Data Scientist Salary in Denver 2026

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Denver: Full Breakdown

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that data scientists in the Denver metropolitan area earned an average of $115,540 annually as of 2024. This figure is based on the OEWS survey, which tracks occupational employment and wage statistics across the United States.

Denver’s data science market reflects the region’s growing tech sector and the presence of major employers in finance, telecommunications, and software development. The $115,540 annual mean salary positions Denver competitively within the Mountain West region, though specific percentile breakdowns (10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles) would provide additional insight into salary distribution across experience levels and specializations.

Data scientists in Denver typically work across industries including:

• Financial services and banking
• Technology and software companies
• Healthcare and biotech
• Telecommunications
• Energy sector (given Colorado’s oil and gas presence)

Cost of Living Context

Understanding Denver’s cost of living is essential for evaluating the real purchasing power of a $115,540 salary. Denver has experienced significant growth in recent years, which has impacted housing costs and overall expenses.

The Denver metropolitan area includes several notable cities with varying cost-of-living profiles:

• Aurora — eastern suburb with slightly lower housing costs
• Boulder — northwest, known for higher costs and tech presence
• Lakewood — western suburb with moderate costs
• Centennial — southern suburb, family-oriented
• Thornton — northern suburb with growing tech employment

Housing costs represent the largest expense for most professionals. Denver’s median rent and home values have risen substantially, making cost-of-living adjustments particularly relevant when evaluating compensation. A data scientist earning $115,540 should budget carefully for housing, which typically consumes 25-35% of gross income in the Denver area.

Job Outlook for Data Scientists in Denver

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

• Increasing demand for data-driven decision-making across all industries
• Cloud computing adoption requiring skilled professionals for data infrastructure
• Machine learning and AI expansion creating new specializations
• Remote work flexibility allowing Denver-based companies to compete nationally for talent

Denver specifically has become a hub for tech talent recruitment, with major companies establishing offices and remote-first operations. The presence of universities like the University of Colorado and Colorado School of Mines contributes to a steady pipeline of data science graduates entering the local job market.

Comparing Data Scientist Salaries: Denver vs. National Context

The national landscape for data scientist compensation varies significantly by metropolitan area. Denver’s $115,540 mean salary should be evaluated against:

• Tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle, which typically offer 20-40% higher salaries
• Emerging tech markets in Austin, Nashville, and Raleigh, which often offer competitive salaries with lower cost-of-living adjustments
• Secondary markets in the Mountain West region

Denver’s salary is competitive for the region and reflects the area’s growing importance as a tech center. The cost of living in Denver is lower than major coastal tech hubs, which can make the $115,540 salary more attractive in terms of actual purchasing power and quality of life.

Career Progression and Advancement

Data scientists in Denver can advance through several pathways:

1. Specialization — Deep expertise in machine learning, NLP, or computer vision often commands premium compensation
2. Leadership — Transition to data science manager, director, or VP roles
3. Consulting — Independent consulting or boutique firm positions
4. Entrepreneurship — Founding data-focused startups or analytics companies

Experience level significantly impacts earnings. Entry-level positions typically start 20-30% below the mean, while senior data scientists with 7+ years of experience often earn 30-50% above the mean salary.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for a data scientist in Denver?

Entry-level data scientist positions in Denver typically start below the $115,540 mean. Professionals with a bachelor’s degree and minimal experience should expect salaries in the $70,000-$85,000 range, depending on the employer, educational background (advanced degrees command higher offers), and specific skill set. The BLS mean of $115,540 reflects an average across all experience levels, so new graduates should anticipate earning significantly less initially.

How does the Denver data scientist salary compare to other Colorado cities?

Denver serves as the primary metropolitan hub for data science employment in Colorado, which typically results in higher average salaries compared to smaller Colorado cities. The Denver MSA (metropolitan statistical area, code 19740) captures employment across the greater metropolitan region, including Aurora, Boulder, Lakewood, Centennial, and Thornton. Boulder, home to major tech companies and the University of Colorado, may offer comparable or slightly higher salaries in some cases, while suburban areas like Centennial and Thornton typically align with or slightly undercut the Denver metro average.

Is $115,540 a competitive salary for a data scientist in Denver?

Yes, the $115,540 mean salary is competitive for the Denver market. However, competitiveness depends on individual factors: years of experience, specific technical skills (Python, R, SQL, cloud platforms), advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD), and the industry sector. Data scientists in high-paying sectors like finance or tech typically earn above this mean, while those in nonprofit or government roles may earn below it. Compared to national data science salaries, Denver offers reasonable compensation with a lower cost of living than major coastal tech hubs.

What skills command the highest salaries for data scientists in Denver?

While specific skill-premium data is not available in the current dataset, industry trends indicate that data scientists with expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure), advanced machine learning frameworks, and big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop) typically earn above the $115,540 mean. Leadership experience, domain expertise in high-value sectors (finance, healthcare), and ability to communicate insights to non-technical stakeholders also correlate with higher compensation.

Should I relocate to Denver as a data scientist?

The decision to relocate depends on your current salary, cost-of-living differences, and career goals. Denver’s $115,540 mean salary should be evaluated against your current compensation and the cost-of-living adjustment. If you’re relocating from a lower-cost area, the salary may feel like a raise in real terms. If you’re coming from San Francisco or New York, it may represent a decrease despite lower living costs. Denver offers strong job market fundamentals, quality of life, outdoor recreation, and a growing tech ecosystem—factors that extend beyond salary when considering relocation.

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Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. SOC Code: 15-2051 (Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations). Last updated: April 10, 2026.

Disclaimer: Salary data presented here is based on public sources including BLS OEWS surveys and represents averages across the Denver metropolitan statistical area. Actual compensation varies based on employer, experience, education, skills, and industry. This content is informational and should not be considered financial or career advice. Consult with a career advisor or recruiter for personalized guidance.