Special Education Teacher Salary in Fort Collins, CO: $66,738 (2026)

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

Fort Collins offers a median special education teacher salary of $66,738, which is $630 above the Colorado state average of $66,108. Compared to the national median of $62,960, 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 special education teachers in Fort Collins spans from $44,520 at the 10th percentile to $101,760 at the 90th percentile — a $57,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,640, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $95,400. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $46,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$46,640

+$2,640 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$67,840

+$3,840 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$95,400

+$5,400 vs national

Percentile	Fort Collins	CO State	National
10th Percentile	$44,520	$44,100	$42,000
25th Percentile	$53,000	$52,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$66,738	$66,108	$62,960
75th Percentile	$82,680	$81,900	$78,000
90th Percentile	$101,760	$100,800	$96,000

Percentile

Fort Collins

10th Percentile

$44,520

25th Percentile

$53,000

Median (50th)

$66,738

75th Percentile

$82,680

90th Percentile

$101,760

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Fort Collins

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Fort Collins

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼

The median special education teacher salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $66,738 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $44,520 (10th percentile) to $101,760 (90th percentile).

How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $66,738, a special education teacher in Fort Collins earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for special education teacher pay? ▼

Fort Collins's median special education teacher salary of $66,738 is 1.0% above the Colorado state average of $66,108. 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 special education teacher salary of $66,738 in Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins? ▼

Most special education teacher positions in Fort Collins 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.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado