Creative & Education Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Special Education Teacher Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median special education teacher salary in Boulder, CO is $80,589 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$80,589
vs State Avg
+$14,481
vs National
+$17,629
Cost of Living
128%

Special Education Teacher Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median special education teacher salary of $80,589, which is $14,481 above the Colorado state average of $66,108. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $80,589 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for special education teachers in Boulder spans from $53,760 at the 10th percentile to $122,880 at the 90th percentile — a $69,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,320, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,200. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $56,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,320
+$12,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,920
+$17,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,200
+$25,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $53,760
25th Percentile $64,000
Median (50th) $80,589
75th Percentile $99,840
90th Percentile $122,880

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$70,515
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$66,738
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$66,108
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$62,960
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Boulder

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

IEP DevelopmentAdaptive TeachingAssessmentBehavioral ManagementCommunicationPatience

Job Outlook

Nationally, special education teacher employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Boulder

Browse open special education teacher positions in Boulder, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Boulder

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Boulder, Colorado is $80,589 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $53,760 (10th percentile) to $122,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,589, a special education teacher in Boulder earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Boulder's median special education teacher salary of $80,589 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $66,108. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $80,589 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a special education teacher in Boulder? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Boulder require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include IEP Development, Adaptive Teaching, Assessment, Behavioral Management. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.