Average Civil Engineers Salary in Boulder, CO
Civil Engineers in Boulder, Colorado, command an impressive average annual salary of $111,110, surpassing the national average of $106,590. This elevated compensation reflects Boulder's specialized economic landscape and potentially higher demand for skilled engineering professionals in a region known for its growth and development.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $111,110 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $158,150.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 580 Civil Engineers and a Location Quotient of 1.28, Boulder demonstrates a notable concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially growing job market, indicating strong demand for civil engineering expertise within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Civil Engineers in Boulder, CO earns+4.2%above the national average.
$53.4
$2,137
$9,259
Civil Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Civil Engineers across the nation, including in dynamic markets like Boulder, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This upward trend is typically driven by inflation, increased project complexity, and sustained demand for infrastructure development and urban planning.
Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Boulder, CO
The career trajectory for Civil Engineers in Boulder, CO, shows significant salary progression with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive project management experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting the value of their expertise and leadership.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $69,820 | $33.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $83,333 | $40.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $102,990 | $49.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $138,888 | $66.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $158,150 | $76 |
Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$111,110
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$111,110
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $111,110 in Boulder, CO, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Civil Engineer's salary in Boulder is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without significant strain from living expenses.
Job Market Context
580
Total Jobs
2.96
Per 1K Jobs
1.28
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.28, Boulder, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Civil Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.28 signifies that Civil Engineers are more concentrated in Boulder, CO, than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet potentially abundant job market, where employers may actively seek specialized talent, and professionals benefit from a focused ecosystem of opportunities within the civil engineering sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greeley, CO Civil Engineers Salary | $100,710↓ 9% | 37 mi |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO Civil Engineers Salary | $99,580↓ 10% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $101,380↓ 9% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Boulder, CO
Hiring Civil Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Civil Engineers make in Boulder, CO?
The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Boulder, CO is $111,110. This typically ranges from $69,820 for entry-level positions to $158,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boulder, CO is 4.2% higher than the national median of $106,590.
Is Boulder, CO a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?
Yes, Boulder, CO is a lucrative place for Civil Engineers.Civil Engineers in Boulder earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Boulder, CO a good place to live for Civil 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 Greeley, CO ($100,710) and Fort Collins-Loveland, CO.
How does Boulder's Civil Engineer salary compare to the national average?
Civil Engineers in Boulder, CO, earn an average of $111,110 annually, which is higher than the national average of $106,590.
What is the concentration of Civil Engineers in Boulder, CO?
Boulder, CO has a Location Quotient of 1.28 for Civil Engineers, indicating a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Boulder affect Civil Engineer salaries?
Boulder's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary for Civil Engineers in Boulder offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the job market look like for Civil Engineers in Boulder?
The job market in Boulder appears robust, with a significant concentration of Civil Engineers (LQ 1.28) and a total local workforce of 580, suggesting consistent demand for their skills.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 580 employees in the Boulder, CO area with a job density of 2.96 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Civil Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Boulder, CO