Engineering Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Environmental Engineer Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median environmental engineer salary in Denver, CO is $108,438 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$108,438
vs State Avg
+$6,777
vs National
+$11,618
Cost of Living
112%

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

Denver offers a median environmental engineer salary of $108,438, which is $6,777 above the Colorado state average of $101,661. Compared to the national median of $96,820, 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 $108,438 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,820. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for environmental engineers in Denver spans from $68,320 at the 10th percentile to $165,760 at the 90th percentile — a $97,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,680, while senior environmental engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $159,040. 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.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $71,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,680
+$7,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,760
+$11,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,040
+$17,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $68,320
25th Percentile $85,120
Median (50th) $108,438
75th Percentile $136,640
90th Percentile $165,760

Environmental Engineer Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Environmental Engineer in Denver

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental RemediationWater TreatmentAir QualityEPA RegulationsGISProject Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Engineer Jobs in Denver

Browse open environmental engineer positions in Denver, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Engineer Salary in Denver

How much does a Environmental Engineer make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median environmental engineer salary in Denver, Colorado is $108,438 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $96,820. Salaries range from $68,320 (10th percentile) to $165,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Engineer make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,438, a environmental engineer in Denver earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for environmental engineer pay? ▼
Denver's median environmental engineer salary of $108,438 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $101,661. 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 environmental engineer salary of $108,438 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental engineer in Denver? ▼
Most environmental engineer positions in Denver require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Remediation, Water Treatment, Air Quality, EPA Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.