Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Mechanical Engineers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $122,340. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $109,640, indicating a strong local demand for specialized engineering talent. Factors such as the region's growing industrial base and technological advancements likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $122,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $176,300.
- Outlook: The Denver-Aurora-Centennial area presents a robust job market for Mechanical Engineers, evidenced by a total local workforce of 3,870 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.29, the concentration of Mechanical Engineers here is notably higher than the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for their skills within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earns+11.6%above the national average.
$58.8
$2,353
$10,195
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Mechanical Engineer salaries in Denver-Aurora-Centennial have experienced positive growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Increased investment in infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing within the region likely fuels this upward trajectory, making it a dynamic field for career advancement.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in compensation clearly signify the career growth and increased earning potential associated with advancing through different experience levels.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $78,750 | $37.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $91,755 | $44.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $110,530 | $53.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $152,925 | $73.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $176,300 | $84.8 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$122,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$122,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $122,340 in Denver-Aurora-Centennial aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, as indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Mechanical Engineer's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation without the immediate pressure of significantly higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
3,870
Total Jobs
2.392
Per 1K Jobs
1.29
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.29, Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Mechanical Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.29 signifies that Mechanical Engineers are more concentrated in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area than in the typical U.S. metropolitan region. This suggests a healthy and competitive job market where employers actively seek out this specialized talent, potentially leading to more opportunities and robust salary negotiations for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO Mechanical Engineers Salary | $131,360↑ 7% | 27 mi |
| Greeley, CO Mechanical Engineers Salary | $106,410↓ 13% | 45 mi |
Comparing salaries near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is $122,340. This typically ranges from $78,750 for entry-level positions to $176,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 11.6% higher than the national median of $109,640.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
Yes, Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is a lucrative location for Mechanical Engineers.Mechanical Engineers earn an average of $122,340 annually, significantly higher than the national average. Coupled with a cost of living that matches the national average, this makes the area financially attractive.
Is Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Boulder, CO ($131,360) and Greeley, CO.
How does the Denver-Aurora-Centennial salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Mechanical Engineers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is $122,340, which is $12,700 higher than the national average of $109,640.
What is the concentration of Mechanical Engineers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial?
The Location Quotient of 1.29 indicates that Mechanical Engineers are 29% more concentrated in Denver-Aurora-Centennial compared to the national average, suggesting higher local demand.
Does the cost of living affect the salary's value?
No, the cost of living in Denver-Aurora-Centennial is exactly at the national average (index 100), meaning the $122,340 salary offers average purchasing power.
How many Mechanical Engineers work in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial area?
There are approximately 3,870 Mechanical Engineers employed within the Denver-Aurora-Centennial metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,870 employees in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO area with a job density of 2.392 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Mechanical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO