Average Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in Boulder, CO
Computer Hardware Engineers in Boulder, Colorado, earn an average annual salary of $152,780. This figure is slightly below the national average of $158,430, suggesting that while Boulder offers competitive compensation, the specific demands and talent pool within the region may influence pay rates compared to the broader national landscape. Factors such as the concentration of tech companies and specialized research facilities likely play a role in shaping these local salary benchmarks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $152,780 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $212,150.
- Outlook: The job market for Computer Hardware Engineers in Boulder, CO, appears robust, underscored by a substantial local workforce of 480 professionals. The Location Quotient of 5 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles in Boulder compared to the national average, signaling strong local demand and a specialized ecosystem for hardware engineering talent. This concentration suggests a dynamic environment with ample opportunities for skilled engineers.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Hardware Engineers in Boulder, CO earns-3.6%below the national average.
$73.5
$2,938
$12,732
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Computer Hardware Engineers in Boulder, CO, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. The increasing demand for advanced hardware solutions across various industries, coupled with technological advancements, typically drives upward pressure on compensation for specialized engineering roles.
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Distribution in Boulder, CO
Salary progression for Computer Hardware Engineers in Boulder, CO, is strongly tied to experience and expertise. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior engineers with proven track records and specialized skills can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear career progression pathways, rewarding increased responsibility and technical mastery.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $90,810 | $43.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $114,585 | $55.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $142,200 | $68.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $190,975 | $91.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $212,150 | $102 |
Detailed Computer Hardware Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$152,780
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$152,780
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $152,780 in Boulder, CO, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Computer Hardware Engineer's salary in Boulder is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the premium often associated with high-cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
480
Total Jobs
2.453
Per 1K Jobs
5
Location Quotient
Boulder, CO has 5.0x the national concentration of Computer Hardware Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Boulder, CO, presents a highly concentrated market for Computer Hardware Engineers, evidenced by a Location Quotient of 5. This signifies that the area is a significant hub for this profession, attracting and retaining a disproportionately large number of these specialists compared to the rest of the country. Such a high concentration suggests a competitive yet opportunity-rich environment for both employers and job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer Hardware Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO Computer Hardware Engineers Salary | $174,630↑ 14% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Boulder, CO
Hiring Computer Hardware Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Hardware Engineers make in Boulder, CO?
The median annual salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers in Boulder, CO is $152,780. This typically ranges from $90,810 for entry-level positions to $212,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boulder, CO is 3.6% lower than the national median of $158,430.
Is Boulder, CO a lucrative place for Computer Hardware Engineers?
Yes, Boulder, CO is a lucrative place for Computer Hardware Engineers.Despite being slightly below the national average salary, the high concentration of roles (LQ of 5) and a cost of living at the national average make it a financially sound and opportunity-rich location for these professionals.
Is Boulder, CO a good place to live for Computer Hardware 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 Fort Collins-Loveland, CO ($174,630) and others.
How does Boulder's Computer Hardware Engineer salary compare to the national average?
Computer Hardware Engineers in Boulder, CO, earn an average of $152,780 annually, which is slightly lower than the national average of $158,430.
What is the concentration of Computer Hardware Engineers in Boulder, CO?
Boulder, CO has a high concentration of Computer Hardware Engineers, with a Location Quotient of 5, indicating five times the national average presence of this profession.
How does the cost of living in Boulder, CO affect the salary?
The cost of living in Boulder, CO, is at the national average (index of 100), meaning the $152,780 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it relatively stable.
What does the job market look like for Computer Hardware Engineers in Boulder, CO?
The job market is robust, with a significant local workforce of 480 and a high concentration of roles, suggesting strong demand and a specialized ecosystem for hardware engineering talent.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 480 employees in the Boulder, CO area with a job density of 2.453 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer Hardware Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Boulder, CO