Kindergarten Teacher Salary in Colorado
Based on 3K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$62,870
$30.23/hr
vs National Average
$64,160
-2.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $98K
3K employed in Colorado
The kindergarten teacher salary in Colorado has a median of $62,870 per year, with approximately 3,260 educators currently employed in the state. This figure sits about 2% below the national average, reflecting Colorado's regional economic conditions. Salaries in this field typically range from $47,300 to $97,710 annually, depending on various individual and institutional factors.
Several elements influence kindergarten teacher compensation throughout Colorado. Experience and educational credentials play significant roles, as teachers with advanced degrees or additional certifications often earn higher salaries. District funding levels, school type (public versus private), geographic location within the state, and years of service in a specific district also substantially impact earning potential. Cost of living variations between urban and rural Colorado communities further contribute to salary differences across the state.
Salary Distribution — Kindergarten Teacher in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,300 |
| 25th percentile | $55,120 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $62,870 |
| 75th percentile | $78,850 |
| 90th percentile | $97,710 |
Top-Paying Industries for Kindergarten Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Kindergarten Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Kindergarten Teachers in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $64,890 | — |
| Educational Services | $62,780 | 107K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $51,910 | 210 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $46,920 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Kindergarten Teacher in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $55,630 |
| 2023 | $60,390 |
| 2024 | $60,520 |
| 2025 | $62,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,311 |
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 | $55,630 | $58,955 |
| 2023 | $60,390 | $62,216 |
| 2024 | $60,520 | $61,894 |
| 2025 | $62,870 | $64,160 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,311 | $66,651 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $55,120 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $62,870 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,850 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $97,710 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Kindergarten Teacher Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Kindergarten Teacher ($62,870 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Kindergarten Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in CO | $82,160 | +30.7% | $39.50/hr |
| Librarian in CO | $76,480 | +21.6% | $36.77/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in CO | $72,900 | +16.0% | $35.05/hr |
| School Counselor in CO | $64,780 | +3.0% | $31.14/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in CO | $63,760 | +1.4% | $30.65/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in CO | $63,410 | +0.9% | $30.49/hr |
| Tutor in CO | $44,710 | -28.9% | $21.50/hr |
| Plumber in CO | $63,240 | +0.6% | $30.40/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in CO | $62,390 | -0.8% | $30.00/hr |
| Electrician in CO | $62,230 | -1.0% | $29.92/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in CO | $63,670 | +1.3% | $30.61/hr |
| Truck Driver in CO | $61,500 | -2.2% | $29.57/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do kindergarten teachers make in Colorado?
- The median salary for kindergarten teachers in Colorado is $62,870 per year, which translates to approximately $30 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 2.0%, making it a competitive but not premium pay rate compared to other states.
What is the salary range for kindergarten teachers in Colorado?
- Kindergarten teacher salaries in Colorado range from $47,300 on the lower end to $97,710 on the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education level, and school district funding.
How many kindergarten teachers are employed in Colorado?
- There are currently 3,260 kindergarten teachers employed in Colorado. This represents a stable job market for early childhood educators in the state.
Is kindergarten teacher pay in Colorado better than the national average?
- No, kindergarten teacher pay in Colorado is slightly lower than the national average, sitting at 2.0% below the national median. However, at $62,870 per year, Colorado still offers a reasonable salary for this profession.