Data Engineer Salary in Boulder, Colorado
The median data engineer salary in Boulder, CO is $170,000 per year, which is 36.0% above the national median and 20.4% above the Colorado state average.
Data Engineer Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)
Boulder offers a median data engineer salary of $170,000, which is $28,750 above the Colorado state average of $141,250. Compared to the national median of $125,000, 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 $170,000 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $132,813. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for data engineers in Boulder spans from $106,080 at the 10th percentile to $258,400 at the 90th percentile — a $152,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $108,800, while senior data engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $244,800. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Data Engineer Salary in Boulder by Experience
In Boulder, an entry-level data engineer earns around $108,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $244,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO
| Percentile | Boulder |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $106,080 |
| 25th Percentile | $136,000 |
| Median (50th) | $170,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $214,880 |
| 90th Percentile | $258,400 |
Data Engineer Salary in Other Colorado Cities
How to Become a Data Engineer in Boulder
Education
Most data engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, data engineer employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Data Engineer Jobs in Boulder
Browse open data engineer positions in Boulder, CO: