Denver vs Colorado Springs: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Denver, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,464▲ | $97,334 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.66▲ | $46.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,006▲ | $69,532 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,630▲ | $80,041 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,581▲ | $132,341 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,484▲ | $168,847 |
| Total Employed | 9,130▲ | 1,100 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Denver and Colorado Springs is $10,130 (10.41%). 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 Denver spans $90,478,Colorado Springs spans $99,315. Colorado Springs 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 5.11% more than Colorado Springs ($96,651 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Denver grew 18.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.3% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Denver, CO
$88,620 (2019) → $104,710 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$83,690 (2019) → $94,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
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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