Creative & Education Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Boulder, CO is $78,963 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$78,963
vs State Avg
+$14,188
vs National
+$17,273
Cost of Living
128%

Teacher (K-12) Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $78,963, which is $14,188 above the Colorado state average of $64,775. Compared to the national median of $61,690, 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 $78,963 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $61,690. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for teacher (k-12)s in Boulder spans from $52,992 at the 10th percentile to $129,280 at the 90th percentile — a $76,288 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,760, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,760. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $53,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,760
+$11,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,360
+$17,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,760
+$25,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $52,992
25th Percentile $62,464
Median (50th) $78,963
75th Percentile $101,376
90th Percentile $129,280

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$69,093
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$65,391
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$64,775
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$61,690
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Teacher (K-12) in Boulder

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Teacher (K-12) Jobs in Boulder

Browse open teacher (k-12) positions in Boulder, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Teacher (K-12) Salary in Boulder

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Boulder, Colorado is $78,963 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $52,992 (10th percentile) to $129,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,963, a teacher (k-12) in Boulder earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼
Boulder's median teacher (k-12) salary of $78,963 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $64,775. 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 teacher (k-12) salary of $78,963 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a teacher (k-12) in Boulder? ▼
Most teacher (k-12) positions in Boulder require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Assessment, Differentiated Instruction. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.