Elementary School Teacher Salary in Colorado
Based on 25K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$63,410
$30.49/hr
vs National Average
$68,176
-7.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $99K
25K employed in Colorado
Elementary School Teacher salary in Colorado averages $63,410 annually, with approximately 24,860 educators currently employed in the state. This median falls about 7% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. Teachers in Colorado can expect salaries ranging from $48,410 at the entry level to $98,950 for experienced professionals, representing significant earning potential over a career.
Several factors influence Elementary School Teacher salary in Colorado, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific school district location. Teachers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications typically earn higher salaries, while those in urban areas or well-funded districts may see increased compensation compared to rural counterparts. Cost of living variations across Colorado regions and individual district budgets also play important roles in determining final salary offers.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,410 |
| 25th percentile | $59,020 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $63,410 |
| 75th percentile | $80,160 |
| 90th percentile | $98,950 |
Top-Paying Industries for Elementary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Elementary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Elementary School Teachers in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $72,990 | 540 |
| Educational Services | $63,970 | 1.4M |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $49,340 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $46,390 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Elementary School Teacher in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,280 |
| 2023 | $62,440 |
| 2024 | $61,550 |
| 2025 | $63,410 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,326 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,280 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $62,440 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $61,550 | $64,107 |
| 2025 | $63,410 | $68,176 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,326 | $70,236 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $59,020 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $63,410 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $80,160 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $98,950 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Elementary School Teacher Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Elementary School Teacher ($63,410 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Elementary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in CO | $82,160 | +29.6% | $39.50/hr |
| Librarian in CO | $76,480 | +20.6% | $36.77/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in CO | $72,900 | +15.0% | $35.05/hr |
| School Counselor in CO | $64,780 | +2.2% | $31.14/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in CO | $63,760 | +0.6% | $30.65/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in CO | $62,870 | -0.9% | $30.23/hr |
| Tutor in CO | $44,710 | -29.5% | $21.50/hr |
| Plumber in CO | $63,240 | -0.3% | $30.40/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in CO | $63,670 | +0.4% | $30.61/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in CO | $62,390 | -1.6% | $30.00/hr |
| Electrician in CO | $62,230 | -1.9% | $29.92/hr |
| Truck Driver in CO | $61,500 | -3.0% | $29.57/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elementary school teachers make in Colorado?
- Elementary school teachers in Colorado earn a median salary of $63,410 per year, which breaks down to approximately $30 per hour. This is about 7% lower than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for elementary teachers in Colorado?
- Elementary school teacher salaries in Colorado range from $48,410 at the lower end to $98,950 at the higher end, reflecting differences in experience, education level, and school district.
How many elementary school teachers are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 24,860 elementary school teachers currently employed in Colorado, representing a substantial workforce in the state's education system.
Is the elementary teacher salary in Colorado below the national average?
- Yes, Colorado's median elementary teacher salary of $63,410 is 7% below the national average, meaning teachers in Colorado earn less than their counterparts in many other states.