Engineering Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median aerospace engineer salary in Boulder, CO is $162,406 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$162,406
vs State Avg
+$29,182
vs National
+$35,526
Cost of Living
128%

Aerospace Engineer Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median aerospace engineer salary of $162,406, which is $29,182 above the Colorado state average of $133,224. Compared to the national median of $126,880, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $162,406 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $126,880. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for aerospace engineers in Boulder spans from $99,840 at the 10th percentile to $245,760 at the 90th percentile — a $145,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $102,400, while senior aerospace engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $236,800. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $102,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $236,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$102,400
+$22,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$163,840
+$35,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$236,800
+$51,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $99,840
25th Percentile $128,000
Median (50th) $162,406
75th Percentile $204,800
90th Percentile $245,760

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Boulder

Education

Most aerospace engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AerodynamicsCATIA/CADStructural AnalysisMATLABPropulsion SystemsFEA

Job Outlook

Nationally, aerospace engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Boulder

Browse open aerospace engineer positions in Boulder, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Boulder

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median aerospace engineer salary in Boulder, Colorado is $162,406 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $126,880. Salaries range from $99,840 (10th percentile) to $245,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $162,406, a aerospace engineer in Boulder earns approximately $78 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for aerospace engineer pay? ▼
Boulder's median aerospace engineer salary of $162,406 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $133,224. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a aerospace engineer salary of $162,406 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a aerospace engineer in Boulder? ▼
Most aerospace engineer positions in Boulder require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Aerodynamics, CATIA/CAD, Structural Analysis, MATLAB. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.