Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Windsor, CO: $46,964 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Windsor, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,964 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Windsor's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,728 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,791) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an entry-level salary projected at $46,964 for newly minted teachers in Windsor, CO, graduates can expect to start on a modest pay scale compared to the city’s median annual salary of $61,791. This creates a gap that reflects the growth potential within the profession, allowing new educators to progress towards the 25th percentile salary of $55,735 over their initial years. Given that Windsor is a stable job market for educators, new graduates can find opportunities amid increasing demand for teachers, suggesting that while starting pay may be lower than desired, the long-term prospects improve with experience and continued professional development.
About the Windsor Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Windsor
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Windsor
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Windsor, CO typically start between $46,964 and $55,735 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,811 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,791 — 4.34% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Colorado of $60,000 represents just 127.76% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($46,964/year) in Windsor. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover CAEP-accredited undergraduate education programs. Many states require a master's degree within a defined period after initial licensure. Testing costs (Praxis, state-specific exams) are additional.
Teacher Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Windsor
- 1Research the Windsor market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $46,964 to $55,735, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the education field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Windsor, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Windsor for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Windsor's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Elementary School Teacher Compensation Range
The elementary school teacher wage spread in Windsor is $48,811 ( 103.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,964, experienced hygienists can earn up to $95,775.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,839
2025 BLS Actual
$46,508
2026 Current Est.
$46,964
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Windsor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,839 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,818 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,619 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,093 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,538 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,865 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,508 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,964 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,424 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Windsor, CO grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,839 in 2019 to $46,508 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,424. New graduates entering the Windsor job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Windsor metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your education Career in Windsor
In Windsor, public school districts typically emerge as the primary employers for new elementary school teachers, with hiring processes conducted through district-level applications and required state licensing. Alternative certification pathways through charter networks, such as KIPP and Teach for America, also create avenues for recent graduates, especially in high-need schools. Holding a Bachelor’s degree and completing approved teacher prep programs, alongside passing state-required exams, are critical for boosting starting pay in this competitive market. Understanding the step-and-lane pay structure is essential; public school salaries tend to reflect years of experience and education levels, while potential bonuses for teachers in special education or STEM roles can enhance earnings. Realistically, teachers in their first three years can expect incremental salary growth, particularly if they pursue additional credentials like a Master’s degree or National Board Certification, positioning themselves for better long-term pay and career advancement in Colorado’s educational landscape.
More salary data for Windsor, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for elementary school teachers in Windsor in 2026?
How fast do elementary school teacher salaries grow in Windsor?
Is education school worth it in Windsor?
What do new elementary school teachers make right out of school in Windsor?
How do I become a elementary school teacher in Colorado?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new education graduates. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Windsor. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Windsor is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
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