Civil Engineer Salary in Colorado
Based on 13K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$101,420
$48.76/hr
vs National Average
$99,151
+2.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$77K – $165K
13K employed in Colorado
Civil engineers in Colorado earn a median salary of $101,420 per year, positioning the state slightly above the national average. With approximately 13,290 civil engineers employed throughout Colorado, the profession remains a significant part of the state's workforce. Salaries in this field typically range from $76,810 to $165,230 annually, reflecting the diversity of roles and experience levels within the industry.
Several factors influence civil engineer salary in Colorado, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specialization within the field. Geographic location within the state, employer type, and project complexity all play important roles in determining compensation. Engineers working on large infrastructure projects or in major metropolitan areas may command higher salaries compared to those in smaller markets or less complex assignments.
Salary Distribution — Civil Engineer in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $76,810 |
| 25th percentile | $82,830 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $101,420 |
| 75th percentile | $132,200 |
| 90th percentile | $165,230 |
Top H-1B Employers for Civil Engineer in Colorado
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Colorado — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kiewit Engineering Group Inc. | 6 | $96,551 |
| 2 | AECOM Technical Services, Inc. | 3 | $140,000 |
| 3 | Walker Consultants, Inc. | 3 | $106,870 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Civil Engineer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Colorado
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Colorado.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $94,496 | 9 |
| Level II | Qualified | $94,760 | 9 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $140,000 | 5 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Civil Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Civil Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Civil Engineers in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $157,120 | 960 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $123,980 | 3K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $116,320 | 1K |
| Utilities | $112,820 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $109,740 | 600 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Civil Engineer in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,180 |
| 2023 | $98,210 |
| 2025 | $101,420 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,735 |
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 | $95,180 | $86,235 |
| 2023 | $98,210 | $90,685 |
| 2025 | $101,420 | $99,151 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,735 | $102,392 |
Civil Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $82,830 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $101,420 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $132,200 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $165,230 |
Civil Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Civil Engineer Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Civil Engineer ($101,420 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Civil Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in CO | $183,810 | +81.2% | $88.37/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in CO | $172,190 | +69.8% | $82.78/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in CO | $156,190 | +54.0% | $75.09/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in CO | $125,800 | +24.0% | $60.48/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in CO | $124,430 | +22.7% | $59.82/hr |
| Materials Engineer in CO | $124,030 | +22.3% | $59.63/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in CO | $120,760 | +19.1% | $58.06/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in CO | $110,650 | +9.1% | $53.20/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in CO | $109,750 | +8.2% | $52.76/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in CO | $106,890 | +5.4% | $51.39/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in CO | $101,340 | -0.1% | $48.72/hr |
| Chemist in CO | $101,980 | +0.6% | $49.03/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do civil engineers make in Colorado?
- Civil engineers in Colorado earn a median salary of $101,420 per year, or approximately $49 per hour. This is 2.3% higher than the national average for civil engineers, making Colorado a competitive market for this profession.
What is the salary range for civil engineers in Colorado?
- Civil engineer salaries in Colorado range from $76,810 at the lower end to $165,230 at the upper end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer. The median salary of $101,420 falls in the middle of this range.
How many civil engineers are employed in Colorado?
- There are currently 13,290 civil engineers employed throughout Colorado, indicating a substantial job market for this profession in the state.
Is civil engineering a well-paid job in Colorado?
- Yes, civil engineering is well-compensated in Colorado with a median salary of $101,420 annually, which exceeds the national average by 2.3%. Entry-level positions start around $76,810, while experienced civil engineers can earn up to $165,230.