Civil Engineer.
Denver.
$95,000
median salary, 10% above the national average
$75,000 to $123,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Civil Engineer pay in Denver ranges from $75,000 to $123,000 in 2026. The median is $95,000, 10% above the national average. Denver has emerged as a secondary tech hub with strong aerospace, telecom, and outdoor industry employers. Every dollar in that range is negotiable if you come prepared.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $85,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$62,000
to $76,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$81,000
to $100,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$105,000
to $124,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$119,000
to $147,000
Salary trend
+3% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $25,000 to the total package.
Base
$95,000
Equity
$14,000
Bonus
$9,000
Signing
$2,000
Estimated total: $120,000
How Denver compares
Denver, CO
$95,000
Cost of living: 8% above average
National Average
$86,000
Denver is $9,000 above
Civil Engineer salary by city
Salary by role in Denver
What you should know
Before you negotiate a Civil Engineer offer in Denver, understand the terrain. Denver has emerged as a secondary tech hub with strong aerospace, telecom, and outdoor industry employers. The city attracts remote workers and relocating companies seeking lower costs than the coasts. Salaries have climbed steadily as national employers open satellite offices and compete for Denver's growing talent pool. PE licensure is nearly essential for advancement and adds significant salary premium. Specialization in transportation, water resources, or geotechnical engineering pays more than general site development. Geographic demand driven by infrastructure spending varies widely, with high-growth Sun Belt metros offering the best compensation packages.
Entry-level civil engineers (EIT) start at $68,000 to $78,000. Licensed PEs earn $86,000 to $112,000 after four to six years. Project managers reach $110,000 to $145,000, with principals at engineering firms earning $150,000 to $200,000 or more. In Denver, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Consulting firms offer bonuses of 5 to 10% tied to project billing targets. Government civil engineers receive pension benefits, step increases, and strong job security. Many firms cover PE exam costs and provide annual professional development stipends. And on the tax side: colorado has a flat 4.4% state income tax. Denver has no additional city income tax, making the overall tax burden lighter than most coastal metros. When someone quotes you $95,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Position yourself as a remote talent anchor. Many companies pay near coastal rates for Denver based employees to save on office costs while retaining top performers. The range for Civil Engineers in Denver runs from $75,000 to $123,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
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- A Technical Writer in Denver earns $94,000 (1% less)
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Common questions.
Civil Engineer salary in other cities
Other salaries in Denver
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