Average Chemical Engineers Salary in Boulder, CO
The average salary for a Chemical Engineers in Boulder, CO is $120,870. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Boulder, CO is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 6.77x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $120,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.1% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $176,610.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chemical Engineerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 170 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Boulder, CO economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chemical Engineers in Boulder, CO earns-6.5%below the national average.
$58.1
$2,324
$10,073
Chemical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chemical Engineers salaries in Boulder, CO have seen a slight adjustment of -6.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chemical Engineers Salary Distribution in Boulder, CO
The earning potential for Chemical Engineerss in Boulder, CO varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $80,070, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $176,610.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $80,070 | $38.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $90,653 | $43.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $113,240 | $54.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $151,088 | $72.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $176,610 | $84.9 |
Detailed Chemical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$120,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$120,870
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Boulder, CO, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $120,870 to $120,870.
Job Market Context
170
Total Jobs
0.892
Per 1K Jobs
6.77
Location Quotient
Boulder, CO has 6.8x the national concentration of Chemical Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
170 people work as Chemical Engineers in Boulder, CO.
Only 0.892 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chemical Engineers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chemical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Chemical Engineers Salary | $127,800↑ 6% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Chemical Engineers Salary | $115,460↓ 4% | 37 mi |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO Chemical Engineers Salary | $116,000↓ 4% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Boulder, CO
Hiring Chemical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chemical Engineers make in Boulder, CO?
The median annual salary for a Chemical Engineers in Boulder, CO is $120,870. This typically ranges from $80,070 for entry-level positions to $176,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boulder, CO is 6.5% lower than the national median of $129,210.
Is Boulder, CO a good place for Chemical Engineerss?
Yes, Boulder, CO is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($120,870), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Chemical Engineerss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Boulder, CO a good place to live for Chemical 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 ($127,800) and Greeley, CO.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 170 employees in the Boulder, CO area with a job density of 0.892 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chemical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Boulder, CO