Colorado: education overview
Average teacher salary $72,781 (2024-25), #19 of 51. Source
Public vs private schools
| Public | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | 1,932 | 380 |
| Students | 865,077 | 67,000 |
| Share of students | 93% | 7% |
Latest federal counts; public and private figures come from different school years, so the share is approximate.
Schools 2022-23Students 2024-25Teachers 2022-23Districts 2021-22
Students, teachers, districts
- Public school districts
- 178
- Public school teachers (full-time equivalent)
- 53,553
- Public school students
- 865,077
Schools 2022-23Students 2024-25Teachers 2022-23Districts 2021-22
How teacher pay is structured
Regular districts generally serve K–12, so elementary and high school teachers normally use the same district teacher pay framework rather than separate grade-level district schedules. Districts set local teacher salary schedules without a statewide teacher schedule or teacher-specific floor; collective bargaining occurs where locally recognized, rather than under a statewide duty to bargain.
Separate high school districts: noStatewide salary schedule: noSource
For prospective educators
You'd be a good fit if you want locally bargained pay that varies widely by district, mountain or Front Range living, and are willing to compare districts closely.
A general summary, not advice. Pay and conditions vary by district.