Average Electrical Engineers Salary in Boulder, CO
Electrical Engineers in Boulder, Colorado, command an impressive average annual salary of $133,030, significantly surpassing the national average of $121,030. This elevated compensation is likely driven by Boulder's robust technology and aerospace sectors, which demand specialized engineering talent and foster a competitive hiring environment.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $133,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $203,000.
- Outlook: Boulder presents a strong market for Electrical Engineers, evidenced by a local workforce of 600 professionals and a Location Quotient of 2.49. This concentration indicates a demand for these roles that is more than double the national average, suggesting a healthy and potentially growing job market for skilled engineers in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Electrical Engineers in Boulder, CO earns+9.9%above the national average.
$64
$2,558
$11,086
Electrical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Electrical Engineers in Boulder have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing technological complexity, demand for renewable energy solutions, and the expansion of the semiconductor industry likely contribute to upward salary pressure.
Electrical Engineers Salary Distribution in Boulder, CO
The salary trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Boulder typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior and lead engineers can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting increased responsibility, specialized knowledge, and proven project success. These percentile gaps are key indicators of career progression within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $77,220 | $37.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $99,773 | $48 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $127,670 | $61.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $166,288 | $79.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $203,000 | $97.6 |
Detailed Electrical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$133,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$133,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average salary of $133,030 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, Electrical Engineers in Boulder experience strong purchasing power. The nominal salary effectively translates to a high real income, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle relative to the rest of the country, without the premium often associated with high-paying tech hubs.
Job Market Context
600
Total Jobs
3.054
Per 1K Jobs
2.49
Location Quotient
Boulder, CO has 2.5x the national concentration of Electrical Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Boulder's Location Quotient of 2.49 signifies a highly concentrated market for Electrical Engineers, meaning the profession is significantly more prevalent there than in the average U.S. location. This suggests a robust ecosystem of related industries and a strong demand for specialized engineering skills, making it a competitive but potentially rewarding environment for professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Electrical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Electrical Engineers Salary | $118,850↓ 11% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Electrical Engineers Salary | $113,360↓ 15% | 37 mi |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO Electrical Engineers Salary | $121,650↓ 9% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Electrical Engineers Salary | $114,170↓ 14% | 67 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Electrical Engineers Salary | $110,130↓ 17% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Boulder, CO
Hiring Electrical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Electrical Engineers make in Boulder, CO?
The median annual salary for a Electrical Engineers in Boulder, CO is $133,030. This typically ranges from $77,220 for entry-level positions to $203,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boulder, CO is 9.9% higher than the national median of $121,030.
Is Boulder, CO a lucrative place for Electrical Engineers?
Yes, Boulder, CO is a lucrative location for Electrical Engineers.Electrical Engineers in Boulder earn an average of $133,030, which is substantially higher than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living index at the national average, this makes the nominal salary translate into strong real income and purchasing power.
Is Boulder, CO a good place to live for Electrical 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 ($118,850) and Greeley, CO.
How does the Electrical Engineer salary in Boulder compare to the national average?
Electrical Engineers in Boulder earn an average of $133,030 annually, which is over $12,000 more than the national average of $121,030.
What is the concentration of Electrical Engineers in Boulder?
Boulder has a Location Quotient of 2.49 for Electrical Engineers, indicating that the profession is more than twice as concentrated as the national average.
Does the cost of living in Boulder affect the Electrical Engineer salary?
No, the cost of living in Boulder is at the national average (100), meaning the higher average salary of $133,030 provides excellent purchasing power without the typical premium associated with high-paying cities.
How many Electrical Engineers are in Boulder?
There are approximately 600 Electrical Engineers working in the Boulder, Colorado area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 600 employees in the Boulder, CO area with a job density of 3.054 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Electrical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Boulder, CO