Electrical Engineer Salary in Durango, CO: $115,353 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Durango, CO earns a median $115,353/year (≈ $55.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Durango's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $109,860 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, electrical engineers in Durango, Colorado, can expect a median annual salary of $115,353, which falls below the national average of $125,033. The local salary range varies significantly from $82,610 at the 10th percentile to $167,876 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a wide disparity in compensation based on experience and specialization. These estimates derive from 2025 BLS data that's been projected forward, considering regional cost adjustments. Given the limited engineering workforce in Durango, with only five electrical engineers currently employed, those seeking electrical engineer pay in Durango, CO, will find unique opportunities and equitable salary prospects based on skill level and industry focus.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,610 | $39.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,111 | $45.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $115,353 | $55.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,404 | $67.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167,876 | $80.71 |
Median Salary Position
7.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Durango
In Durango, CO, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $85,266 (2026 est.). At $115,353, the local median is 7.74% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Durango: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Durango Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Durango median: $115,353/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Durango Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $123,109 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -7.74% less |
Electrical Engineers in Durango, CO earn a median of $115,353 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.74% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $123,109.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Durango has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Durango, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $115,353 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $109,860 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,902
2025 BLS Actual
$111,291
2026 Current Est.
$115,353
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,902 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,024 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,646 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,321 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,670 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,098 | Actual |
| 2025 | $111,291 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,353 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,564 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Durango metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $90,902 (2019) to $111,291 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $119,564 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,662 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Durango 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $82,610 – $94,111 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,111 – $115,353 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $115,353 – $139,404 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,404 – $167,876 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Durango
The job market in Durango offers a competitive landscape for electrical engineers, although the cost of living is slightly above average, reflected in a cost-of-living index of 105. This means that while salaries are robust, the purchasing power may not stretch as far as in less expensive areas. Among employers, companies focused on semiconductor and chip design, like those in the broader tech industry, tend to offer the highest salaries. Pay can also vary depending on industry factors, such as the prevalence of security clearances in defense roles or the growing influence of electric vehicle companies like Tesla. The spread between lower and higher compensation often corresponds with the specific engineering focus, whether it be design-oriented or management. For those in Durango, pursuing a high-demand skill set in areas like semiconductor design and seeking opportunities for advancement, including obtaining professional licenses, would be prudent strategies to maximize earnings in this evolving market.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can electrical engineers make $100K in Durango?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $111,291 for electrical engineersin the Durango metropolitan area. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Durango 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