Engineering Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

Chemical Engineer Salary in Colorado

The median chemical engineer salary in Colorado is $111,573 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $106,260.

Median Salary
$111,573
vs National
+$5,313
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Chemical Engineer Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for chemical engineer compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for chemical engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $111,573 per year, chemical engineers in Colorado earn $5,313 more than the national median of $106,260.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning chemical engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: chemical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $71,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $180,600 — a $109,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $136,013.

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for chemical engineers across the country.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $73,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,100 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,500
+$3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$113,400
+$5,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$170,100
+$8,100 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $71,400
25th Percentile $88,200
Median (50th) $111,573
75th Percentile $144,900
90th Percentile $180,600

Chemical Engineer Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for chemical engineers in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Colorado

Education

Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Colorado has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook in Colorado

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Colorado's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Colorado

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Colorado? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Colorado is $111,573 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $71,400 (10th percentile) to $180,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $111,573, a chemical engineer in Colorado earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for chemical engineers? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for chemical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level chemical engineers earn $73,500, while senior professionals earn $170,100.
How does Colorado compare to other states for chemical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemical engineers is Hawaii at $180,642. Colorado's median of $111,573 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maryland ($116,886) and Oregon ($116,886).
What is the entry-level chemical engineer salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level chemical engineer in Colorado earns approximately $73,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $113,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $170,100.
What city in Colorado pays chemical engineers the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for chemical engineers, with a median salary of $136,013. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.