Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Colorado
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in Colorado earn a median of $45,500 a year ($21.87 an hour), based on BLS data for 5,210 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,820 for the lowest-paid 10% to $84,700 for the top 10%. That is 19% higher than the national median of $38,140. Colorado ranks 13th of 51 states for preschool teachers, except special education pay. There are 1.8 preschool teachers, except special education per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.59). The average (mean) salary is $53,270, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for preschool teachers, except special education in Colorado
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,820 | $17.22 |
| 25th percentile | $38,200 | $18.36 |
| Median | $45,500 | $21.87 |
| 75th percentile | $63,160 | $30.36 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $84,700 | $40.72 |
| Average (mean) | $53,270 | $25.61 |
Half of preschool teachers, except special education earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,791.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,895.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,750 |
| Weekly | $875 |
| Hourly | $21.87 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $45,500 salary, see how much house you can afford in Colorado at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in cities in Colorado
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | $46,530 | 390 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $45,680 | 3,210 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $44,260 | 230 |
| Greeley, CO | $42,640 | 190 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $40,850 | 400 |
| Grand Junction, CO | $39,140 | 100 |
| Pueblo, CO | $38,880 | 50 |
Highest-paying states for preschool teachers, except special education
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $62,150 |
| Vermont | $49,730 |
| Hawaii | $48,780 |
| New Jersey | $48,220 |
| Kansas | $47,750 |
| California | $47,400 |
| Nebraska | $47,040 |
| New York | $46,520 |
| Alaska | $46,130 |
| Massachusetts | $45,890 |
See Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education pay in every state.
Related jobs in Colorado
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in Colorado
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-2011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a preschool teachers, except special education make in Colorado?
The median salary for preschool teachers, except special education in Colorado is $45,500 a year, or $21.87 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,820 for the lowest-paid 10% to $84,700 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid preschool teachers, except special education make in Colorado?
The top 10% of preschool teachers, except special education in Colorado earn at least $84,700 a year. The top 25% earn $63,160 or more.
What is the starting pay for preschool teachers, except special education in Colorado?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,820 a year, and a quarter of preschool teachers, except special education earn $38,200 or less.
How many preschool teachers, except special education work in Colorado?
About 5,210 preschool teachers, except special education are employed in Colorado, not counting the self-employed.