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Average Aerospace Engineers Salary in Boulder, CO

Aerospace Engineers in Boulder, Colorado, command an impressive average annual salary of $154,920, significantly surpassing the national average of $141,460. This elevated compensation is driven by Boulder's robust aerospace sector, a hub for innovation and specialized talent, which necessitates higher pay to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $154,920 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $222,880.
  • Outlook: Boulder, CO, presents a compelling landscape for Aerospace Engineers, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 1,120 professionals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 12.95 indicates a concentration of these roles far exceeding the national average, signaling strong demand and a dynamic job market for this specialized field within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$154,920

The average Aerospace Engineers in Boulder, CO earns+9.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$74.5

Weekly

$2,979

Monthly

$12,910

Aerospace Engineers Salary Distribution in Boulder, CO

The career trajectory for Aerospace Engineers in Boulder offers significant earning potential, with entry-level positions typically starting lower and senior roles commanding substantially higher salaries. The widening pay gap between junior and experienced engineers, often seen across different salary percentiles, reflects the increasing value and responsibility associated with advanced expertise and leadership in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$105,150$50.6
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$116,190$55.9
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$143,210$68.9
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$193,650$93.1
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$222,880$107.2

Detailed Aerospace Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$154,920

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$154,920

Adjusted for COL (100)

For Aerospace Engineers considering a move to Boulder, the average annual salary of $154,920 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that your nominal earnings in Boulder will translate directly to purchasing power equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial foundation.

Job Market Context

1,120

Total Jobs

5.75

Per 1K Jobs

12.95

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Boulder, CO has 12.9x the national concentration of Aerospace Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Boulder's Location Quotient of 12.95 for Aerospace Engineers is exceptionally high, indicating that the concentration of these jobs is over twelve times the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive market, where employers actively seek out talent with specific aerospace expertise, making it a prime location for career advancement in this sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Aerospace Engineers

CitySalaryDist.
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Aerospace Engineers Salary$153,570↓ 1%27 mi

Comparing salaries near Boulder, CO

Hiring Aerospace Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Aerospace Engineers make in Boulder, CO?

The median annual salary for a Aerospace Engineers in Boulder, CO is $154,920. This typically ranges from $105,150 for entry-level positions to $222,880 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Boulder, CO is 9.5% higher than the national median of $141,460.

Is Boulder, CO a lucrative place for Aerospace Engineers?

Yes, Boulder, CO is a highly lucrative place for Aerospace Engineers.Aerospace Engineers in Boulder earn an average of $154,920 annually, significantly above the national average, with a cost of living that matches the national index.

Is Boulder, CO a good place to live for Aerospace Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Boulder, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Boulder, CO?

Some top paying nearby cities include Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO ($153,570) and others.

How does Boulder's Aerospace Engineer salary compare to the national average?

Aerospace Engineers in Boulder earn an average of $154,920 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $141,460.

What is the significance of Boulder's Location Quotient for Aerospace Engineers?

A Location Quotient of 12.95 signifies that Aerospace Engineering jobs are over 12 times more concentrated in Boulder than the national average, indicating high demand and specialization.

Does the cost of living in Boulder affect the purchasing power of an Aerospace Engineer's salary?

No, the cost of living in Boulder is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher nominal salary of $154,920 offers equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary.

How many Aerospace Engineers work in Boulder, CO?

There are approximately 1,120 Aerospace Engineers working in Boulder, Colorado.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,120 employees in the Boulder, CO area with a job density of 5.75 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Aerospace Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Boulder, CO