What is the average teacher salary in Colorado?

The average public-school teacher salary in Colorado is approximately $57,753 per year (source: Colorado Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

Do Colorado teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Colorado districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.

What's the highest-paying school district in Colorado?

Pay scales vary district-to-district based on local cost of living and bargaining agreements.

Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Colorado?

Yes. Almost every Colorado district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.

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2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in Colorado

Q: How does Colorado teacher pay compare to the national average?

Colorado teachers earn about 16% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.

Colorado teachers earn an average of $57,753 per year — 16% below the national average.

$57,753State Average

$36,000Entry-Level (BS)

#33National Rank

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Colorado Teacher Salary Overview

$36,000Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$57,753Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

$68,469National AverageNational Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24

▼ Colorado teachers earn 16% less than the national average (-$10,716)

How Colorado Teacher Salaries Work

Colorado salaries are set through district-level collective bargaining and individual district policies. Cherry Creek, Jefferson County, and Douglas County districts are among the highest paying in the metro area. Rural mountain and eastern plains districts offer lower pay.

Key Factors That Affect Your Salary

Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.

Additional context:

Colorado's high cost of living in the Denver metro and mountain resort communities means teacher salaries often do not keep pace with housing costs. The state has increased education funding in recent years.

See the full picture

Colorado ranks #33 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

Compare All States →

Ready to Teach in Colorado?

Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Colorado teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.

Colorado Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in Colorado — apply directly on district sites.

View Colorado jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Colorado Department of Education / NEA 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the Colorado Department of Education.