Castle Rock vs Colorado Springs: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Castle Rock, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Castle Rock, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,999 | $112,564▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.88 | $54.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,645▲ | $78,940 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,006 | $95,139▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,487 | $138,798▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,487 | $169,633▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Castle Rock.
The salary gap between Castle Rock and Colorado Springs is $2,565 (2.33%). Colorado Springs's median is +5.05% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Castle Rock spans $86,842,Colorado Springs spans $90,693. Colorado Springs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Colorado Springs ($111,774 effective) pays 6.69% more than Castle Rock ($104,761 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Castle Rock if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,564/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,633)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,774)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Castle Rock grew -4.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.4% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Castle Rock, CO
$111,705 (2024) → $106,878 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$86,520 (2019) → $109,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Castle Rock, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Castle Rock or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Castle Rock and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Castle Rock to Colorado Springs as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Castle Rock vs Colorado Springs?
Related Comparisons
Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov