Fort Collins vs Thornton: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,547 | $63,590▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.55 | $30.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,227▲ | $45,037 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,688▲ | $55,040 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,643 | $81,395▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,213 | $98,565▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,370▲ | 34 |
Verdict
Thornton, CO offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Thornton is $43 (0.07%). Thornton's median is -1.56% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $43,986,Thornton spans $53,528. Thornton 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, Fort Collins ($62,838 effective) pays 3.76% more than Thornton ($60,562 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,838)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,590/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,565)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Fort Collins grew 21.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.2% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$52,020 (2019) → $62,930 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$69,321 (2024) → $62,973 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Fort Collins or Thornton?
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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