Creative & Education Fort Collins, CO Pop. 169,810

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Fort Collins, CO is $65,391 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$65,391
vs State Avg
+$616
vs National
+$3,701
Cost of Living
106%

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

Fort Collins offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $65,391, which is $616 above the Colorado state average of $64,775. Compared to the national median of $61,690, 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 teacher (k-12)s in Fort Collins spans from $43,884 at the 10th percentile to $107,060 at the 90th percentile — a $63,176 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,520, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $97,520. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $44,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,520
+$2,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,720
+$3,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$97,520
+$5,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Collins, CO

Percentile Fort Collins
10th Percentile $43,884
25th Percentile $51,728
Median (50th) $65,391
75th Percentile $83,952
90th Percentile $107,060

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$78,963
Pop. 105,673
Denver, CO
$69,093
Pop. 715,522
Aurora, CO
$64,775
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$61,690
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Teacher (K-12) in Fort Collins

Education

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

Find Teacher (K-12) Jobs in Fort Collins

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

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

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $65,391 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $43,884 (10th percentile) to $107,060 (90th percentile).
How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,391, a teacher (k-12) in Fort Collins earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼
Fort Collins's median teacher (k-12) salary of $65,391 is 1.0% above the Colorado state average of $64,775. 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 teacher (k-12) salary of $65,391 in Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins? ▼
Most teacher (k-12) positions in Fort Collins 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.