Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Colorado Springs, CO: $89,160 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Colorado Springs, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $89,160 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Colorado Springs's local price level (BEA RPP 100.7 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,534 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($122,566) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Colorado Springs, new graduates entering the electrical engineering field can typically expect starting salaries around $89,160 annually. While this figure marks the lower threshold of the projected salary spectrum for 2026, it illustrates a significant starting point when compared to the city’s median salary of $122,566. As fresh graduates gain experience, they can anticipate modest growth in their earnings, with the potential to reach approximately $95,317 within their first few years. This gradual increase is indicative of a stable job market, allowing early-career professionals to establish themselves in an environment that supports their development. Given the city’s favorable job outlook paired with competitive salaries, Colorado Springs remains a promising market for aspiring electrical engineers looking to kickstart their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Colorado Springs
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Colorado Springs
Entry-level electrical engineers in Colorado Springs, CO typically start between $89,160 and $95,317 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $85,584 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $122,566 — 1.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Colorado of $68,000 represents just 76.27% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($89,160/year) in Colorado Springs. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate electrical engineering programs at public and private universities. Many electrical engineers pursue master's degrees or specialization in power, controls, or electronics.
EE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Colorado Springs
- 1Research the Colorado Springs market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $89,160 to $95,317, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the electrical engineering field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Colorado Springs, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Colorado Springs for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Colorado Springs's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrical Engineer Compensation Range
The electrical engineer wage spread in Colorado Springs is $85,584 ( 95.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $89,160, experienced hygienists can earn up to $174,744.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,120
2025 BLS Actual
$86,020
2026 Current Est.
$89,160
2019–2027 Growth
+56.3%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Colorado Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,990 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,560 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,000 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,650 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,160 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,414 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Colorado Springs, CO grew 45.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,120 in 2019 to $86,020 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $92,414. New graduates entering the Colorado Springs job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado Springs metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your electrical engineering Career in Colorado Springs
Employers in Colorado Springs actively seek talented new graduates for various engineering roles, particularly in industries that promise competitive compensation and career growth. Major semiconductor companies, such as Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Intel, remain on the lookout for entry-level engineers, often offering attractive salary packages tied to advanced degree holders and structured ramp-up processes. Additionally, defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman frequently recruit through internship pipelines that require security clearances. To enhance starting pay as a new electrical engineer, credentials such as an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree, passing the FE exam to earn EIT status, and subsequently pursuing PE licensure are invaluable. Those venturing into roles within the semiconductor sector are likely to command higher salaries, given the industry's focus on innovation and cutting-edge technologies. As new grads position themselves for 1-3 year salary growth, they should manage expectations, recognizing the potential for increases in wages as they gain relevant experience and possibly transition into more specialized roles.
More salary data for Colorado Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Colorado Springs in 2026?
How fast do electrical engineer salaries grow in Colorado Springs?
Is electrical engineering school worth it in Colorado Springs?
What do new electrical engineers make right out of school in Colorado Springs?
How do I become a electrical engineer in Colorado?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new electrical engineering graduates. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Colorado Springs. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov