Engineering Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

Environmental Engineer Salary in Colorado

The median environmental engineer salary in Colorado is $101,661 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $96,820.

Median Salary
$101,661
vs National
+$4,841
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Environmental Engineer Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for environmental engineer compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for environmental engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $101,661 per year, environmental engineers in Colorado earn $4,841 more than the national median of $96,820.

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

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: environmental engineers at the 10th percentile earn $64,050, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $155,400 — a $91,350 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 $123,930.

Nationally, environmental engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for environmental engineers across the country.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $67,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,100 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,200
+$3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$102,900
+$4,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$149,100
+$7,100 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $64,050
25th Percentile $79,800
Median (50th) $101,661
75th Percentile $128,100
90th Percentile $155,400

Environmental Engineer Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for environmental 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 Environmental Engineer in Colorado

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental RemediationWater TreatmentAir QualityEPA RegulationsGISProject Management

Job Outlook in Colorado

Nationally, environmental engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Colorado's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Engineer Salary in Colorado

How much does a Environmental Engineer make in Colorado? ▼
The median environmental engineer salary in Colorado is $101,661 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $96,820. Salaries range from $64,050 (10th percentile) to $155,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Engineer make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $101,661, a environmental engineer in Colorado earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for environmental engineers? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for environmental engineer pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level environmental engineers earn $67,200, while senior professionals earn $149,100.
How does Colorado compare to other states for environmental engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for environmental engineers is Hawaii at $164,594. Colorado's median of $101,661 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maryland ($106,502) and Oregon ($106,502).
What is the entry-level environmental engineer salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level environmental engineer in Colorado earns approximately $67,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $102,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $149,100.
What city in Colorado pays environmental engineers the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for environmental engineers, with a median salary of $123,930. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.