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State comparison · 2025

Mining and Geological Engineers salary: California vs Colorado

Occupation

Mining and Geological Engineers in California earn a median of $158,130. In Colorado, $96,820. After cost-of-living, the gap is 52.1% — not 63.3%.

Nominal pay gap
+63.3%
California vs Colorado
COL-adjusted gap
+52.1%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

California

Mining and Geological Engineers

Median
$158,130
p25
$122,120
p75
$169,770
p10
$84,430
p90
$175,940
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
110.7
Hiring velocity (180d)
-50%
See full breakdown for California

Colorado

Mining and Geological Engineers

Median
$96,820
p25
$78,180
p75
$123,650
p10
$66,870
p90
$164,310
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
103.1
Hiring velocity (180d)
-42%
See full breakdown for Colorado

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.