Elementary School Teacher Salary in Denver, CO: $77,664 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Denver, CO earns a median $77,664/year (≈ $37.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Denver's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 105.8), that paycheck buys what $73,419 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 24.0% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Denver, Colorado, elementary school teachers will see a median annual salary of $77,664 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national median of $64,597, marking a 20.23% premium for local educators. The salary range for educators in this role spans from $50,955 at the 10th percentile to $102,434 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a wide variance in pay depending on experience and qualifications. These salary figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, which indicate that the competitive compensation reflects the high cost of living in the Denver area. As the city attracts a diverse population and maintains a robust demand for teachers, those considering a career in education here may find that Denver's job market has much to offer.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,955 | $24.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,820 | $29.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,664 | $37.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,995 | $40.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,434 | $49.25 |
Median Salary Position
20.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Denver
In Denver, CO, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,479 (2026 est.). At $77,664, the local median is 20.23% above the national median of $64,597.
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At 40 hours/week in Denver: You'd be above the median
How Denver Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Denver median: $77,664/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Denver Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $62,632 | +24.00% more |
| National Average | $64,597 | +20.23% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Denver, CO earn a median of $77,664 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.23% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 24.00% above the Colorado state average of $62,632.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Denver has a cost of living 5.78% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Denver, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105.782 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,664 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,419 — a 5.47% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,080
2025 BLS Actual
$76,910
2026 Current Est.
$77,664
2019–2027 Growth
+39.8%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,080 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,150 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,770 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,310 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,170 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,070 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,664 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,425 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Denver metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 37.1% from $56,080 (2019) to $76,910 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,425 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,345 (39.84%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Denver metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $50,955 – $61,820 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,820 – $77,664 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,664 – $84,995 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,995 – $102,434 |
Teacher salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual elementary school teacher compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Elementary School Teacher Job Market in Denver
A significant number of educators, approximately 12,030, are currently employed in Denver’s elementary schools, showcasing the strong local job market for this profession. The cost-of-living index of 105.782 emphasizes the need for competitive pay, as expenses in the area can be above national averages. Among various educational institutions, some of the highest-paying employers include K-12 public school districts, as well as well-established charter school networks like KIPP, which often provide extended work hours along with a robust salary structure. The remuneration for elementary school teacher pay in Denver, CO can also differ based on factors like experience as dictated by the district's step-and-lane pay scale, advanced degrees, and roles in high-need areas such as special education and STEM. Educators aiming to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing National Board Certification, specialized training, and opportunities for summer and after-school programs, which can provide valuable stipends in addition to baseline salaries.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $76,910 for elementary school teachersin the Denver metropolitan area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov