Brighton vs Denver: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Brighton, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brighton, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,677 | $77,664▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.69 | $37.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,106 | $50,955▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,934 | $61,820▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,103 | $84,995▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,500 | $102,434▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 12,030▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brighton.
The salary gap between Brighton and Denver is $17,987 (30.14%). Denver's median is +20.23% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brighton spans $45,394,Denver spans $51,479. Denver has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($73,419 effective) pays 29.18% more than Brighton ($56,835 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brighton if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,664/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,434)
- ✓Larger job market (12,030 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,419)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Brighton grew -9.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.1% growth in Denver over the same period.
Brighton, CO
$65,056 (2024) → $59,098 (2025)
Denver, CO
$56,080 (2019) → $76,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brighton, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Brighton or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brighton and Denver?
Should I relocate from Brighton to Denver as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Brighton vs Denver?
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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
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