Boulder vs Lafayette: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Boulder, CO and Lafayette, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Lafayette, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,921▲ | $119,139 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.86▲ | $57.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,237▲ | $73,030 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,412▲ | $95,813 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,406▲ | $146,383 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $214,545▲ | $179,123 |
| Total Employed | 530▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Boulder and Lafayette is $15,782 (13.25%). Boulder's median is +7.91% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $128,308,Lafayette spans $106,093. Boulder has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boulder ($128,249 effective) pays 13.03% more than Lafayette ($113,466 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,921/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($214,545)
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,249)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Boulder grew 34.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.1% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$96,830 (2019) → $130,170 (2025)
Lafayette, CO
$119,909 (2024) → $114,944 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Lafayette, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov