Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Golden, CO: $54.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Golden, CO runs $54.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,307 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Golden's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,989 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Golden, Colorado, the electrical engineer hourly pay stands at a median rate of $54.48 in 2026, which reflects a slightly lower compensation compared to the national hourly median of $60.11. For engineers considering part-time work or per-diem positions, this rate can translate into viable earnings, especially in environments like tech company hardware labs, semiconductor fabs, and utility field engineering sites. Entry-level electrical engineers may start at $37.31 per hour, while top earners can command as much as $79.17 per hour. This range provides flexibility for varying work schedules, allowing professionals to adapt their workloads depending on personal and financial needs. With expenses slightly above the national average, powered by Golden’s cost of living index at 105, these hourly rates hold significant relevance in the local job market.
About the Golden Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.31 | $298.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.25 | $346.03 |
| Median (P50) | $54.48 | $435.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.90 | $543.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.17 | $633.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Golden
Based on $54.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.48/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Golden, CO can expect to earn approximately $113,315 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,374. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Golden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Golden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,179.14 | $9,443 | $113,315 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,307.48 | $5,666 | $67,989 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $871.66 | $3,777 | $45,326 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Golden) | $54.48 |
| Mechanical Engineer (National Avg) | $48.61 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer (National Avg) | $69.00 |
| Electronics Engineer (National Avg) | $58.25 |
| Electrical Engineering Technician (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Electrical Engineers in Golden, CO earn a median of $113,307 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.38% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $123,160.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.48/hr = $67,989/year (purchasing power: $64,752).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,315/year (purchasing power: $107,919).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Golden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Golden grew 22.4% from $42.93/hr (2019) to $52.56/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.47/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem electrical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Golden 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.
Working as an Hourly Electrical Engineer in Golden
Part-time electrical engineers in Golden working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can expect to take home about $67,561 annually, a stark contrast to full-time counterparts. Per-diem electrical engineers often engage in contract work that can yield significantly higher hourly pay, ranging from $90 to $170, depending on their specialty. Those entering security-cleared positions in defense contracting may see rates soar to $150-$280 per hour, while consultants focusing on specialized chip design can demand rates between $200 and $400 an hour. The variety of employers in the area—from tech giants like Apple and Intel to established defense contractors like Lockheed Martin—means that compensation varies widely. Ultimately, engineers may find it beneficial to weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits and more stable positions offering health insurance. Negotiating rates should align with the employer’s specific needs and the engineer’s skill set, especially given the robust demand for talent within the semiconductor and defense sectors.
More salary data for Golden, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in Golden in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for electrical engineers in Golden. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Golden 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