Denver vs Durango: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Denver, CO and Durango, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Durango, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,364▲ | $115,353 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.31▲ | $55.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,283▲ | $82,610 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,815▲ | $94,111 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,914▲ | $139,404 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,268▲ | $167,876 |
| Total Employed | 2,620▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Durango.
The salary gap between Denver and Durango is $8,011 (6.94%). 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 Denver spans $119,985,Durango spans $85,266. Denver 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, Denver ($116,621 effective) pays 6.15% more than Durango ($109,860 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,364/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,268)
- ✓Larger job market (2,620 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,621)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Durango if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Denver grew 26.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.1% growth in Durango over the same period.
Denver, CO
$93,830 (2019) → $119,020 (2025)
Durango, CO
$116,098 (2024) → $111,291 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Durango, 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