Engineering Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median aerospace engineer salary in Denver, CO is $142,106 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$142,106
vs State Avg
+$8,882
vs National
+$15,226
Cost of Living
112%

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

Denver offers a median aerospace engineer salary of $142,106, which is $8,882 above the Colorado state average of $133,224. Compared to the national median of $126,880, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $142,106 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $126,880. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for aerospace engineers in Denver spans from $87,360 at the 10th percentile to $215,040 at the 90th percentile — a $127,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $89,600, while senior aerospace engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $207,200. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $89,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $207,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$89,600
+$9,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$143,360
+$15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$207,200
+$22,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $87,360
25th Percentile $112,000
Median (50th) $142,106
75th Percentile $179,200
90th Percentile $215,040

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Denver

Education

Most aerospace engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Denver 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 Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Denver

Browse open aerospace engineer positions in Denver, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Denver

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median aerospace engineer salary in Denver, Colorado is $142,106 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $126,880. Salaries range from $87,360 (10th percentile) to $215,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $142,106, a aerospace engineer in Denver earns approximately $68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for aerospace engineer pay? ▼
Denver's median aerospace engineer salary of $142,106 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $133,224. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a aerospace engineer salary of $142,106 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a aerospace engineer in Denver? ▼
Most aerospace engineer positions in Denver 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.