Secondary School Teacher Salary in Colorado
Based on 18K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$72,900
$35.05/hr
vs National Average
$70,424
+3.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$49K – $101K
18K employed in Colorado
Secondary School Teacher salary in Colorado averages $72,900 per year, positioning the state slightly above the national average at 4% higher. With approximately 18,310 secondary teachers employed throughout Colorado, the profession offers a moderate income range from $48,970 to $101,300 annually, reflecting variations based on experience and qualifications.
Several factors influence Secondary School Teacher salary in Colorado, including years of classroom experience, educational attainment, and specific subject area expertise. Geographic location within the state, district funding levels, and school type also play significant roles in compensation. Teachers pursuing advanced degrees or National Board Certification often command higher salaries, while those entering the profession typically start at the lower end of the range.
Salary Distribution — Secondary School Teacher in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,970 |
| 25th percentile | $60,860 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $72,900 |
| 75th percentile | $83,790 |
| 90th percentile | $101,300 |
Top-Paying Industries for Secondary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Secondary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Secondary School Teachers in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $77,330 | 2K |
| Educational Services | $72,170 | 1.1M |
| Administrative and Support Services | $63,290 | 550 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $57,880 | 1K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,750 | 870 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Secondary School Teacher in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,320 |
| 2023 | $63,760 |
| 2024 | $63,660 |
| 2025 | $72,900 |
| 2026 (projected) | $77,274 |
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 | $61,320 | $63,868 |
| 2023 | $63,760 | $67,463 |
| 2024 | $63,660 | $67,394 |
| 2025 | $72,900 | $70,424 |
| 2026 (projected) | $77,274 | $74,649 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,860 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $72,900 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $83,790 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $101,300 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Secondary School Teacher Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Secondary School Teacher ($72,900 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Secondary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in CO | $82,160 | +12.7% | $39.50/hr |
| Librarian in CO | $76,480 | +4.9% | $36.77/hr |
| School Counselor in CO | $64,780 | -11.1% | $31.14/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in CO | $63,760 | -12.5% | $30.65/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in CO | $63,410 | -13.0% | $30.49/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in CO | $62,870 | -13.8% | $30.23/hr |
| Tutor in CO | $44,710 | -38.7% | $21.50/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in CO | $73,880 | +1.3% | $35.52/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in CO | $71,900 | -1.4% | $34.57/hr |
| Firefighter in CO | $74,170 | +1.7% | $35.66/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in CO | $75,510 | +3.6% | $36.30/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in CO | $75,790 | +4.0% | $36.44/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do secondary school teachers make in Colorado?
- The median salary for secondary school teachers in Colorado is $72,900 per year, or approximately $35 per hour. This is 3.5% higher than the national average, making Colorado a competitive state for teacher compensation.
What is the salary range for high school teachers in Colorado?
- Secondary school teachers in Colorado earn between $48,970 and $101,300 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and school district. This wide range reflects the variation across different regions and individual career progression.
Is teaching in Colorado paid better than the national average?
- Yes, Colorado secondary school teachers earn 3.5% more than the national average median salary. With a median of $72,900 per year, Colorado ranks above the typical compensation for this profession across the United States.
How many secondary school teachers work in Colorado?
- There are approximately 18,310 secondary school teachers currently employed in Colorado. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's education system.