📊 Employment Overview
Colorado employs 4,930 mechanical engineering professionals, representing approximately 1.7% of the national workforce in this field. Colorado ranks #21 nationally for mechanical engineering employment.
Total Employed
4,930
National Share
1.7%
State Ranking
#21
💰 Salary Information
Mechanical Engineering professionals in Colorado earn competitive salaries across all experience levels, with an average annual salary of $113,000.
Note: Salaries are adjusted for cost of living and local market conditions. Data based on BLS statistics and industry surveys (2024-2025).
🎓 Schools Offering Mechanical Engineering
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🔧 Industry Landscape & Top Employers
Colorado employs 16,000-20,000 MEs in aerospace/defense (45%), energy/oil & gas (25%), renewable energy (15%), outdoor recreation equipment. Major employers: Lockheed Martin (Denver, satellites/space systems), Ball Aerospace, Raytheon, Boeing. Oil & gas: Noble Energy, Anadarko (now Oxy), drilling equipment manufacturers. Renewable energy: NREL (National Renewable Energy Lab), wind/solar companies. Outdoor equipment: POC, manufacturing. High-altitude testing facilities for aerospace.
📈 Career Growth & Pathways
Entry $70,000-$88,000, Mid $90,000-$118,000, Senior $118,000-$155,000, Staff/Principal $155,000-$205,000. Aerospace engineers with clearances earn premiums. PE adds 10-12%. Strong market for renewable energy engineers. Colorado offers outdoor lifestyle with serious aerospace careers.
💰 Salary vs. Cost of Living
Denver 20-30% above national average. Homes $480,000-$650,000. However, outdoor recreation access (skiing 45 minutes, hiking, mountain biking) and 300 days sunshine attract engineers accepting higher costs for lifestyle. A $115,000 salary provides comfortable life with outdoor focus.
📜 Licensing & Professional Development
Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers, and Professional Land Surveyors administers PE. High-altitude/low-oxygen HVAC design specialty. ASHRAE mountain climate expertise. University of Colorado, Colorado School of Mines provide continuing education.
📊 Job Market Outlook
Projected 6-9% growth through 2030. Space industry booming (numerous startups). Renewable energy strong. Oil & gas volatile. Expected to add 1,000-1,600 positions annually. Colorado combining aerospace innovation with outdoor lifestyle attracting top talent.
🔧 Day in the Life
Aerospace engineers design satellite thermal control systems, space propulsion. Oil & gas engineers optimize drilling equipment, pipeline systems. HVAC engineers design systems for high altitude (lower oxygen combustion, extreme temperature swings). Many engineers ski before/after work, mountain bike lunch breaks. Colorado offers "best lifestyle for aerospace engineers" — serious technical work, mountains, sunshine, though costs high and altitude takes adjustment.
🚀 Career Insights
Key information for mechanical engineering professionals in Colorado.
Top Industries
Major employers in Colorado include manufacturing, technology, aerospace, and consulting firms.
Required Skills
Strong technical fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, CAD software proficiency, and project management experience.
Certifications
Professional Engineering (PE) license recommended for career advancement. FE exam is the first step.
Job Outlook
Steady growth expected in Colorado with increasing demand for specialized engineering expertise.
🔄 Compare with Other States
See how Colorado compares to other top states for mechanical engineering:
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