How College Professors in Colorado get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical Colorado compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $95,600 | $72,700 | $124,300 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $118,900 | $90,300 | $154,500 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $136,700 | $103,900 | $177,700 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $164,000 | $124,600 | $213,200 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $185,900 | $141,300 | $241,600 |
Pay varies sharply within Colorado. Major metros usually outpay state-wide averages.
| Metro | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Colorado |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $137,600 | $104,600 | $178,900 | +1% |
Top occupations by median pay in Colorado — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in Colorado
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average College Professor salary in Colorado is $136,700 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $103,900 and the 75th at $177,700.
Pay-wise, Colorado sits +17% above the national College Professor median ($116,800). That makes it one of the stronger markets — though cost of living should always be factored in alongside raw salary.
Senior College Professors (10–14 years of experience) in Colorado earn around $164,000 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $185,900 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), Colorado ranks 9th for College Professor pay. The highest-paying state pays around $163,500 on average.
The median is a benchmark, not a verdict. Your exact market value depends on your experience and education — plus your specific employer's pay band. Run the free calculator for a personalized number.
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