Materials Engineer Salary in Colorado
Based on 810+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$124,030
$59.63/hr
vs National Average
$108,868
+13.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $181K
810 employed in Colorado
Materials Engineer salary in Colorado averages $124,030 annually, positioning the state as an attractive market for professionals in this field. This median exceeds the national average by 14 percent, reflecting strong demand and Colorado's competitive tech and manufacturing sectors. With approximately 810 materials engineers employed throughout the state, the profession maintains steady presence across various industries.
Compensation for materials engineers in Colorado varies based on experience, employer size, and industry specialization. Entry-level positions start around $64,710, while experienced professionals can earn up to $180,500. Factors such as work location within the state, specific technical expertise, and whether employment is with aerospace, electronics, or energy companies significantly influence individual salary outcomes.
Salary Distribution — Materials Engineer in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,710 |
| 25th percentile | $94,640 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $124,030 |
| 75th percentile | $164,630 |
| 90th percentile | $180,500 |
Top-Paying Industries for Materials Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Materials Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Materials Engineers in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $137,650 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $130,620 | 70 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $126,510 | 2K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $122,660 | 6K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $118,890 | 130 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Materials Engineer in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $102,660 |
| 2024 | $121,430 |
| 2025 | $124,030 |
| 2026 (projected) | $126,686 |
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 | $102,660 | $94,212 |
| 2024 | $121,430 | $104,882 |
| 2025 | $124,030 | $108,868 |
| 2026 (projected) | $126,686 | $111,199 |
Materials Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $94,640 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $124,030 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $164,630 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $180,500 |
Materials Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Materials Engineer Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Materials Engineer ($124,030 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Materials Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in CO | $183,810 | +48.2% | $88.37/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in CO | $172,190 | +38.8% | $82.78/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in CO | $156,190 | +25.9% | $75.09/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in CO | $125,800 | +1.4% | $60.48/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in CO | $124,430 | +0.3% | $59.82/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in CO | $120,760 | -2.6% | $58.06/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in CO | $110,650 | -10.8% | $53.20/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in CO | $109,750 | -11.5% | $52.76/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in CO | $106,890 | -13.8% | $51.39/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CO | $101,420 | -18.2% | $48.76/hr |
| Construction Manager in CO | $124,830 | +0.6% | $60.01/hr |
| Economist in CO | $121,410 | -2.1% | $58.37/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do materials engineers make in Colorado?
- The median salary for materials engineers in Colorado is $124,030 per year, or $60 per hour. This is 13.9% higher than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for materials engineers in Colorado?
- Materials engineers in Colorado earn between $64,710 and $180,500 annually, depending on experience, education, and employer. The median of $124,030 falls in the middle of this range.
Is Colorado a good state for materials engineer salaries?
- Yes, Colorado offers competitive salaries for materials engineers, paying 13.9% above the national average at a median of $124,030 per year. With 810 materials engineers currently employed in the state, there is a established job market for this profession.
What do entry-level materials engineers earn in Colorado?
- Entry-level materials engineers in Colorado can expect to earn around $64,710 annually at the lower end of the salary range. As you gain experience, salaries can increase significantly, with experienced professionals earning up to $180,500 per year.