Fort Collins vs Loveland: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Loveland, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Loveland, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,211▲ | $94,882 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.74▲ | $45.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,439▲ | $64,712 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,751▲ | $74,876 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,144▲ | $121,376 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $150,640▲ | $147,068 |
| Total Employed | 680▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Loveland.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Loveland is $2,329 (2.45%). Fort Collins's median is -6.07% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $81,201,Loveland spans $82,356. Loveland 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, Fort Collins ($96,127 effective) pays 6.38% more than Loveland ($90,364 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,211/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($150,640)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,127)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Loveland if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Fort Collins grew 26.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -10.7% growth in Loveland over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$74,700 (2019) → $94,720 (2025)
Loveland, CO
$103,489 (2024) → $92,451 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Loveland, 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