Engineering Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Industrial Engineer Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median industrial engineer salary in Boulder, CO is $121,984 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$121,984
vs State Avg
+$21,919
vs National
+$26,684
Cost of Living
128%

Industrial Engineer Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median industrial engineer salary of $121,984, which is $21,919 above the Colorado state average of $100,065. Compared to the national median of $95,300, 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 $121,984 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $95,300. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for industrial engineers in Boulder spans from $78,080 at the 10th percentile to $189,440 at the 90th percentile — a $111,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,920, while senior industrial engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $181,760. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Industrial Engineer Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level industrial engineer earns around $81,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $181,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,920
+$17,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$122,880
+$26,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$181,760
+$39,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $78,080
25th Percentile $97,280
Median (50th) $121,984
75th Percentile $153,600
90th Percentile $189,440

Industrial Engineer Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Industrial Engineer in Boulder

Education

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

Key Skills

Lean ManufacturingSix SigmaProcess OptimizationAutoCADStatistical AnalysisOperations Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, industrial engineer employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Industrial Engineer Jobs in Boulder

Browse open industrial engineer positions in Boulder, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Industrial Engineer Salary in Boulder

How much does a Industrial Engineer make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median industrial engineer salary in Boulder, Colorado is $121,984 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $95,300. Salaries range from $78,080 (10th percentile) to $189,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Industrial Engineer make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $121,984, a industrial engineer in Boulder earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for industrial engineer pay? ▼
Boulder's median industrial engineer salary of $121,984 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $100,065. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a industrial engineer salary of $121,984 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a industrial engineer in Boulder? ▼
Most industrial engineer positions in Boulder require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Process Optimization, AutoCAD. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.