Teacher Salary

Boulder vs Northglenn: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

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

Boulder, CO
$81,430
$39.15/hr
Northglenn, CO
$59,386
$28.55/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoulder, CONorthglenn, CO
Median Salary$81,430$59,386
Hourly Rate$39.15$28.55
Entry Level (P10)$61,012$46,406
25th Percentile$77,411$54,319
75th Percentile$104,827$75,395
Top Earner (P90)$126,649$92,049
Total Employed1,6309
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boulder ($81,430) and Northglenn ($59,386) elementary school teacher salaries.BoulderNorthglennMedian Salary$81,430$59,386Entry Level (P10)$61,012$46,406Top Earner (P90)$126,649$92,049US Median $64,597

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Boulder and Northglenn is $22,044 (37.12%). 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,Northglenn spans $45,643. 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
Northglenn
P10 (Entry)$46,406
P25$54,319
Median$59,386
P75$75,395
P90 (Top)$92,049

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boulder ($77,403 effective) pays 36.86% more than Northglenn ($56,558 effective).

Boulder
Nominal: $81,430
CoL Index: 105.202
Adjusted: $77,403
Northglenn
Nominal: $59,386
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $56,558

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 Northglenn 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 Northglenn over the same period.

Boulder, CO

+21.2%

$66,540 (2019) → $80,640 (2025)

Northglenn, CO

+-9.2%

$64,738 (2024) → $58,810 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Boulder has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $81,430/year, compared to Northglenn at $59,386/year — a difference of $22,044 (37.12%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Northglenn?

Boulder elementary school teachers earn $39.15/hr while Northglenn hygienists earn $28.55/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boulder and Northglenn. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boulder = $77,403, Northglenn = $56,558), job availability (1,630 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $61,012 in Boulder and $46,406 in Northglenn. 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