Electrical Engineer Salary in Wheat Ridge, CO: $118,452 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Wheat Ridge, CO earns a median $118,452/year (≈ $56.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Wheat Ridge's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $112,811 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, electrical engineers in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $118,452, falling short of the national median of $125,033. Salary projections indicate a broad range, from $81,252 at the 10th percentile to $176,766 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the diverse financial landscape for professionals in this sector. These estimations are grounded in data derived from 2025 BLS state-level information, adjusted for regional cost variations. This market ideally suits individuals with specialized skills, particularly those holding security clearances, as cleared positions often command higher salaries due to the sensitive nature of the work involved.
About the Wheat Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,252 | $39.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,429 | $45.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $118,452 | $56.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,178 | $71.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $176,766 | $84.98 |
Median Salary Position
5.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheat Ridge
In Wheat Ridge, CO, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $95,514 (2026 est.). At $118,452, the local median is 5.26% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheat Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheat Ridge Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Wheat Ridge median: $118,452/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheat Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $123,131 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -5.26% less |
Electrical Engineers in Wheat Ridge, CO earn a median of $118,452 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.26% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 3.80% below the Colorado state average of $123,131.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheat Ridge has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wheat Ridge, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $118,452 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $112,811 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$93,344
2025 BLS Actual
$114,281
2026 Current Est.
$118,452
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Wheat Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,344 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,523 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,135 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,882 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,321 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,217 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,281 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,452 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,776 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheat Ridge metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $93,344 (2019) to $114,281 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,776 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,432 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheat Ridge 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) | $81,252 – $94,429 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,429 – $118,452 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $118,452 – $149,178 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,178 – $176,766 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Wheat Ridge
Wheat Ridge's job market currently employs eight electrical engineers, reflecting a tight local environment for this profession. The cost-of-living index of 105 suggests that while healthcare and housing costs are a bit above the national average, the overall purchasing power for electrical engineers may be affected. Major employers in the area, including tech giants like Intel and defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, tend to offer competitive pay and benefits. The variance in salaries can often be attributed to the industry's specific demands, such as the semiconductor industry, which typically offers higher compensation, especially for those holding advanced degrees and certifications like a PE license. For electrical engineers in Wheat Ridge hoping to optimize their salaries, focusing on roles that require security clearances or pursuing further education in specialized fields like chip design can enhance earning potential significantly.
More salary data for Wheat Ridge, 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
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 $114,281 for electrical engineersin the Wheat Ridge 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 Wheat Ridge 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