For those in the process of attaining teaching certification in Colorado, the most pressing concern is often their financial future. Prospective educators want to know what their eventual salary will be once they have completed the teaching requirements in Colorado and have entered the job market.
The salary system for teachers in Colorado is currently in flux, and it varies by county and district. As a result, a Colorado certified teacher would currently receive performance-based pay in some counties and districts, or fall under a traditional salary schedule, such as in Colorado Springs School District. The statewide average salary for Colorado teachers in 2011 was $49,046, according to the Colorado Department of Education.
Students currently involved in becoming a teacher in Colorado should consult the following table from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.The table includes a sampling of salaries for several Colorado postsecondary teaching positions, special education teachers, and teachers for the preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and high school grade levels.
| Occupation | Annual mean wage in Colorado | Annual mean wage in U.S. |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $87,220 | $86,620 |
| Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | $85,490 | $86,730 |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,140 | $74,890 |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $64,250 | $65,050 |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $57,320 | $68,760 |
| Preschool Teachers Except Special Education | $32,350 | $30,150 |
| Kindergarten Teachers Except Special Education | $47,850 | $52,350 |
| Elementary School Teachers Except Special Education | $49,600 | $55,270 |
| Middle School Teachers Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $49,950 | $55,780 |
| Secondary School Teachers Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $51,700 | $56,760 |
| Special Education Teachers Preschool Kindergarten and Elementary School* | $52,180 | $56,460 |
| Special Education Teachers Middle School | $52,210 | $58,420 |
| Special Education Teachers Secondary School | $54,170 | $59,080 |
Region of employment also greatly affects the salary of teachers within Colorado. Below is a table comparing the annual mean salaries of the three largest metropolitan in Colorado.
| City | Annual mean wage |
| Boulder, CO | $52,850 |
| Colorado Springs CO | $46,290 |
| Denver-Aurora-Broomfield CO | $53,590 |
Helpful Resources
- Colorado Department of Education – Colorado Average Salary Schedules
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – annual wages for education, training, and library occupations