Creative & Education Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

ESL Teacher Salary in Colorado

The median esl teacher salary in Colorado is $58,800 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $56,000.

Median Salary
$58,800
vs National
+$2,800
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

ESL Teacher Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for esl teacher compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for esl teacher pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $58,800 per year, esl teachers in Colorado earn $2,800 more than the national median of $56,000.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning esl teacher salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: esl teachers at the 10th percentile earn $37,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $92,400 — a $54,600 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $71,680.

Nationally, esl teacher employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for esl teachers across the country.

ESL Teacher Salary in Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,200 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,900
+$1,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,850
+$2,850 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,200
+$4,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $37,800
25th Percentile $46,200
Median (50th) $58,800
75th Percentile $75,600
90th Percentile $92,400

ESL Teacher Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for esl teachers in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Colorado

Education

Most esl teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Colorado has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

ESL MethodsLesson PlanningCultural CompetencyAssessmentPatienceCommunication

Job Outlook in Colorado

Nationally, esl teacher employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Colorado's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Colorado

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Colorado? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Colorado is $58,800 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $56,000. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $92,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a ESL Teacher make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,800, a esl teacher in Colorado earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for esl teachers? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for esl teacher pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level esl teachers earn $39,900, while senior professionals earn $88,200.
How does Colorado compare to other states for esl teacher salary? ▼
The highest paying state for esl teachers is Hawaii at $95,200. Colorado's median of $58,800 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maryland ($61,600) and Oregon ($61,600).
What is the entry-level esl teacher salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level esl teacher in Colorado earns approximately $39,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $59,850. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $88,200.
What city in Colorado pays esl teachers the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for esl teachers, with a median salary of $71,680. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.