employers
• Boulder – University town with strong tech and biotech sectors
• Lakewood – Suburban hub with major corporate presence
• Centennial – Growing tech corridor
• Thornton – Northern metro expansion area

Data scientists should consider that salaries may vary slightly across these communities, with downtown Denver and Boulder typically commanding premium compensation due to employer concentration and cost of living.

Job Outlook for Data Scientists

Data science remains one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States. The field benefits from:

• Increased AI/ML adoption across industries (healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing)
• Data volume explosion requiring analytics expertise
• Remote work flexibility allowing Denver-based professionals to access national opportunities
• Local demand from Colorado’s energy, aerospace, and tech sectors

The Denver metropolitan area specifically benefits from strong demand in:

• Energy sector analytics (oil & gas, renewable energy)
• Aerospace and defense contracting
• Financial services and fintech
• Healthcare systems and biotech
• E-commerce and SaaS companies

Salary Negotiation Considerations

When evaluating a $115,540 offer in Denver, consider:

1. Experience level: Entry-level data scientists typically earn 20-30% less; senior roles command 30-50% premiums
2. Industry sector: Fintech and aerospace pay above-market; nonprofits pay below
3. Company size: Large corporations and well-funded startups offer higher base salaries
4. Remote flexibility: Companies offering remote work may offer lower base but access to national opportunities
5. Benefits package: Stock options, signing bonuses, and relocation assistance vary widely

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical salary range for data scientists in Denver?

Based on BLS data, the average data scientist salary in Denver is $115,540 as of 2024. While specific percentile data is not available in the current dataset, industry benchmarks suggest entry-level positions typically start 20-30% below this mean ($80,000-$90,000), while senior roles exceed $150,000. Geographic variation within the Denver metro area means downtown Denver and Boulder command higher salaries than outer suburbs.

How does Denver’s data scientist salary compare to other major tech hubs?

Denver’s $115,540 average is competitive compared to many tech markets. It typically falls below San Francisco, New York, and Seattle (which average $130,000-$145,000) but exceeds Austin, Nashville, and Phoenix ($105,000-$110,000). The lower nominal salary is partially offset by Denver’s lower cost of living compared to West Coast hubs, resulting in stronger real purchasing power for many professionals.

Is relocating to Denver worth it for a data scientist?

Relocation to Denver makes sense if: (1) your current city offers significantly lower salary despite higher cost of living; (2) you value outdoor lifestyle and quality of life; (3) you want to work in energy, aerospace, or growing fintech sectors; or (4) you seek a lower cost of living than coastal tech hubs while maintaining competitive compensation. The $115,540 average provides solid middle-class income in Denver, though housing costs have risen substantially in recent years.

What industries in Denver pay the most for data scientists?

Energy (including renewables), aerospace/defense contracting, financial services, and healthcare typically pay 10-25% above the metro average. Tech startups in Boulder and downtown Denver also offer competitive packages, often with equity compensation. Nonprofits and government agencies typically pay 15-25% below the metro average.

Do data scientists in Denver need advanced degrees?

Most data scientist roles require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or engineering. Many positions prefer or require a master’s degree (MS in Data Science, Statistics, or related field). However, strong portfolios, relevant certifications (Google Cloud, AWS, Databricks), and practical experience can sometimes substitute for advanced degrees, particularly at startups.

What skills command the highest salaries for Denver data scientists?

Expertise in machine learning engineering, cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), big data tools (Spark, Hadoop), and specialized domains (time-series forecasting, NLP, computer vision) typically add 15-30% to base compensation. Leadership and communication skills that enable transition to senior or management roles also significantly impact earning potential.

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Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. SOC Code 15-2051. MSA Code 19740 (Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO).

Last updated: April 10, 2026

Disclaimer: This salary data is based on aggregated public sources and represents typical compensation. Actual salaries vary significantly based on employer, experience, education, negotiation, and individual performance. This content is informational only and should not be construed as financial or career advice. Always conduct your own research and consult with industry professionals before making career decisions.