Engineering Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Civil Engineer Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median civil engineer salary in Denver, CO is $100,733 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$100,733
vs State Avg
+$6,296
vs National
+$10,793
Cost of Living
112%

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

Denver offers a median civil engineer salary of $100,733, which is $6,296 above the Colorado state average of $94,437. Compared to the national median of $89,940, 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 $100,733 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $89,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for civil engineers in Denver spans from $67,648 at the 10th percentile to $155,232 at the 90th percentile — a $87,584 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $69,440, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,600. 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.

Civil Engineer Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $69,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,440
+$7,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,800
+$10,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,600
+$15,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $67,648
25th Percentile $81,984
Median (50th) $100,733
75th Percentile $127,680
90th Percentile $155,232

Civil Engineer Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$115,123
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$95,336
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$94,437
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$89,940
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Denver

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Civil Engineer Jobs in Denver

Browse open civil engineer positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Denver

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Denver, Colorado is $100,733 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $67,648 (10th percentile) to $155,232 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,733, a civil engineer in Denver earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for civil engineer pay? ▼
Denver's median civil engineer salary of $100,733 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $94,437. 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 civil engineer salary of $100,733 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer in Denver? ▼
Most civil engineer positions in Denver require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.