Average Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO
Computer Hardware Engineers in the Fort Collins-Loveland, CO area command an impressive average annual salary of $174,630, significantly surpassing the national average of $158,430. This elevated compensation is likely driven by a specialized local demand and the concentration of high-tech industries within the region, necessitating a premium for skilled engineering talent.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $174,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $261,945.
- Outlook: The Fort Collins-Loveland area presents a robust job market for Computer Hardware Engineers, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 580 professionals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 6.72 indicates a disproportionately high concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling strong and sustained demand within this specific geographic area.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Hardware Engineers in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO earns+10.2%above the national average.
$84
$3,358
$14,553
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that the trend for Computer Hardware Engineer salaries in Fort Collins-Loveland has mirrored national patterns over the past four years, likely experiencing steady growth. This upward trajectory is typically fueled by advancements in technology, increasing complexity of hardware design, and a persistent need for specialized engineering expertise.
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Distribution in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO
Salary progression for Computer Hardware Engineers in Fort Collins-Loveland is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions will naturally fall towards the lower end of the pay scale, while senior engineers with extensive project leadership and design expertise can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the substantial career progression and earning potential available as one advances in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $104,910 | $50.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $130,973 | $63 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $165,020 | $79.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $218,288 | $104.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $261,945 | $125.9 |
Detailed Computer Hardware Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$174,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$174,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $174,630 in Fort Collins-Loveland aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (100). This means that while engineers are earning more than the national average, their purchasing power is effectively on par with their national counterparts, offering a stable financial environment without the immediate pressure of a significantly higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
580
Total Jobs
3.3
Per 1K Jobs
6.72
Location Quotient
Fort Collins-Loveland, CO has 6.7x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 6.72, Fort Collins-Loveland is a highly concentrated hub for Computer Hardware Engineers, far exceeding the national average. This suggests a very competitive market for employers seeking talent, but also a rich environment for engineers to find specialized roles and potentially advance their careers within a focused industry cluster.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer Hardware Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Computer Hardware Engineers Salary | $152,780↓ 13% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Collins-Loveland, CO
Hiring Computer Hardware Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Hardware Engineers make in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?
The median annual salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is $174,630. This typically ranges from $104,910 for entry-level positions to $261,945 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is 10.2% higher than the national median of $158,430.
Is Fort Collins-Loveland, CO a lucrative place for Computer Hardware Engineers?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative location for Computer Hardware Engineers.The average salary of $174,630 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national index, offering excellent earning potential.
Is Fort Collins-Loveland, CO a good place to live for Computer Hardware Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Collins-Loveland, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Collins-Loveland, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($152,780) and others.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 580 indicates a substantial pool of experienced professionals, suggesting a mature and active job market with ongoing opportunities for both new entrants and seasoned engineers.
What does a Location Quotient of 6.72 mean for an engineer?
A Location Quotient of 6.72 signifies that Computer Hardware Engineers are nearly seven times more concentrated in Fort Collins-Loveland than the national average, indicating high demand and specialized industry presence.
How does the cost of living affect the $174,630 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $174,630 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning the higher nominal salary translates directly into comparable living standards.
Are there many job openings for Computer Hardware Engineers in this area?
The high concentration (LQ of 6.72) and significant local workforce suggest a robust job market with numerous opportunities, likely indicating a healthy number of open positions for qualified candidates.
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 Fort Collins-Loveland, CO area with a job density of 3.3 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 Fort Collins-Loveland, CO