Geospatial Analyst / GIS.
Boulder.
$86,000
median salary, 18% above the national average
$66,000 to $113,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
A Geospatial Analyst / GIS in Boulder earns a median of $86,000 in 2026. That is 18% above the national average. The range runs from $66,000 to $113,000, and where you land depends on your experience, your skills, and how well you negotiate. Industry application drives the widest pay variation, with defense, oil and gas, and tech companies paying 20 to 35% more than government or environmental consulting.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $77,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$56,000
to $69,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$73,000
to $90,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$95,000
to $112,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$108,000
to $133,000
Salary trend
+5% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $20,000 to the total package.
Base
$86,000
Equity
$11,000
Bonus
$7,000
Signing
$2,000
Estimated total: $106,000
How Boulder compares
Boulder, CO
$86,000
Cost of living: 15% above average
National Average
$73,000
Boulder is $13,000 above
Geospatial Analyst / GIS salary by city
Salary by role in Boulder
What you should know
Here is what the Geospatial Analyst / GIS market actually looks like in Boulder. Boulder is one of America's most concentrated startup hubs per capita, with a strong presence in aerospace, natural products, and technology. The University of Colorado and national labs like NIST and NOAA drive research employment. Outdoor lifestyle attracts top talent willing to accept slightly lower salaries. Industry application drives the widest pay variation, with defense, oil and gas, and tech companies paying 20 to 35% more than government or environmental consulting. Proficiency in Python, R, and cloud-based geospatial platforms boosts earnings significantly. Remote sensing and LiDAR processing skills add notable premiums.
Junior GIS analysts start at $56,000 to $65,000. Senior geospatial analysts earn $73,000 to $96,000 after four to six years. GIS managers and geospatial directors reach $100,000 to $135,000, with principal spatial data scientists at tech firms exceeding $150,000. In Boulder, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Government GIS roles offer stable benefits, pension, and step increases. Defense contractors add clearance pay of $5,000 to $15,000. Tech companies working on mapping, autonomous vehicles, or logistics offer equity grants and 10 to 15% bonuses. And on the tax side: colorado has a flat 4.4% state income tax. Boulder has no additional city income tax. The moderate rate combined with high quality of life makes it competitive despite higher housing costs. When someone quotes you $86,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Reference the startup density. Boulder employers compete fiercely for talent and often offer equity packages that rival larger metros. Negotiate total compensation, not just base. The range for Geospatial Analyst / GISs in Boulder runs from $66,000 to $113,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
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Common questions.
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