Colorado Springs vs Steamboat Springs: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Steamboat Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Steamboat Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,334▲ | $91,726 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.80▲ | $44.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,532▲ | $62,980 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,041▲ | $77,737 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,341▲ | $113,269 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,847▲ | $142,174 |
| Total Employed | 1,100▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Steamboat Springs.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Steamboat Springs is $5,608 (6.11%). Colorado Springs's median is -5.95% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $99,315,Steamboat Springs spans $79,194. Colorado Springs has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Colorado Springs ($96,651 effective) pays 10.64% more than Steamboat Springs ($87,358 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,334/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,847)
- ✓Larger job market (1,100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,651)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Steamboat Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Colorado Springs grew 13.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.5% growth in Steamboat Springs over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$83,690 (2019) → $94,840 (2025)
Steamboat Springs, CO
$100,992 (2024) → $89,375 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Steamboat Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
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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