Chemical Engineer Salary in Colorado
Based on 720+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$125,800
$60.48/hr
vs National Average
$115,633
+8.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$80K – $189K
720 employed in Colorado
Chemical engineers in Colorado earn a median salary of $125,800 per year, positioning the state well above the national average. With approximately 720 chemical engineers employed across Colorado, the field offers competitive compensation for professionals in this specialized discipline. The state's robust industrial and energy sectors drive demand for skilled chemical engineers.
Salary variations for chemical engineers in Colorado typically range from $80,130 to $188,640 annually, influenced by factors including experience level, employer size, industry sector, and specific technical expertise. Those working in oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, or advanced manufacturing often command higher salaries. Location within Colorado, educational credentials, and years of professional experience also significantly impact earning potential in this role.
Salary Distribution — Chemical Engineer in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $80,130 |
| 25th percentile | $97,490 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $125,800 |
| 75th percentile | $150,280 |
| 90th percentile | $188,640 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chemical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chemical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chemical Engineers in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $137,180 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $135,720 | 1K |
| Construction | $131,190 | 400 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $130,810 | 650 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $125,990 | 90 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chemical Engineer in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $104,910 |
| 2023 | $107,450 |
| 2024 | $131,740 |
| 2025 | $125,800 |
| 2026 (projected) | $125,800 |
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 | $104,910 | $104,335 |
| 2023 | $107,450 | $110,377 |
| 2024 | $131,740 | $114,171 |
| 2025 | $125,800 | $115,633 |
| 2026 (projected) | $125,800 | $115,633 |
Chemical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $97,490 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $125,800 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $150,280 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $188,640 |
Chemical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Chemical Engineer Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Chemical Engineer ($125,800 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in CO | $183,810 | +46.1% | $88.37/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in CO | $172,190 | +36.9% | $82.78/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in CO | $156,190 | +24.2% | $75.09/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in CO | $124,430 | -1.1% | $59.82/hr |
| Materials Engineer in CO | $124,030 | -1.4% | $59.63/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in CO | $120,760 | -4.0% | $58.06/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in CO | $110,650 | -12.0% | $53.20/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in CO | $109,750 | -12.8% | $52.76/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in CO | $106,890 | -15.0% | $51.39/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CO | $101,420 | -19.4% | $48.76/hr |
| Construction Manager in CO | $124,830 | -0.8% | $60.01/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in CO | $127,750 | +1.6% | $61.42/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemical engineers make in Colorado?
- Chemical engineers in Colorado earn a median salary of $125,800 per year, or $60 per hour. This is 8.8% higher than the national average, making Colorado a competitive state for this profession.
What is the salary range for chemical engineers in Colorado?
- Chemical engineer salaries in Colorado range from $80,130 at the lower end to $188,640 at the upper end, depending on experience, education, and specific employer.
Is Colorado a good state for chemical engineer salaries?
- Yes, Colorado offers competitive salaries for chemical engineers, with a median of $125,800 per year that exceeds the national average by 8.8%. The state currently employs 720 chemical engineers.
What's the highest salary a chemical engineer can earn in Colorado?
- The highest salary for chemical engineers in Colorado reaches $188,640 per year, representing the upper end of the salary range in the state.