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Automotive Engineer Salary in Boulder, CO

How much does a automotive engineer make in Boulder? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Boulder's cost of living.

Median Salary
$166,240
per year in Boulder
Entry Level
$100,751
Starting salary
Senior Level
$228,369
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
145
45% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how automotive engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Boulder.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$100,751$166,240$228,369
Monthly$8,396$13,853$19,031
Biweekly$3,875$6,394$8,783
Weekly$1,938$3,197$4,392
Hourly$48$80$110

Boulder vs National Average

How Boulder's automotive engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Boulder Salary
$166,240
COL Index: 145
National Average
$112,400
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$53,840
Higher in Boulder

Cost of Living in Boulder

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,800
per month
Median Income
$72,340
per year
Population
105,673
residents
Rent % of Income
29.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 145 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Boulder have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Automotive Engineer

Overview

Design and develop vehicles and automotive systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automotive or Mechanical Engineering

Key Skills

Vehicle DesignCADPowertrain SystemsPerformance Testing

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +18% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Automotive Engineer Salary

See Automotive Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$111,270
-33%
Los Angeles, CA
$114,290
-31%
Chicago, IL
$100,390
-40%
Houston, TX
$126,870
-24%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,300
-38%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Automotive Engineer Salary in Boulder, CO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a automotive engineer in Boulder, CO is $166,240 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 145. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Boulder's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level automotive engineer professionals in Boulder can expect to earn around $100,751 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level automotive engineers earning approximately $228,369 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Boulder's cost of living index of 145 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Boulder are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $112,400, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a automotive engineer's salary in Boulder typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,800 per month, housing represents about 13.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Automotive Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 18% over the next decade. In Boulder, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.