Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in Colorado
Based on 3K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$156,080
$75.04/hr
vs National Average
$130,164
+19.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$100K – $222K
3K employed in Colorado
Computer Hardware Engineer salary in Colorado averages $156,080 per year, positioning the state as an attractive market for professionals in this field. With approximately 2,660 hardware engineers employed across Colorado, the state offers substantial opportunities. This median salary sits 20% above the national average, reflecting strong local demand and the state's growing tech sector presence.
Several factors influence Computer Hardware Engineer salary in Colorado, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry specialization. Geographic location within the state matters too, with Denver and Boulder commanding higher salaries than rural areas. The competitive tech landscape, presence of major companies, and cost of living also shape compensation packages. Engineers with specialized skills in emerging technologies typically earn toward the higher end of the $100,050 to $222,220 range.
Salary Distribution — Computer Hardware Engineer in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $100,050 |
| 25th percentile | $126,520 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $156,080 |
| 75th percentile | $186,260 |
| 90th percentile | $222,220 |
Top-Paying Industries for Computer Hardware Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Computer Hardware Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Computer Hardware Engineers in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $169,030 | 6K |
| Finance and Insurance | $167,190 | 290 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $165,530 | 4K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $165,350 | 30K |
| Manufacturing | $161,530 | 26K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Computer Hardware Engineer in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $131,280 |
| 2023 | $136,810 |
| 2024 | $162,920 |
| 2025 | $156,080 |
| 2026 (projected) | $156,080 |
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 | $131,280 | $111,329 |
| 2023 | $136,810 | $118,630 |
| 2024 | $162,920 | $126,815 |
| 2025 | $156,080 | $130,164 |
| 2026 (projected) | $156,080 | $130,164 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $126,520 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $156,080 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $186,260 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $222,220 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Computer Hardware Engineer Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Computer Hardware Engineer ($156,080 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Computer Hardware Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in CO | $199,420 | +27.8% | $95.88/hr |
| Database Administrator in CO | $154,560 | -1.0% | $74.31/hr |
| Software Engineer in CO | $139,580 | -10.6% | $67.11/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in CO | $139,230 | -10.8% | $66.94/hr |
| Software Developer in CO | $138,390 | -11.3% | $66.53/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in CO | $135,220 | -13.4% | $65.01/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in CO | $133,160 | -14.7% | $64.02/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in CO | $129,880 | -16.8% | $62.44/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in CO | $127,750 | -18.2% | $61.42/hr |
| Data Scientist in CO | $117,400 | -24.8% | $56.44/hr |
| Statistician in CO | $109,660 | -29.7% | $52.72/hr |
| Computer Programmer in CO | $104,610 | -33.0% | $50.29/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do computer hardware engineers make in Colorado?
- Computer hardware engineers in Colorado earn a median salary of $156,080 per year, or $75 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 19.9% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for hardware engineers in Colorado?
- The salary range for computer hardware engineers in Colorado spans from $100,050 at the lower end to $222,220 at the upper end, providing substantial variation based on experience and specialization.
Is Colorado a good state for computer hardware engineer salaries?
- Yes, Colorado offers competitive salaries for computer hardware engineers, with a median of $156,080 that exceeds the national average by 19.9%. This makes it an attractive location for professionals in this field.
How many computer hardware engineers work in Colorado?
- There are approximately 2,660 computer hardware engineers employed in Colorado, indicating a solid job market for professionals in this specialty.