Average Industrial Engineers Salary in Boulder, CO
Industrial Engineers in Boulder, Colorado, command an impressive average annual salary of $117,530, significantly surpassing the national average of $107,860. This elevated compensation is likely driven by Boulder's robust economy, high concentration of tech and advanced manufacturing industries, and a skilled workforce demanding specialized engineering talent.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $117,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $163,410.
- Outlook: Boulder, CO presents a strong market for Industrial Engineers, evidenced by a local workforce of 940 professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.12 indicates a concentration of these roles nearly twice the national average, suggesting robust demand and a dynamic job market for experienced engineers.
Salary Overview
The average Industrial Engineers in Boulder, CO earns+9.0%above the national average.
$56.5
$2,260
$9,794
Industrial Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Industrial Engineer salaries in Boulder have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing demand for efficiency and process optimization expertise in a thriving economic hub.
Industrial Engineers Salary Distribution in Boulder, CO
The salary trajectory for Industrial Engineers in Boulder, CO, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and leadership capabilities can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear path for career progression and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $81,130 | $39 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $88,148 | $42.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $110,710 | $53.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $146,913 | $70.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $163,410 | $78.6 |
Detailed Industrial Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$117,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$117,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
An average annual salary of $117,530 in Boulder, CO, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (index of 100). This means that the purchasing power of an Industrial Engineer's salary in Boulder is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without the premium often associated with high-paying cities.
Job Market Context
940
Total Jobs
4.809
Per 1K Jobs
2.12
Location Quotient
Boulder, CO has 2.1x the national concentration of Industrial 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 2.12, Boulder, CO, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Industrial Engineers compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where specialized skills are highly valued and opportunities are plentiful for those with the right qualifications.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Industrial Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Industrial Engineers Salary | $114,330↓ 3% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Industrial Engineers Salary | $110,200↓ 6% | 37 mi |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO Industrial Engineers Salary | $121,030↑ 3% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area Industrial Engineers Salary | $103,390↓ 12% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Boulder, CO
Hiring Industrial Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Industrial Engineers make in Boulder, CO?
The median annual salary for a Industrial Engineers in Boulder, CO is $117,530. This typically ranges from $81,130 for entry-level positions to $163,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Boulder, CO is 9.0% higher than the national median of $107,860.
Is Boulder, CO a lucrative place for Industrial Engineers?
Yes, Boulder, CO is a lucrative place for Industrial Engineers.Industrial Engineers in Boulder earn approximately $9,670 more than the national average, and with a cost of living at the national average, their purchasing power is strong.
Is Boulder, CO a good place to live for Industrial 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 ($114,330) and Greeley, CO.
How does the Boulder Industrial Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Industrial Engineers in Boulder, CO, is $117,530, which is $9,670 higher than the national average of $107,860.
What is the concentration of Industrial Engineers in Boulder, CO?
Boulder, CO has a Location Quotient of 2.12 for Industrial Engineers, meaning the concentration of these professionals is more than double the national average.
How does the cost of living in Boulder affect an Industrial Engineer's salary?
Boulder's cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher salary of $117,530 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a financially sound location.
What is the total number of Industrial Engineers in Boulder, CO?
There are approximately 940 Industrial Engineers working in Boulder, CO.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 940 employees in the Boulder, CO area with a job density of 4.809 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Industrial Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Boulder, CO