Colorado Teacher Salary

Average and starting teacher pay in Colorado for 2024-25, ranked among all states.

Colorado teacher salary at a glance

In 2024-25 the average public school teacher in Colorado earned $72,781, according to NEA. That ranks 19th among the 50 states and D.C. and is $1,714 below the national average of $74,495. A year earlier the average was $68,647, so pay changed by 6.0%.

New teachers start lower. NEA's benchmark report puts the starting salary in Colorado at $45,489, which ranks 35th of 51. The national average starting salary is $48,112.

ColoradoUnited States
Average salary 2024-25$72,781$74,495
Average salary 2023-24$68,647$71,985
Starting salary 2024-25$45,489$48,112
Average salary rank19 of 51
Starting salary rank35 of 51

States close to Colorado in the ranking

Nevada (17th, $74,812), Utah (18th, $72,882), Vermont (20th, $71,871), Georgia (21st, $71,524). See all states ranked or compare Colorado with another state.

Average salary covers all public school teachers and is what NEA reports for 2024-25. Starting salary is the pay at the bottom of a bachelor's-degree salary schedule, as collected in NEA's benchmark report. Salary figures do not include benefits and are not adjusted for cost of living. Source: NEA, Rankings of the States 2025 and Estimates of School Statistics 2026 (average salary, Table B-6, April 2026) and NEA, 2024-2025 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report (starting salary, April 2026). Ranks are among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Reviewed 2026-10-03.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average teacher salary in Colorado?

NEA reports an average public school teacher salary of $72,781 in Colorado for 2024-25, which ranks 19th of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.).

What is the starting teacher salary in Colorado?

NEA's benchmark report lists a starting salary of $45,489 in Colorado for 2024-25, ranking 35th of 51.

How does Colorado compare with the national average?

The national average teacher salary is $74,495. Colorado is $1,714 below it. For starting pay, the national average is $48,112 and Colorado is $2,623 below.

Find a handout