Aerospace Engineer Salary in Colorado
Based on 4K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$156,190
$75.09/hr
vs National Average
$130,131
+20.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$102K – $210K
4K employed in Colorado
Aerospace Engineer salary in Colorado averages $156,190 annually, positioning the state as an attractive market for professionals in this field. With approximately 4,070 aerospace engineers currently employed in Colorado, the state maintains a robust presence in the aerospace industry. This median salary sits approximately 20% above the national average, reflecting strong regional demand and competitive compensation.
Several factors influence aerospace engineer compensation in Colorado, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specialization within the field. Geographic proximity to major aerospace hubs and defense contractors, combined with Colorado's cost of living, shapes salary offerings in the region. Industry sector—whether commercial aviation, defense, or space exploration—and individual company size also play significant roles in determining where salaries fall within the $101,970 to $210,410 range.
Salary Distribution — Aerospace Engineer in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $101,970 |
| 25th percentile | $128,440 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $156,190 |
| 75th percentile | $180,310 |
| 90th percentile | $210,410 |
Top-Paying Industries for Aerospace Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Aerospace Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Aerospace Engineers in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $166,980 | 970 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $142,630 | 10K |
| Information | $138,400 | 260 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $137,970 | 860 |
| Manufacturing | $134,960 | 33K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Aerospace Engineer in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $129,890 |
| 2023 | $135,280 |
| 2024 | $151,570 |
| 2025 | $156,190 |
| 2026 (projected) | $160,951 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $129,890 | $112,679 |
| 2023 | $135,280 | $121,877 |
| 2024 | $151,570 | $126,293 |
| 2025 | $156,190 | $130,131 |
| 2026 (projected) | $160,951 | $134,098 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $128,440 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $156,190 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $180,310 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $210,410 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Aerospace Engineer Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Aerospace Engineer ($156,190 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Aerospace Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in CO | $183,810 | +17.7% | $88.37/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in CO | $172,190 | +10.2% | $82.78/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in CO | $125,800 | -19.5% | $60.48/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in CO | $124,430 | -20.3% | $59.82/hr |
| Materials Engineer in CO | $124,030 | -20.6% | $59.63/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in CO | $120,760 | -22.7% | $58.06/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in CO | $110,650 | -29.2% | $53.20/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in CO | $109,750 | -29.7% | $52.76/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in CO | $106,890 | -31.6% | $51.39/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CO | $101,420 | -35.1% | $48.76/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in CO | $156,080 | -0.1% | $75.04/hr |
| Pharmacist in CO | $156,030 | -0.1% | $75.01/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do aerospace engineers make in Colorado?
- Aerospace engineers in Colorado earn a median salary of $156,190 per year, or $75 per hour. This is 20% higher than the national average, making Colorado one of the better-paying states for this profession.
What is the salary range for aerospace engineers in Colorado?
- Aerospace engineer salaries in Colorado range from $101,970 at the low end to $210,410 at the high end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, and specific roles within the field.
How many aerospace engineers work in Colorado?
- There are currently 4,070 aerospace engineers employed in Colorado. This represents a substantial aerospace engineering workforce in the state.
Is Colorado a good state for aerospace engineer salaries?
- Yes, Colorado offers competitive salaries for aerospace engineers, with a median of $156,190 per year—20% above the national average. This makes it an attractive location for professionals in this field seeking higher compensation.