Creative & Education Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Denver, CO is $69,093 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$69,093
vs State Avg
+$4,318
vs National
+$7,403
Cost of Living
112%

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

Denver offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $69,093, which is $4,318 above the Colorado state average of $64,775. Compared to the national median of $61,690, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $69,093 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $61,690. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for teacher (k-12)s in Denver spans from $46,368 at the 10th percentile to $113,120 at the 90th percentile — a $66,752 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,040, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,040. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $47,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,040
+$5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$69,440
+$7,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,040
+$11,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $46,368
25th Percentile $54,656
Median (50th) $69,093
75th Percentile $88,704
90th Percentile $113,120

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$78,963
Pop. 105,673
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 Denver

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Denver 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 Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Teacher (K-12) Jobs in Denver

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

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

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

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Denver, Colorado is $69,093 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $46,368 (10th percentile) to $113,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,093, a teacher (k-12) in Denver earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼
Denver's median teacher (k-12) salary of $69,093 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $64,775. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a teacher (k-12) salary of $69,093 in Denver 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 Denver? ▼
Most teacher (k-12) positions in Denver 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.