Chemical Engineer Salary in Fort Collins, CO: $112,636 (2026)

Chemical Engineer Pay in Fort Collins: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Collins offers a median chemical engineer salary of $112,636, which is $1,063 above the Colorado state average of $111,573. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Fort Collins pays above average for this role.

Fort Collins's cost of living is 106% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for chemical engineers in Fort Collins spans from $72,080 at the 10th percentile to $182,320 at the 90th percentile — a $110,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,200, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $171,720. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $74,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $171,720 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$74,200

+$4,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$114,480

+$6,480 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$171,720

+$9,720 vs national

Percentile	Fort Collins	CO State	National
10th Percentile	$72,080	$71,400	$68,000
25th Percentile	$89,040	$88,200	$84,000
Median (50th)	$112,636	$111,573	$106,260
75th Percentile	$146,280	$144,900	$138,000
90th Percentile	$182,320	$180,600	$172,000

Percentile

Fort Collins

10th Percentile

$72,080

25th Percentile

$89,040

Median (50th)

$112,636

75th Percentile

$146,280

90th Percentile

$182,320

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Fort Collins

Education

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

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Collins may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Fort Collins

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼

The median chemical engineer salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $112,636 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $72,080 (10th percentile) to $182,320 (90th percentile).

How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $112,636, a chemical engineer in Fort Collins earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼

Fort Collins's median chemical engineer salary of $112,636 is 1.0% above the Colorado state average of $111,573. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO? ▼

Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 106% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $112,636 in Fort Collins has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Fort Collins? ▼

Most chemical engineer positions in Fort Collins require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Process Engineering, Chemical Processes, ASPEN, Safety Engineering. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado