Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area earn a median of $45,680 a year ($21.96 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,210 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,590 for the lowest-paid 10% to $84,700 for the top 10%. That is 20% higher than the national median of $38,140. Pay here is about the same as the Colorado statewide median of $45,500. There are 2.0 preschool teachers, except special education per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.65). The average (mean) salary is $57,250, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for preschool teachers, except special education in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,590 | $17.59 |
| 25th percentile | $40,320 | $19.39 |
| Median | $45,680 | $21.96 |
| 75th percentile | $66,940 | $32.19 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $84,700 | $40.72 |
| Average (mean) | $57,250 | $27.53 |
Half of preschool teachers, except special education earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,806.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,903.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,756.92 |
| Weekly | $878.46 |
| Hourly | $21.96 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $45,680 salary, see how much house you can afford in Colorado at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | $46,530 | 390 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $44,260 | 230 |
| Greeley, CO | $42,640 | 190 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $40,850 | 400 |
| Grand Junction, CO | $39,140 | 100 |
| Pueblo, CO | $38,880 | 50 |
Highest-paying states for preschool teachers, except special education
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $62,150 |
| Vermont | $49,730 |
| Hawaii | $48,780 |
| New Jersey | $48,220 |
| Kansas | $47,750 |
| California | $47,400 |
| Nebraska | $47,040 |
| New York | $46,520 |
| Alaska | $46,130 |
| Massachusetts | $45,890 |
See Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education pay in every state or the Colorado statewide figures.
Related jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-2011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a preschool teachers, except special education make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median salary for preschool teachers, except special education in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area is $45,680 a year, or $21.96 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,590 for the lowest-paid 10% to $84,700 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid preschool teachers, except special education make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The top 10% of preschool teachers, except special education in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area earn at least $84,700 a year. The top 25% earn $66,940 or more.
What is the starting pay for preschool teachers, except special education in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,590 a year, and a quarter of preschool teachers, except special education earn $40,320 or less.
How many preschool teachers, except special education work in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
About 3,210 preschool teachers, except special education are employed in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.