Conduct original research to advance knowledge in a specific scientific discipline. Median salary in Colorado Springs: $96K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.
Figures represent annual base salary in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →
Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.
Research Scientists in Colorado Springs earn approximately 2% lower than the US national median for this role — a $2,000 discount on annual base salary. Colorado Springs's lower wage level partially reflects the area's cost-of-living index of 102 (US avg = 100).
Adjusted for Colorado Springs's cost-of-living index (102), the median Research Scientist salary buys the equivalent of $94,118 in a US-average-cost city. That's $3,882 less purchasing power than the national median — the higher nominal salary doesn't fully offset local costs.
Average 1-bedroom rent in Colorado Springs ($1,450/mo) consumes approximately 28% of an after-tax median Research Scientist salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home — a salary at the 75th percentile ($129K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.
Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $96K by 2030.
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The median Research Scientist salary in Colorado Springs, CO is $96,000 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.
Entry-level Research Scientists in Colorado Springs with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $71,000 and $96,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $96,000 to $129,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $129,000 to $172,000 or more.
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.
PhD in relevant science field. 40% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.