$

Job Salary Guide ยท 2026

Civil Engineer Salary After Tax in Boulder

Based on BLS OEWS data ยท CO ยท Single filer

Rent: ModerateCOL Index: 1.43

Civil Engineer Salary Range

25th Percentile

$72,000

Take-home:

$55,870

$4,656/mo

Entry to mid-level

Median

$92,000

Take-home:

$69,060

$5,755/mo

Typical salary

75th Percentile

$118,000

Take-home:

$86,207

$7,184/mo

Senior / specialist

Tax Breakdown

At median salary of $92,000

Gross Salary$92,000
Federal Tax(12.9%)โ€“$11,854
CO State Taxโ€“$4,048
Social Securityโ€“$5,704
Medicareโ€“$1,334
Annual Take-Home$69,060
$5,755Monthly
$2,656Bi-Weekly
24.93%Effective Rate

Cost of Living in Boulder

Rent-to-income ratio (1BR)36.5% โ€” Moderate

1BR Monthly Rent

$2,100/mo

2BR Monthly Rent

$2,650/mo

COL Index

1.43

Comfortable Rent Max

$1,438/mo

50 / 30 / 20 Budget Planner

Based on your monthly take-home of $5,755 ($69,060/yr)

Needs 50%Wants 30%Savings 20%
Needs50%

$2,878

per month

  • โ€บRent / mortgage
  • โ€บGroceries
  • โ€บUtilities
  • โ€บInsurance
  • โ€บMinimum debt payments
  • โ€บTransportation
Wants30%

$1,727

per month

  • โ€บDining out
  • โ€บStreaming services
  • โ€บGym
  • โ€บHobbies
  • โ€บTravel
  • โ€บShopping
Savings20%

$1,151

per month

  • โ€บEmergency fund
  • โ€บ401(k) / IRA
  • โ€บInvestments
  • โ€บDown payment fund
  • โ€บDebt payoff (extra)

Needs / year

$34,530

Wants / year

$20,718

Savings / year

$13,812

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Civil Engineer salary in Boulder?

The median Civil Engineer salary in Boulder (CO) is $92,000 per year based on BLS OEWS data. The 25th percentile is $72,000 and the 75th percentile is $118,000.

What is the take-home pay for a Civil Engineer in Boulder?

At the median salary of $92,000, a Civil Engineer in CO takes home approximately $69,060 per year ($5,755/month) after federal and state taxes. The effective tax rate is 24.93%.

Can a Civil Engineer afford rent in Boulder?

The average 1-bedroom rent in Boulder is $2,100/month. On the median Civil Engineer salary, your rent-to-income ratio is 36.5%, which is "Moderate". Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 25โ€“30% of take-home pay ($1,438/month at this salary).

How does cost of living affect Civil Engineer salaries in Boulder?

Boulder has a cost-of-living index of 1.43 (1.00 = national average). Boulder is 43% more expensive than the US average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the Civil Engineer salary.