Average Chemical Engineers Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Chemical Engineers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area earn an average annual salary of $127,800. This figure is slightly below the national average of $129,210, suggesting a competitive but not exceptionally high compensation landscape within this specific metropolitan region. Local market dynamics and industry demand play a crucial role in shaping these compensation packages.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $127,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $169,990.
- Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial area demonstrates a robust job market for Chemical Engineers, evidenced by a total local workforce of 550 professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.58 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a strong concentration of these roles relative to other occupations in the region, which points to sustained demand and a healthy employment outlook.
Salary Overview
The average Chemical Engineers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns-1.1%below the national average.
$61.4
$2,458
$10,650
Chemical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Chemical Engineers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increasing industry needs, technological advancements, and the overall economic expansion within the state and metropolitan area.
Chemical Engineers Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Salary progression for Chemical Engineers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start considerably lower than the average, while senior and lead roles can command salaries well above $150,000. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles highlight clear career progression pathways and the increasing value placed on specialized expertise and leadership.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $77,860 | $37.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $95,850 | $46.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $140,900 | $67.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $159,750 | $76.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $169,990 | $81.7 |
Detailed Chemical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$127,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$127,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $127,800 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Chemical Engineer's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without significant cost advantages or disadvantages compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
550
Total Jobs
0.34
Per 1K Jobs
2.58
Location Quotient
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has 2.6x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.58, Denver-Aurora-Centennial exhibits a highly concentrated market for Chemical Engineers, more than doubling the national average concentration. This suggests that the region is a significant hub for this profession, potentially offering more specialized opportunities but also indicating a competitive environment where employers may have a larger pool of local talent to draw from.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chemical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Chemical Engineers Salary | $120,870↓ 5% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Chemical Engineers Salary | $115,460↓ 10% | 45 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Chemical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chemical Engineers make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Chemical Engineers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $127,800. This typically ranges from $77,860 for entry-level positions to $169,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 1.1% lower than the national median of $129,210.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Chemical Engineers?
Yes, it is a competitive place for Chemical Engineers.The average salary is close to the national average, and the high concentration of roles (LQ of 2.58) indicates strong demand and a robust job market.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Chemical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($120,870) and Greeley, CO.
How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Chemical Engineers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is $127,800, which is slightly lower than the national average of $129,210.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Chemical Engineers in Denver?
An LQ of 2.58 means that Chemical Engineers are more than twice as concentrated in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area compared to the national average, indicating a strong regional presence and demand for the profession.
Does the cost of living affect the Chemical Engineer salary in Denver?
No, the cost of living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $127,800 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many Chemical Engineers work in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area?
There are approximately 550 Chemical Engineers employed within the Denver-Aurora-Centennial metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 550 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 0.34 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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO