Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Loveland, CO: $81,283 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Loveland, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,283 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Loveland's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,412 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($127,025) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level electrical engineer salary in Loveland, Colorado, presents a promising outlook for new graduates. With a starting salary at the 10th percentile projected at $81,283, new EEs can look forward to significant growth as they progress in their careers. This entry-level figure sits notably below the city median annual salary of $127,025, suggesting that early-career engineers have substantial room for advancement. Over the first three to five years, individuals may transition from this initial pay level to the 25th percentile at $97,307, and potentially reach or exceed the median as they gain experience and develop their skills. Loveland currently offers a favorable job market for those entering the electrical engineering field, making it an attractive location for aspiring professionals.
About the Loveland Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Loveland
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 Loveland
Entry-level electrical engineers in Loveland, CO typically start between $81,283 and $97,307 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $109,770 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $127,025 — 1.59% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Colorado of $68,000 represents just 83.66% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($81,283/year) in Loveland. 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 Loveland
- 1Research the Loveland market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $81,283 to $97,307, 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 Loveland, 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 Loveland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Loveland'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 Loveland is $109,770 ( 135.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,283, experienced hygienists can earn up to $191,053.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,560
2025 BLS Actual
$78,421
2026 Current Est.
$81,283
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Loveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,560 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,456 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,884 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,014 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,518 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,421 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,283 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,250 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Loveland, CO grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,560 in 2019 to $78,421 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,250. New graduates entering the Loveland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Loveland 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 Loveland
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Several established companies in Loveland actively seek to hire new graduates for electrical engineering roles. Semiconductor firms like Intel and AMD typically target those with master’s or Ph.D. degrees, aiming for candidates from top programs while also providing structured training and attractive stock options. On the other hand, defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman tend to recruit entry-level engineers through internship pipelines that require security clearance, often giving these roles a premium. Utilities in the area often recruit Bachelor’s degree holders through comprehensive training programs designed for EITs (Engineer in Training), focusing on power systems—a path that may not yield the highest immediate salaries but offers stability and pension benefits in the long run. New graduates should consider pursuing relevant credentials to boost their earning potential, such as taking the FE exam prior to graduation for EIT status, while aiming for the PE license after four years of supervised experience. In the competitive market of chip designing, engineers established in this sector, particularly with affiliations to the IEEE, may find the highest earning potential, as the semiconductor industry commands leading-tier salaries.
More salary data for Loveland, 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
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 Loveland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Loveland 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