Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Commerce City, CO: $77,030 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Commerce City, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,030 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Commerce City's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,362 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($119,422) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the workforce as electrical engineers in Commerce City, Colorado, can expect starting salaries around $77,030, with realistic projections reflecting a pathway toward the median salary for the area, which is $119,422. The initial pay may not fully reflect the potential within the profession; however, pursuing additional skills and experience can significantly enhance earnings. Over the first few years, entry-level employees could realistically see their salaries rise to approximately $92,033 within that period. The growth trajectory is encouraging, as this position in Commerce City offers a viable market for fresh graduates looking to forge a rewarding career in electrical engineering amidst a robust local industry.
About the Commerce City Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Commerce City
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 Commerce City
Entry-level electrical engineers in Commerce City, CO typically start between $77,030 and $92,033 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $103,504 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $119,422 — 4.49% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Colorado of $68,000 represents just 88.28% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($77,030/year) in Commerce City. 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 Commerce City
- 1Research the Commerce City market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $77,030 to $92,033, 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 Commerce City, 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 Commerce City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Commerce City'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 Commerce City is $103,504 ( 134.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,030, experienced hygienists can earn up to $180,534.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,182
2025 BLS Actual
$74,317
2026 Current Est.
$77,030
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Commerce City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,182 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,978 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,541 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,570 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,298 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,451 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,317 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,030 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,841 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Commerce City, CO grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,182 in 2019 to $74,317 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,841. New graduates entering the Commerce City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Commerce City 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 Commerce City
Looking specifically at employers in Commerce City, several key players actively recruit entry-level electrical engineers, each with distinct pathways for advancement. Companies in the semiconductor sector, like Apple and Nvidia, typically seek candidates with advanced degrees, providing strong salary packages and structured onboarding. On the other hand, defense contractors such as Lockheed or Northrop engage new graduates through internships and may prioritize candidates with security clearances, which come at a premium. Overall, utility companies often recruit entry-level engineers through utility-specific training programs, presenting options that may not rival tech salaries but offer stability and benefits like pensions. For new electrical engineers, pursuing credentials such as an EIT designation from the FE exam, and later a PE license, can enhance their earning potential over time. Engaging with industry groups like IEEE can also expand professional networks, leading to better opportunities and mentorship during the critical early years of their careers.
More salary data for Commerce City, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Commerce City in 2026?
How fast do electrical engineer salaries grow in Commerce City?
Is electrical engineering school worth it in Commerce City?
What do new electrical engineers make right out of school in Commerce City?
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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
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 Commerce City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Commerce City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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