AgricultureUpdated Q1 2026

Food Scientist Salary
in Colorado Springs, CO

Research and develop food products, improve processing methods, and ensure safety standards. Median salary in Colorado Springs: $74K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$74K
per year
Take-home: $49K

Salary range in Colorado Springs

Entry level (25th)$54,000
Median (50th)$74,000
Senior (75th)$100,000
Top earner (90th)$135,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Colorado Springs

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

Cost-of-living adjusted picture

Adjusted for Colorado Springs's cost-of-living index (102), the median Food Scientist salary buys the equivalent of $72,549 in a US-average-cost city. That's $2,451 less purchasing power than the national median β€” the higher nominal salary doesn't fully offset local costs.

Rent eats 36% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Colorado Springs ($1,450/mo) consumes approximately 36% of an after-tax median Food Scientist salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home β€” a salary at the 75th percentile ($100K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Colorado Springs

Median salary
$74K
annual
Take-home pay
$49K
after fed/state tax
COL index
102
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.55%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,450
per month
YoY growth
+5.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Colorado Springs Food Scientist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $74K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Colorado Springs

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Food Scientist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$62K$68K$73K$79K$84K201920212023202520272029
2026
$76K
projected
2027
$78K
projected
2028
$80K
projected
2029
$82K
projected
2030
$84K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$74,000+$0
2028 projected$74,000+$0
2029 projected$74,000+$0
2030 projected$74,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Food Scientist Salary in Colorado Springs, Colorado: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Food Scientist salary in Colorado Springs, CO is $74,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Colorado Springs–CO metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Food Scientist in Colorado Springs

Entry-level Food Scientists in Colorado Springs with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $54,000 and $74,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $74,000 to $100,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $100,000 to $135,000 or more.

Cost of living in Colorado Springs for Food Scientists

Colorado Springs has a cost of living index of 102 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Colorado Springs are close to the national average. Colorado has a 4.55% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Food Scientist

Bachelor's in Food Science or Chemistry; advanced degree preferred. 25% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Food Scientist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Colorado Springs (current)$74K102
Denver$84K118
Aurora$79K112
Fort Collins$84K112
Lakewood$86K115
Thornton$81K108