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Structural Engineer Salary in Boulder, CO

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

Median Salary
$160,841
per year in Boulder
Entry Level
$98,475
Starting salary
Senior Level
$221,568
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
145
45% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$98,475$160,841$221,568
Monthly$8,206$13,403$18,464
Biweekly$3,788$6,186$8,522
Weekly$1,894$3,093$4,261
Hourly$47$77$107

Boulder vs National Average

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

Boulder Salary
$160,841
COL Index: 145
National Average
$108,750
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$52,091
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 Structural Engineer

Overview

Design structural components and systems for buildings and infrastructure.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

Structural AnalysisCADBuilding CodesDesign Software

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Structural Engineer Salary

See Structural Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$106,130
-34%
Los Angeles, CA
$105,290
-35%
Chicago, IL
$100,280
-38%
Houston, TX
$98,690
-39%
Phoenix, AZ
$95,400
-41%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Structural Engineer Salary in Boulder, CO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a structural engineer in Boulder, CO is $160,841 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 structural engineer professionals in Boulder can expect to earn around $98,475 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level structural engineers earning approximately $221,568 per year. This represents a 125% 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 $108,750, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a structural engineer's salary in Boulder typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,800 per month, housing represents about 13.4% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Structural Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% 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.