Middle School Teacher Salary in Colorado
Based on 13K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$63,760
$30.65/hr
vs National Average
$68,569
-7.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $99K
13K employed in Colorado
Middle School Teacher salary in Colorado averages $63,760 annually, reflecting compensation for educators serving the state's 13,280 middle school teachers. This median sits approximately 7% below the national average, positioning Colorado slightly lower than comparable states. Teachers in this role can expect earnings ranging from $49,580 to $99,400 depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence Middle School Teacher salary in Colorado, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific district location. Districts in affluent suburban areas or those with higher cost-of-living typically offer elevated compensation compared to rural regions. Additionally, advanced degrees, specialized certifications, and demonstrated performance can create pathways to higher earning potential within the state's education system.
Salary Distribution — Middle School Teacher in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,580 |
| 25th percentile | $59,760 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $63,760 |
| 75th percentile | $79,560 |
| 90th percentile | $99,400 |
Top-Paying Industries for Middle School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Middle School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Middle School Teachers in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $65,240 | — |
| Educational Services | $64,390 | 619K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $58,330 | 560 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $54,370 | 290 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Middle School Teacher in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,050 |
| 2023 | $62,380 |
| 2024 | $61,830 |
| 2025 | $63,760 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,750 |
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 | $60,050 | $62,704 |
| 2023 | $62,380 | $65,652 |
| 2024 | $61,830 | $65,433 |
| 2025 | $63,760 | $68,569 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,750 | $70,709 |
Middle School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $59,760 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $63,760 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $79,560 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $99,400 |
Middle School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Middle School Teacher Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Middle School Teacher ($63,760 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Middle School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in CO | $82,160 | +28.9% | $39.50/hr |
| Librarian in CO | $76,480 | +19.9% | $36.77/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in CO | $72,900 | +14.3% | $35.05/hr |
| School Counselor in CO | $64,780 | +1.6% | $31.14/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in CO | $63,410 | -0.5% | $30.49/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in CO | $62,870 | -1.4% | $30.23/hr |
| Tutor in CO | $44,710 | -29.9% | $21.50/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in CO | $63,670 | -0.1% | $30.61/hr |
| Plumber in CO | $63,240 | -0.8% | $30.40/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in CO | $62,390 | -2.1% | $30.00/hr |
| Electrician in CO | $62,230 | -2.4% | $29.92/hr |
| Social Worker in CO | $65,620 | +2.9% | $31.55/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do middle school teachers make in Colorado?
- The median salary for middle school teachers in Colorado is $63,760 per year, or approximately $31 per hour. This is about 7% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for middle school teachers in Colorado?
- Middle school teachers in Colorado earn between $49,580 and $99,400 annually, depending on experience, education, and school district. This represents a spread of nearly $50,000 between entry-level and top-earning positions.
How many middle school teachers work in Colorado?
- There are currently 13,280 middle school teachers employed in Colorado, making it a substantial portion of the state's education workforce.
Is teaching middle school in Colorado paid less than the national average?
- Yes, middle school teachers in Colorado earn 7% less than the national average, with Colorado's median salary of $63,760 falling below the typical compensation for this role across the United States.