Data Engineer Salary in Denver, Colorado
The median data engineer salary in Denver, CO is $150,000 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median and 6.2% above the Colorado state average.
Data Engineer Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)
Denver offers a median data engineer salary of $150,000, which is $8,750 above the Colorado state average of $141,250. Compared to the national median of $125,000, 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 $150,000 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $133,929. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for data engineers in Denver spans from $93,600 at the 10th percentile to $228,000 at the 90th percentile — a $134,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $96,000, while senior data engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $216,000. 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.
Data Engineer Salary in Denver by Experience
In Denver, an entry-level data engineer earns around $96,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $216,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO
| Percentile | Denver |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $93,600 |
| 25th Percentile | $120,000 |
| Median (50th) | $150,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $189,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $228,000 |
Data Engineer Salary in Other Colorado Cities
How to Become a Data Engineer in Denver
Education
Most data engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Denver 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 Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Data Engineer Jobs in Denver
Browse open data engineer positions in Denver, CO: