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Data Scientist Salary in Fort Collins, CO β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Fort Collins's cost of living (index: 111). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Data Scientist Salary in Fort Collins β€” Key Numbers

$124,975
Median Salary
$91,642
25th Percentile
$167,099
75th Percentile
$211,488
90th Percentile
National median (Data Scientist)$112,590
vs. National median+11.0%
Fort Collins median household income$78,600
vs. City household income+59.0%

Cost of Living in Fort Collins

Cost of Living Index
111(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,500/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio14.4%
Annual rent cost$18,000
Median Home Price$500,000
Home Price / Salary4.0Γ—
20% Down Payment$100,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.0 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Fort Collins

2.8%
Unemployment Rate
365,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
30.8
Median Age

Fort Collins has a metro population of 365,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 2.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Data Scientist Salary β€” Other Colorado Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Data Scientist make in Fort Collins, CO?

The estimated median salary for a Data Scientist in Fort Collins is $124,975 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $112,590 adjusted by Fort Collins's cost of living index (111). The typical salary range runs from $91,642 (25th percentile) to $167,099 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $211,488.

Is Fort Collins affordable for a Data Scientist?

On a $124,975 annual salary, a Data Scientist in Fort Collins would spend approximately 14.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,500/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Fort Collins relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $500,000 is 4.0Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Data Scientist's salary compare to Fort Collins's overall income?

Fort Collins's median household income is $78,600. A Data Scientist earning the city-adjusted median of $124,975 earns 59.0% more than the typical Fort Collins household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.