Teacher Salaries in Colorado — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a teacher make in Colorado? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $61,550/yr ($29.59/hr), with around 24,840 people working in this field statewide.
Teacher salaries in Colorado are below the national average by approximately $1,944. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
Colorado's growing economy and diverse industries create good opportunities for teachers.
Colorado Teacher Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Colorado after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Colorado Teacher Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Colorado median of $61,550.
Teacher Salary by Experience — Colorado
Teacher Salary Trend in Colorado — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for teachers in Colorado: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Colorado's public and private education.
Teacher Salary by City — Colorado
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $68,300 | $32.84 | +11.0% | 8,694 |
| Colorado Springs | $65,250 | $31.37 | +6.0% | 6,955 |
| Aurora | $63,400 | $30.48 | +3.0% | 4,471 |
| Fort Collins | $59,100 | $28.41 | -4.0% | 2,235 |
| Boulder | $56,000 | $26.92 | -9.0% | 1,490 |
| Pueblo | $53,550 | $25.75 | -13.0% | 993 |
Tip: Denver offers the highest teacher salaries in Colorado at $68,300/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Colorado vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Colorado sits in the mid-range for teachers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
Teacher Job Outlook in Colorado
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for teachers in Colorado is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Colorado job market. Colorado's growing economy and diverse industries create good opportunities for teachers.
How to Earn More as a Teacher in Colorado
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a teacher in Colorado typically adds $50,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Denver pays teachers $68,300/yr — +11.0% above the Colorado average. Simply relocating within Colorado can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Teachers who specialise in public and private education typically command premium rates in Colorado. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Wyoming pays teachers $61,560/yr — 0.0% vs Colorado.
Find Teacher Jobs in Colorado
Live ListingsSearch current teacher job vacancies in Colorado:
🔍 Teacher jobs in Colorado — Indeed→ 🔍 Teacher jobs in Colorado — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Teacher jobs — Denver, CO→