Environmental Engineer Salary in Colorado
Based on 1K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$106,890
$51.39/hr
vs National Average
$104,071
+2.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $166K
1K employed in Colorado
Environmental engineers in Colorado earn a median salary of $106,890 per year, which is 3% above the national average. With approximately 1,320 environmental engineers employed across the state, Colorado offers competitive compensation for professionals in this field. Salaries typically range from $66,390 to $165,870 annually, reflecting the diversity of roles and experience levels in the environmental engineering sector.
Several factors influence environmental engineer salary in Colorado, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry specialization. Engineers working in oil and gas, water treatment, or consulting firms may command different compensation levels than those in government or nonprofit positions. Geographic location within Colorado, company size, and specific environmental certifications also play significant roles in determining individual earning potential within the state's environmental engineering market.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Engineer in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $66,390 |
| 25th percentile | $83,500 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $106,890 |
| 75th percentile | $131,550 |
| 90th percentile | $165,870 |
Top-Paying Industries for Environmental Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Environmental Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Environmental Engineers in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Warehousing | $131,590 | 230 |
| Utilities | $124,760 | 550 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $123,520 | 440 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $117,490 | 1K |
| Manufacturing | $115,220 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Environmental Engineer in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $93,970 |
| 2023 | $102,810 |
| 2024 | $98,170 |
| 2025 | $106,890 |
| 2026 (projected) | $113,303 |
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 | $93,970 | $92,026 |
| 2023 | $102,810 | $96,306 |
| 2024 | $98,170 | $100,067 |
| 2025 | $106,890 | $104,071 |
| 2026 (projected) | $113,303 | $110,315 |
Environmental Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $83,500 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $106,890 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $131,550 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $165,870 |
Environmental Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Engineer Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Environmental Engineer ($106,890 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in CO | $183,810 | +72.0% | $88.37/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in CO | $172,190 | +61.1% | $82.78/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in CO | $156,190 | +46.1% | $75.09/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in CO | $125,800 | +17.7% | $60.48/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in CO | $124,430 | +16.4% | $59.82/hr |
| Materials Engineer in CO | $124,030 | +16.0% | $59.63/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in CO | $120,760 | +13.0% | $58.06/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in CO | $110,650 | +3.5% | $53.20/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in CO | $109,750 | +2.7% | $52.76/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CO | $101,420 | -5.1% | $48.76/hr |
| Occupational Therapist in CO | $106,720 | -0.2% | $51.31/hr |
| Management Analyst in CO | $104,750 | -2.0% | $50.36/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental engineers make in Colorado?
- Environmental engineers in Colorado earn a median salary of $106,890 per year, or $51 per hour. This is 2.7% higher than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for environmental engineers in Colorado?
- Environmental engineer salaries in Colorado range from $66,390 at the lower end to $165,870 at the higher end, depending on experience, location, and employer.
How many environmental engineers work in Colorado?
- There are currently 1,320 environmental engineers employed in Colorado, representing a stable job market in the state.
Is Colorado a good state for environmental engineer salaries?
- Yes, Colorado offers competitive environmental engineer salaries with a median of $106,890, which exceeds the national average by 2.7%, making it an above-average market for this profession.