Elementary School Teacher Salary in Wheat Ridge, CO: $60,241 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Wheat Ridge, CO earns a median $60,241/year (≈ $28.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Wheat Ridge's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $57,372 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheat Ridge, Colorado, the elementary school teacher salary is anchored at a median of $60,241 for 2026, indicating a competitive compensation structure within a high-cost living environment. Teachers across the district can expect salaries ranging from $48,472 at the 10th percentile to as much as $93,373 at the 90th percentile, providing a meaningful spectrum based on experience and specialization. Additionally, educators focusing on areas such as special education, STEM, or bilingual education may find opportunities to earn more through shortage stipends that can significantly enhance their base pay. These figures reflect local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, making them particularly relevant for those assessing the Wheat Ridge job market.
About the Wheat Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($65,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,472 | $23.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,134 | $26.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,241 | $28.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,183 | $36.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,373 | $44.90 |
Median Salary Position
6.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheat Ridge
In Wheat Ridge, CO, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,901 (2026 est.). At $60,241, the local median is 6.74% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheat Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheat Ridge Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Wheat Ridge median: $60,241/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheat Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $62,620 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -6.74% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Wheat Ridge, CO earn a median of $60,241 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.74% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 3.80% below the Colorado state average of $62,620.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheat Ridge has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wheat Ridge, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,241 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,372 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,646
2025 BLS Actual
$59,656
2026 Current Est.
$60,241
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Wheat Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,646 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,830 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,259 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,386 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,670 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,656 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,241 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,831 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheat Ridge metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $55,646 (2019) to $59,656 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,831 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,185 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheat Ridge 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) | $48,472 – $56,134 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,134 – $60,241 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,241 – $76,183 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,183 – $93,373 |
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 Wheat Ridge
The local job market features a modest cohort of only eight employed elementary school teachers, suggesting a competitive hiring atmosphere but also an urgent need for qualified educators. With a cost-of-living index at 105, which is slightly above the national average, the purchasing power of wages in Wheat Ridge is an important consideration. In this market, the highest-paying employers typically include K-12 public school districts. The differences in teacher pay arise from a variety of factors including the district's step-and-lane pay scale, which evaluates compensation based on years of service and educational achievements. Other elements influencing salary range include shortage area stipends, extended contracts, and multiple certifications such as National Board Certification. To maximize earnings in Wheat Ridge, aspiring teachers should consider pursuing additional qualifications and engaging in specialized instructional roles, as these factors significantly enhance overall compensation and career advancement potential.
More salary data for Wheat Ridge, 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 $59,656 for elementary school teachersin the Wheat Ridge 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 Wheat Ridge 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