Mechanical Engineer Salary in Colorado
Based on 7K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$124,430
$59.82/hr
vs National Average
$105,416
+18.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$75K – $171K
7K employed in Colorado
Mechanical engineers in Colorado earn a median salary of $124,430 per year, which is 18% above the national average. With approximately 7,190 workers employed in this field throughout the state, Colorado offers competitive compensation for mechanical engineering professionals. The salary range typically spans from $75,100 to $170,810 annually, reflecting the diversity of roles and experience levels in the field.
Several factors influence mechanical engineer salary in Colorado, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specialization within the industry. Geographic location within the state, company size, and industry sector—such as aerospace, energy, or manufacturing—also play significant roles in determining compensation. Advanced certifications and expertise in emerging technologies can further impact earning potential for professionals in this competitive market.
Salary Distribution — Mechanical Engineer in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $75,100 |
| 25th percentile | $95,710 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $124,430 |
| 75th percentile | $149,790 |
| 90th percentile | $170,810 |
Mechanical 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 II | Qualified | $106,621 | 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 Mechanical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Mechanical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Mechanical Engineers in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $175,610 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $138,030 | 1K |
| Utilities | $135,150 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $128,760 | 100 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,390 | 12K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Mechanical Engineer in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,200 |
| 2023 | $101,700 |
| 2024 | $108,060 |
| 2025 | $124,430 |
| 2026 (projected) | $131,896 |
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 | $100,200 | $92,043 |
| 2023 | $101,700 | $97,128 |
| 2024 | $108,060 | $102,901 |
| 2025 | $124,430 | $105,416 |
| 2026 (projected) | $131,896 | $111,741 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $95,710 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $124,430 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $149,790 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $170,810 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Mechanical Engineer Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Mechanical Engineer ($124,430 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mechanical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in CO | $183,810 | +47.7% | $88.37/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in CO | $172,190 | +38.4% | $82.78/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in CO | $156,190 | +25.5% | $75.09/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in CO | $125,800 | +1.1% | $60.48/hr |
| Materials Engineer in CO | $124,030 | -0.3% | $59.63/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in CO | $120,760 | -2.9% | $58.06/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in CO | $110,650 | -11.1% | $53.20/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in CO | $109,750 | -11.8% | $52.76/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in CO | $106,890 | -14.1% | $51.39/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CO | $101,420 | -18.5% | $48.76/hr |
| Construction Manager in CO | $124,830 | +0.3% | $60.01/hr |
| Economist in CO | $121,410 | -2.4% | $58.37/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in Colorado?
- Mechanical engineers in Colorado earn a median salary of $124,430 per year, or $60 per hour. This is 18% higher than the national average, making Colorado a competitive market for this profession.
What is the salary range for mechanical engineers in Colorado?
- Mechanical engineer salaries in Colorado range from $75,100 at the lower end to $170,810 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer size.
How many mechanical engineers are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 7,190 mechanical engineers currently employed in Colorado, indicating a substantial job market for this profession in the state.
Is Colorado a good state for mechanical engineer salaries?
- Yes, Colorado offers mechanical engineers an 18% salary premium compared to the national average, with a median compensation of $124,430 annually. This makes it one of the more lucrative states for this career path.