Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Lafayette, CO: $57.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Lafayette, CO runs $57.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,139 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,482 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lafayette, Colorado, the electrical engineer hourly pay is currently projected to be $57.28, which is slightly below the national median of $60.11 for the same year. This hourly rate provides valuable insights for those considering part-time or per-diem work in this field. For engineers working three days a week, the flexibility allows for various opportunities in settings like semiconductor fabrication clean rooms and defense contractor facilities. Hourly earnings typically range from $35.11 at entry-level positions to $86.11 for top earners, illustrating a significant growth potential. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, underscoring the competitive hourly landscape for electrical engineers within Lafayette, where specialized skills in chip design or advanced simulation can influence earning potential significantly.
About the Lafayette 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) | $35.11 | $280.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.06 | $368.50 |
| Median (P50) | $57.28 | $458.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.38 | $563.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.11 | $688.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $57.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.28/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, CO can expect to earn approximately $119,136 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,732. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,291.08 | $9,928 | $119,136 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,374.65 | $5,957 | $71,482 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $916.43 | $3,971 | $47,654 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Lafayette) | $57.28 |
| 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 Lafayette, CO earn a median of $119,139 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 3.20% below the Colorado state average of $123,078.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.28/hr = $71,482/year (purchasing power: $68,078).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,136/year (purchasing power: $113,463).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Lafayette grew 22.4% from $45.14/hr (2019) to $55.26/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.37/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
Considering the distinct avenues available for electrical engineers, part-time professionals working 24 hours a week can expect to take home considerably less annually compared to their full-time counterparts. While per-diem electrical engineer pay in Lafayette allows flexibility, the typical contract work could command anywhere between $90 and $170 per hour, highlighting the lucrative opportunities for skilled EEs. On the higher end, engineers engaged in security-cleared defense contracts may earn as much as $150 to $280 an hour. Multiple factors influence hourly rates based on the employer type — from tech giants like Apple and Intel to defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin. Many engineers must weigh the benefits of lower hourly wages that offer health insurance against higher rates without benefits when making career decisions. Negotiating hourly pay effectively requires awareness of local trends and understanding the value of expertise in specialized areas to secure the best compensation.
More salary data for Lafayette, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in Lafayette in 2026?
How much do part-time electrical engineers make in Lafayette?
Are electrical engineers in Lafayette paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time electrical engineer make per year in Lafayette?
Do electrical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Lafayette?
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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 Lafayette. 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 Lafayette 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