Average Environmental Engineers Salary in Colorado
Environmental Engineers in Colorado earn an average annual salary of $102,890, which is below the national average of $113,240. This difference is often influenced by a combination of local market demand, the specific industry landscape within the state, and the overall economic conditions that shape compensation for specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $102,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $150,660.
- Outlook: Colorado boasts a robust job market for Environmental Engineers, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 1,660 professionals. The high Location Quotient of 2.33 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles in Colorado compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand for their expertise within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Environmental Engineers in Colorado earns-9.1%below the national average.
$49.5
$1,979
$8,574
Environmental Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Environmental Engineer salaries in Colorado have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing environmental regulations, a growing focus on sustainability, and the need for skilled professionals to manage complex projects likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation.
Environmental Engineers Salary Distribution in Colorado
Salary progression for Environmental Engineers in Colorado typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive project management and specialized expertise can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential associated with accumulating experience and advanced skills.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $58,120 | $27.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $77,168 | $37.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $98,170 | $47.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $128,613 | $61.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $150,660 | $72.4 |
Detailed Environmental Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$102,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$97,526
Adjusted for COL (105.5)
The nominal average salary of $102,890 in Colorado needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 105.5. This index, slightly above the national average, suggests that while the salary is competitive, the purchasing power might be marginally reduced compared to areas with a lower cost of living. Nonetheless, the salary remains substantial for professionals in this field.
Job Market Context
1,660
Total Jobs
0.573
Per 1K Jobs
2.33
Location Quotient
Colorado has 2.3x the national concentration of Environmental 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 2.33, Colorado presents a highly concentrated market for Environmental Engineers, indicating that these professionals are in greater demand relative to the national average. This suggests a competitive environment where employers actively seek out specialized talent, potentially leading to better negotiation power for experienced candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Environmental Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Environmental Engineers Salary | $108,490↑ 5% | 54 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Environmental Engineers make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for a Environmental Engineers in Colorado is $102,890. This typically ranges from $58,120 for entry-level positions to $150,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado is 9.1% lower than the national median of $113,240.
Is Colorado a lucrative place for Environmental Engineers?
Yes, Colorado offers lucrative opportunities for Environmental Engineers, despite being slightly below the national average salary.The high concentration of Environmental Engineers (LQ of 2.33) and a substantial local workforce indicate strong demand. While the average salary is $102,890, the cost of living is only slightly above the national average, making it a financially viable location.
Is Colorado a good place to live for Environmental Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?
Some top paying nearby cities include Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO ($108,490) and others.
How does Colorado's average Environmental Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Environmental Engineers in Colorado is $102,890, which is approximately $10,350 lower than the national average of $113,240.
What does the Location Quotient (LQ) of 2.33 mean for Environmental Engineers in Colorado?
An LQ of 2.33 signifies that Environmental Engineers are more than twice as concentrated in Colorado compared to the national average, indicating a higher demand and a more specialized job market within the state.
How does the cost of living in Colorado affect the Environmental Engineer salary?
Colorado's Cost of Living Index is 105.5, meaning it is 5.5% more expensive than the national average. This slightly higher cost of living moderates the impact of the $102,890 salary compared to areas with a lower cost of living.
What is the total number of Environmental Engineers working in Colorado?
There are approximately 1,660 Environmental Engineers employed within Colorado, representing a significant portion of the state's specialized engineering workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,660 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 0.573 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Environmental Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado