Physician Salary in Colorado

How Much Does a Physician Make in Colorado?

The typical Physician salary in Colorado ranges from $154,000 to $286,000, with the national median at $220,000.

Diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and medical conditions Your actual take-home pay as a Physician in Colorado depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• Colorado state income tax
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for Physician in Colorado

As a Physician working in Colorado, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including Physician professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

Colorado State Income Tax

Colorado has a state income tax that applies to all Physician salaries earned in the state. The exact rate depends on Colorado's tax brackets and your total income.

Use our Colorado salary calculator to see your exact state tax based on your Physician salary.

Cost of Living for Physician in Colorado

Your Physician salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of Colorado. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $220,000 Physician salary in a low-cost area of Colorado provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

Physician Salary Examples in Colorado

Here's what different Physician salary levels look like in Colorado:

Entry-Level Physician ($154,000)

• Gross annual salary: $154,000
• Federal tax: ~$18,480
• FICA: ~$11,781
• Colorado state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $107,800

Median Physician ($220,000)

• Gross annual salary: $220,000
• Federal tax: ~$35,200
• FICA: ~$16,830
• Colorado state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $147,400

Experienced Physician ($286,000)

• Gross annual salary: $286,000
• Federal tax: ~$62,920
• FICA: ~$21,879
• Colorado state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $171,600

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our Colorado salary calculator.

Compare Physician Salaries Across States

The same Physician salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $220,000 Physician salary in California results in about $11,000 to $22,000 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in a no-tax state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Physician salary in Colorado?

The average Physician salary in Colorado varies by experience, location within the state, and employer. The national median is $220,000, with typical Colorado salaries ranging from $154,000 to $286,000.

How much does a Physician make after taxes in Colorado?

After federal taxes, FICA, Colorado state tax, and typical deductions, a Physician earning $220,000 in Colorado takes home approximately $143,000 to $154,000 per year.

Is Colorado a good state for Physician professionals?

It depends on your priorities. Consider Colorado's cost of living, career opportunities, quality of life, and state tax burden when evaluating your options.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact Physician take-home pay in Colorado?

Use our Colorado salary calculator →

Or compare Physician salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.