Lead Quantitative Researcher.
Denver.
$297,000
median salary, 10% above the national average
$232,000 to $387,000. Last updated April 2026.
Get the job.
Data points to own the conversation.
If you are evaluating a Lead Quantitative Researcher offer in Denver, CO, here is the reality: $232,000 to $387,000, with $297,000 as the midpoint. 10% above the national average. Tool expertise matters: Lead Quantitative Researchers proficient in modern data stack tools like dbt, Snowflake, and Spark earn more than those limited to legacy systems. Do not accept the first number.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $267,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$193,000
to $238,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$252,000
to $312,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$327,000
to $386,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$371,000
to $460,000
Salary trend
+5% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $79,000 to the total package.
Base
$297,000
Equity
$45,000
Bonus
$28,000
Signing
$6,000
Estimated total: $376,000
How Denver compares
Denver, CO
$297,000
Cost of living: 8% above average
National Average
$270,000
Denver is $27,000 above
Lead Quantitative Researcher salary by city
Salary by role in Denver
What you should know
The Lead Quantitative Researcher landscape in Denver is not what most salary sites will tell you. Denver has emerged as a secondary tech hub with strong aerospace, telecom, and outdoor industry employers. The city attracts remote workers and relocating companies seeking lower costs than the coasts. Salaries have climbed steadily as national employers open satellite offices and compete for Denver's growing talent pool. Tool expertise matters: Lead Quantitative Researchers proficient in modern data stack tools like dbt, Snowflake, and Spark earn more than those limited to legacy systems. Industry domain knowledge in finance, healthcare, or e-commerce creates additional leverage. The ability to communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders is increasingly valued.
Entry-level Lead Quantitative Researchers start near $211,000. Mid-career professionals with three to five years of experience reach $270,000 to $351,000. Senior-level roles command $346,000 to $419,000. Management transitions to director-level positions offer $446,000 and above. In Denver, 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. Equity at top-tier companies adds 30% to 60% above base salary. Annual bonuses of 15% to 25% are standard. Signing bonuses of $25,000 to $75,000 are common when changing roles. Refresher equity grants vest annually. Relocation packages and executive benefits like financial planning are typical. And on the tax side: colorado has a flat 4.4% state income tax. Denver has no additional city income tax, making the overall tax burden lighter than most coastal metros. When someone quotes you $297,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Position yourself as a remote talent anchor. Many companies pay near coastal rates for Denver based employees to save on office costs while retaining top performers. The range for Lead Quantitative Researchers in Denver runs from $232,000 to $387,000. 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
Considering a related role?
- A Principal ML Engineer in Denver earns $296,000 (0% more)
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Common questions.
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