Denver vs Golden: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Denver, CO and Golden, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Golden, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,464▲ | $89,530 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.66▲ | $43.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,006▲ | $65,337 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,630▲ | $73,217 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,581▲ | $113,166 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,484▲ | $137,761 |
| Total Employed | 9,130▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Golden.
The salary gap between Denver and Golden is $17,934 (20.03%). 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,Golden spans $72,424. Denver 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, Denver ($101,590 effective) pays 19.14% more than Golden ($85,267 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 Golden 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 -11.5% growth in Golden over the same period.
Denver, CO
$88,620 (2019) → $104,710 (2025)
Golden, CO
$98,576 (2024) → $87,236 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Golden, 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