Average Aerospace Engineers Salary in Colorado
Aerospace Engineers in Colorado command an impressive average annual salary of $154,710, substantially exceeding the national average of $141,460. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the state's robust aerospace industry, specialized workforce demands, and the high concentration of related technological and defense sectors that necessitate top-tier engineering talent.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $154,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $220,970.
- Outlook: Colorado's aerospace sector demonstrates significant strength, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 4,020 professionals. The Location Quotient of 3.14 indicates a highly concentrated industry, suggesting a robust and specialized job market with strong demand for skilled Aerospace Engineers compared to the national landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Aerospace Engineers in Colorado earns+9.4%above the national average.
$74.4
$2,975
$12,893
Aerospace Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salary for Aerospace Engineers in Colorado has experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing demand for specialized engineering roles and advancements in aerospace technology. This upward trajectory likely reflects both inflation and the escalating value placed on expertise within this critical industry.
Aerospace Engineers Salary Distribution in Colorado
Salary progression for Aerospace Engineers in Colorado typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start in the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive project management and design expertise can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential as expertise and responsibility grow.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $101,980 | $49 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $116,033 | $55.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $151,570 | $72.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $193,388 | $93 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $220,970 | $106.2 |
Detailed Aerospace Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$154,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$146,645
Adjusted for COL (105.5)
The nominal average salary of $154,710 in Colorado presents a strong financial picture, especially when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 105.5. While slightly above the national average, this salary offers a comfortable purchasing power, suggesting that the higher cost of living is largely offset by the significantly higher earning potential for Aerospace Engineers in the state.
Job Market Context
4,020
Total Jobs
1.392
Per 1K Jobs
3.14
Location Quotient
Colorado has 3.1x 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.
Colorado's Location Quotient of 3.14 for Aerospace Engineers signifies a market that is more than three times as concentrated as the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and competitive environment where demand for these professionals is particularly strong, making it a prime location for both established engineers and those seeking career growth in the aerospace field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Aerospace Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Aerospace Engineers Salary | $160,580↑ 4% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Aerospace Engineers Salary | $153,570↓ 1% | 54 mi |
| Boulder, CO Aerospace Engineers Salary | $154,920↑ 0% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Aerospace Engineers make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for a Aerospace Engineers in Colorado is $154,710. This typically ranges from $101,980 for entry-level positions to $220,970 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado is 9.4% higher than the national median of $141,460.
Is Colorado a lucrative place for Aerospace Engineers?
Yes, Colorado is a highly lucrative state for Aerospace Engineers.With an average salary significantly above the national benchmark and a market concentration indicating strong demand, Colorado offers substantial earning potential for aerospace professionals.
Is Colorado a good place to live for Aerospace Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($160,580) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does Colorado's Aerospace Engineer salary compare to the national average?
Aerospace Engineers in Colorado earn an average of $154,710 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $141,460, indicating a premium for this role within the state.
What is the job market like for Aerospace Engineers in Colorado?
The job market is robust, characterized by a high concentration of aerospace professionals (Location Quotient of 3.14) and a significant local workforce, suggesting strong demand and a specialized industry.
How does the cost of living affect an Aerospace Engineer's salary in Colorado?
While Colorado's cost of living is slightly above the national average (105.5), the higher average salary for Aerospace Engineers ($154,710) generally ensures strong purchasing power and financial well-being for professionals in this field.
What is the concentration of Aerospace Engineers in Colorado compared to the rest of the US?
Colorado has a concentration of Aerospace Engineers 3.14 times the national average, indicating a highly specialized and active aerospace industry within the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,020 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 1.392 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Aerospace Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado