Elementary School Teacher Salary in Lakewood, CO: $62,654 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Lakewood, CO earns a median $62,654/year (≈ $30.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $59,670 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for an elementary school teacher in Lakewood, Colorado, is projected to be $62,654, slightly below the national median of $64,597. The effective salary range varies significantly, from $47,833 at the 10th percentile to $97,113 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a broad spectrum of compensation based on experience, education, and specific school district policies. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, highlight the challenges and opportunities facing educators in a high-cost area like Lakewood. Understanding these figures is essential for prospective teachers evaluating the job market in this community, particularly given its relative competitiveness compared to other regions.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,833 | $22.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,851 | $27.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,654 | $30.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,197 | $38.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,113 | $46.69 |
Median Salary Position
3.01% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CO, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,280 (2026 est.). At $62,654, the local median is 3.01% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $62,654/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $62,591 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $64,597 | -3.01% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Lakewood, CO earn a median of $62,654 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.01% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 0.10% above the Colorado state average of $62,591.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,654 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $59,670 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,875
2025 BLS Actual
$62,046
2026 Current Est.
$62,654
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,875 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,107 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,553 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,835 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,765 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,301 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,046 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,654 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,268 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $57,875 (2019) to $62,046 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,268 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,393 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $47,833 – $56,851 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,851 – $62,654 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,654 – $80,197 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,197 – $97,113 |
Teacher salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual elementary school teacher compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Elementary School Teacher Job Market in Lakewood
As Lakewood's job market currently comprises 27 elementary school teachers, the competitive landscape is influenced by its cost-of-living index of 105, which is above the national average. This elevated cost means that take-home pay may be stretched by housing and living expenses. School districts and charter networks can vary widely in compensation; for instance, KIPP and other charter schools often offer stipends for specialized roles, such as special education or STEM, reflecting the critical need in those areas. Factors affecting the pay spectrum include the traditional step-and-lane model of public education, which rewards experience and education level, as well as additional financial incentives like summer programs and National Board Certification stipends. For educators looking to maximize their earnings in Lakewood, strategies such as pursuing advanced degrees and seeking positions in high-need specialties can significantly enhance salary potential.
More salary data for Lakewood, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,046 for elementary school teachersin the Lakewood metropolitan area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lakewood 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