H-1B Mechanical Engineer Salary in Colorado (2024)
Prevailing wages, top employers, and LCA data for H-1B mechanical engineers in Colorado.
Key Notes for Colorado
Space Industry Hub
Colorado is the #2 space industry state after Florida. Lockheed Martin Space (Littleton), Ball Aerospace (Broomfield), United Launch Alliance (Centennial), and Sierra Space (Louisville) collectively employ thousands of MEs.
Renewable Energy ME
Colorado has significant renewable energy engineering demand. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden is cap-exempt and sponsors MEs for solar, wind, and energy storage systems research. Vestas Wind (offshore wind turbines) and GE Vernova sponsor MEs for wind energy.
Ball Aerospace
Ball Aerospace in Broomfield is a major satellite and spacecraft manufacturer. Ball sponsors mechanical engineers for spacecraft structures, thermal systems, and propulsion. Some roles require clearance; many are accessible to H-1B.
NREL Cap-Exempt
NREL is a DOE national laboratory and is cap-exempt. NREL sponsors H-1B for mechanical engineers in solar thermal, wind mechanics, and clean energy systems — bypassing the lottery.
Top H-1B Employers
- Lockheed Martin Space (Littleton)
- Northrop Grumman (CO)
- Raytheon (Aurora)
- Ball Aerospace (Broomfield)
- United Launch Alliance (Centennial)
- Boeing Space
- Sierra Space
- L3Harris CO
- National Renewable Energy Lab
- Vestas Wind
Top Cities in Colorado
- Denver
- Littleton
- Broomfield
- Aurora
- Centennial
- Boulder
- Fort Collins
- Loveland
- Colorado Springs
- Englewood
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the H-1B prevailing wage for mechanical engineers in Colorado?
DOL prevailing wages for Mechanical Engineers (SOC 17-2141) in Denver MSA range from ~$74K (Level I) to ~$128K (Level IV). Median LCA wage is approximately $102,000.
Is National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) cap-exempt for H-1B mechanical engineers?
Yes. NREL is a DOE national laboratory operated by Alliance for Sustainable Energy (a consortium led by Battelle Memorial Institute) and is cap-exempt. NREL sponsors H-1B for MEs in solar systems, wind turbine mechanics, and energy storage. An excellent cap-exempt pathway for clean energy MEs.
Does Ball Aerospace sponsor mechanical engineers on H-1B in Colorado?
Yes. Ball Aerospace (now BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems after acquisition) has historically been one of Colorado's most active ME H-1B sponsors. Spacecraft structures, thermal control, and optical systems MEs are common filings. Some roles require clearance; consult their HR about specific positions.
How does Colorado compare to California for H-1B mechanical engineers?
California leads in semiconductor equipment ME (Applied Materials, Lam Research, KLA) and defense ME (Northrop El Segundo, Raytheon Tucson). Colorado leads in space systems ME (Lockheed Space, Ball, ULA) and renewable energy ME (NREL). Both are excellent; specialization determines the right choice.
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