Teacher Salary

Boulder vs Broomfield: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Boulder, CO and Broomfield, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boulder, CO
$81,430
$39.15/hr
Broomfield, CO
$61,651
$29.64/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoulder, COBroomfield, CO
Median Salary$81,430$61,651
Hourly Rate$39.15$29.64
Entry Level (P10)$61,012$48,325
25th Percentile$77,411$56,781
75th Percentile$104,827$78,914
Top Earner (P90)$126,649$95,559
Total Employed1,63018
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boulder ($81,430) and Broomfield ($61,651) elementary school teacher salaries.BoulderBroomfieldMedian Salary$81,430$61,651Entry Level (P10)$61,012$48,325Top Earner (P90)$126,649$95,559US Median $64,597

Verdict

Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Broomfield.

The salary gap between Boulder and Broomfield is $19,779 (32.08%). Boulder's median is +26.06% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $65,637,Broomfield spans $47,234. Boulder has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Boulder
P10 (Entry)$61,012
P25$77,411
Median$81,430
P75$104,827
P90 (Top)$126,649
Broomfield
P10 (Entry)$48,325
P25$56,781
Median$61,651
P75$78,914
P90 (Top)$95,559

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boulder ($77,403 effective) pays 31.83% more than Broomfield ($58,715 effective).

Boulder
Nominal: $81,430
CoL Index: 105.202
Adjusted: $77,403
Broomfield
Nominal: $61,651
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $58,715

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boulder if…

  • Higher median salary ($81,430/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($126,649)
  • Larger job market (1,630 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,403)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Broomfield if…

  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Boulder grew 21.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.2% growth in Broomfield over the same period.

Boulder, CO

+21.2%

$66,540 (2019) → $80,640 (2025)

Broomfield, CO

+-9.2%

$67,208 (2024) → $61,053 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Boulder or Broomfield?

Boulder has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $81,430/year, compared to Broomfield at $61,651/year — a difference of $19,779 (32.08%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Broomfield?

Boulder elementary school teachers earn $39.15/hr while Broomfield hygienists earn $29.64/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boulder to Broomfield as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boulder and Broomfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boulder = $77,403, Broomfield = $58,715), job availability (1,630 vs 18 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Boulder vs Broomfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $61,012 in Boulder and $48,325 in Broomfield. The Boulder area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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