Creative & Education Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

College Professor Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median college professor salary in Denver, CO is $93,946 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$93,946
vs State Avg
+$5,872
vs National
+$10,066
Cost of Living
112%

College Professor Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median college professor salary of $93,946, which is $5,872 above the Colorado state average of $88,074. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $93,946 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,880. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for college professors in Denver spans from $50,400 at the 10th percentile to $188,160 at the 90th percentile — a $137,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,760, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $179,200. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

College Professor Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level college professor earns around $53,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $179,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,760
+$5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,320
+$10,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$179,200
+$19,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $50,400
25th Percentile $67,200
Median (50th) $93,946
75th Percentile $134,400
90th Percentile $188,160

College Professor Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$107,366
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$88,913
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$88,074
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$83,880
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a College Professor in Denver

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Denver and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find College Professor Jobs in Denver

Browse open college professor positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Denver

How much does a College Professor make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median college professor salary in Denver, Colorado is $93,946 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $50,400 (10th percentile) to $188,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,946, a college professor in Denver earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for college professor pay? ▼
Denver's median college professor salary of $93,946 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $88,074. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $93,946 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Denver? ▼
Most college professor positions in Denver require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.