Engineering Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Marine Engineer Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median marine engineer salary in Boulder, CO is $124,045 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$124,045
vs State Avg
+$22,289
vs National
+$27,135
Cost of Living
128%

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

Boulder offers a median marine engineer salary of $124,045, which is $22,289 above the Colorado state average of $101,756. Compared to the national median of $96,910, 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 $124,045 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,910. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for marine engineers in Boulder spans from $74,240 at the 10th percentile to $194,560 at the 90th percentile — a $120,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,360, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $185,600. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Marine Engineer Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $79,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $185,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,360
+$17,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$125,440
+$27,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$185,600
+$40,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $74,240
25th Percentile $97,280
Median (50th) $124,045
75th Percentile $158,720
90th Percentile $194,560

Marine Engineer Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$108,539
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$102,725
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$101,756
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$96,910
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Boulder

Education

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

Key Skills

Naval ArchitectureMarine SystemsCADPropulsionMaritime LawProject Management

Job Outlook

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

Find Marine Engineer Jobs in Boulder

Browse open marine engineer positions in Boulder, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Boulder

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Boulder, Colorado is $124,045 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $74,240 (10th percentile) to $194,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $124,045, a marine engineer in Boulder earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Boulder's median marine engineer salary of $124,045 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $101,756. 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 marine engineer salary of $124,045 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Boulder? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Boulder require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Naval Architecture, Marine Systems, CAD, Propulsion. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.