Elementary School Teacher Salary in Steamboat Springs, CO: $59,037 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Steamboat Springs, CO earns a median $59,037/year (≈ $28.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Steamboat Springs's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $56,226 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for elementary school teachers in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is projected to be $59,037, which falls below the national average of $64,597. The salary range extends from $45,121 at the 10th percentile to $91,507 at the 90th percentile, reflecting diverse levels of experience and education among teachers. In Steamboat Springs, teacher compensation typically follows a step-and-lane scale, where salaries increase based on years of experience and advanced degrees, placing those with a master's degree and additional credits in a favorable position. The local estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parity, showcasing the unique economic landscape of this mountain town.
About the Steamboat Springs Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,121 | $21.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,701 | $27.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,037 | $28.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,173 | $34.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,507 | $44.00 |
Median Salary Position
8.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Steamboat Springs
In Steamboat Springs, CO, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,386 (2026 est.). At $59,037, the local median is 8.61% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Steamboat Springs: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Steamboat Springs Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Steamboat Springs median: $59,037/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Steamboat Springs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $62,605 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -8.61% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Steamboat Springs, CO earn a median of $59,037 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.61% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 5.70% below the Colorado state average of $62,605.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Steamboat Springs has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Steamboat Springs, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,037 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,226 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,534
2025 BLS Actual
$58,464
2026 Current Est.
$59,037
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Steamboat Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,534 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,695 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,115 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,199 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,358 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,464 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,037 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,616 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Steamboat Springs metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $54,534 (2019) to $58,464 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,616 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,082 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Steamboat Springs 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) | $45,121 – $56,701 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,701 – $59,037 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,037 – $72,173 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,173 – $91,507 |
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 Steamboat Springs
The job market for elementary school teachers in Steamboat Springs comprises four positions, highlighting a small but stable employment level in this area. However, the cost-of-living index stands at 105, which signifies that housing and everyday expenses are higher than the national average, affecting take-home pay and purchasing power. Within the local educational ecosystem, K-12 public school districts generally offer the most competitive salaries, followed by charter schools and private institutions. Pay disparities are influenced by factors such as the district's step-and-lane pay structure, special education or STEM stipends, and opportunities for summer school contracts. To maximize earning potential, aspiring teachers should consider pursuing advanced degrees and certifications like the National Board Certification, as these credentials can lead to higher pay brackets. Additionally, seeking employment in critical shortage areas could yield further financial advantages in this particular market.
More salary data for Steamboat Springs, 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 $58,464 for elementary school teachersin the Steamboat Springs 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 Steamboat Springs 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