Denver vs Erie: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Denver, CO and Erie, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Erie, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,364▲ | $121,805 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.31▲ | $58.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,283▲ | $78,634 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,815▲ | $93,849 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,914 | $150,246▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,268▲ | $176,591 |
| Total Employed | 2,620▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Erie.
The salary gap between Denver and Erie is $1,559 (1.28%). 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,Erie spans $97,957. 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 0.53% more than Erie ($116,005 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 Erie 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 Erie over the same period.
Denver, CO
$93,830 (2019) → $119,020 (2025)
Erie, CO
$122,591 (2024) → $117,516 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
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