Colorado Springs vs Denver: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,566 | $123,364▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.93 | $59.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,160▲ | $83,283 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,317 | $101,815▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,670 | $148,914▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,744 | $203,268▲ |
| Total Employed | 540 | 2,620▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Denver is $798 (0.65%). Denver's median is -1.33% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $85,584,Denver spans $119,985. Denver has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Colorado Springs ($121,706 effective) pays 4.36% more than Denver ($116,621 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,706)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,364/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,268)
- ✓Larger job market (2,620 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Colorado Springs grew 9.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.8% growth in Denver over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$107,980 (2019) → $118,250 (2025)
Denver, CO
$93,830 (2019) → $119,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Denver, 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