Boulder vs Denver: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Boulder, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,809 | $107,464▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.03 | $51.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,003 | $81,006▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,694 | $86,630▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,196 | $138,581▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,605 | $171,484▲ |
| Total Employed | 21 | 9,130▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Boulder.
The salary gap between Boulder and Denver is $9,655 (9.87%). Denver's median is +3.84% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $83,602,Denver spans $90,478. Denver has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($101,590 effective) pays 9.06% more than Boulder ($93,151 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,464/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,484)
- ✓Larger job market (9,130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,590)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Boulder grew 14.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.2% growth in Denver over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$83,040 (2019) → $95,303 (2025)
Denver, CO
$88,620 (2019) → $104,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Boulder or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Denver?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Denver as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Boulder vs Denver?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov