Food Scientists and Technologists Salary in Colorado (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Food Scientists and Technologists in Colorado, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Colorado Median
$99,580
per year
Hourly Rate
$47.88
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+12% vs US median
US median $88,720
State Rank
#6 of 39
320 employed here

How much do Food Scientists and Technologists make in Colorado?

Food Scientists and Technologists working in Colorado earn a median salary of $99,580 per year, or about $47.88 per hour. That is 12% above the national median of $88,720 for this occupation.

Within Colorado, entry-level pay starts around $66,280 while the top 10% make $161,640 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $74,830 and $130,830 a year.

Food Scientists and Technologists salary range in Colorado

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$66,280$31.87
25th percentile (early career)$74,830$35.98
50th percentile (median)$99,580$47.88
75th percentile (experienced)$130,830$62.90
90th percentile (top earners)$161,640$77.71

How Colorado compares

Colorado ranks 6th out of 39 states and territories for Food Scientists and Technologists pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1South Carolina$108,660
2Missouri$105,930
3New Jersey$104,340
4Massachusetts$103,580
5Florida$101,160

Working as Food Scientists and Technologists in Colorado

Nationally, about 13,000 people work as Food Scientists and Technologists in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Colorado pay ($99,580) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Food Scientists and Technologists make in Colorado?
The median Food Scientists and Technologists salary in Colorado is $99,580 per year, or about $47.88 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $66,280 at the entry level to $161,640 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Colorado pay compare to the national average?
Colorado pays Food Scientists and Technologists about 12% more than the national median of $88,720. Colorado ranks 6th out of 39 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Colorado a good state for Food Scientists and Technologists?
Yes on pay — Colorado pays above the national median for this occupation, at $99,580 a year. About 320 Food Scientists and Technologists are employed in Colorado. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Colorado?
The highest-paying occupations in Colorado include Orthodontist ($416,000), Dermatologist ($398,810), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($385,410), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Food Scientists and Technologists salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.