Commerce City vs Denver: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Commerce City, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Commerce City, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,362 | $107,464▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.36 | $51.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,841 | $81,006▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,899 | $86,630▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $120,783 | $138,581▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,261 | $171,484▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 9,130▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Commerce City.
The salary gap between Commerce City and Denver is $13,102 (13.88%). 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 Commerce City spans $81,420,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 13.04% more than Commerce City ($89,869 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Commerce City 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 Commerce City grew -11.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.2% growth in Denver over the same period.
Commerce City, CO
$103,896 (2024) → $91,944 (2025)
Denver, CO
$88,620 (2019) → $104,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Commerce City, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Commerce City or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Commerce City and Denver?
Should I relocate from Commerce City to Denver as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Commerce City vs Denver?
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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