Creative & Education Fort Collins, CO Pop. 169,810

College Professor Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado

The median college professor salary in Fort Collins, CO is $88,913 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$88,913
vs State Avg
+$839
vs National
+$5,033
Cost of Living
106%

College Professor Pay in Fort Collins: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Collins offers a median college professor salary of $88,913, which is $839 above the Colorado state average of $88,074. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Fort Collins pays above average for this role.

Fort Collins's cost of living is 106% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for college professors in Fort Collins spans from $47,700 at the 10th percentile to $178,080 at the 90th percentile — a $130,380 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,880, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $169,600. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level college professor earns around $50,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $169,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,880
+$2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,160
+$5,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$169,600
+$9,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Collins, CO

Percentile Fort Collins
10th Percentile $47,700
25th Percentile $63,600
Median (50th) $88,913
75th Percentile $127,200
90th Percentile $178,080

College Professor Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$107,366
Pop. 105,673
Denver, CO
$93,946
Pop. 715,522
Aurora, CO
$88,074
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$83,880
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a College Professor in Fort Collins

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find College Professor Jobs in Fort Collins

Browse open college professor positions in Fort Collins, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Fort Collins

How much does a College Professor make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
The median college professor salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $88,913 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $47,700 (10th percentile) to $178,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,913, a college professor in Fort Collins earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for college professor pay? ▼
Fort Collins's median college professor salary of $88,913 is 1.0% above the Colorado state average of $88,074. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 106% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $88,913 in Fort Collins has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Fort Collins? ▼
Most college professor positions in Fort Collins 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.