Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Education
K-12 Teacher Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Colorado
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
State Department of Education • Educator Licensing • Colorado StateBoard of Education
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$61,550 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#26 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of 61,550, K-12 Teachers in Colorado earn 1% below the national median of $62,340. Colorado ranks #26 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$61,550Hourly estimate
$29.591% below national median
Difference: -$790
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationK-12 Teacher Salary Ranking
#26 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | 99,110 |
| #2 | California | 98,190 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | 86,900 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | 83,260 |
| #5 | New York | 82,480 |
Nearby States Comparison
K-12 Teacher licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $61,550 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Wyoming | $61,560 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $61,700 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Kansas | $50,820 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $47,470 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Mexico | $65,510 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arizona | $50,980 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Utah | $61,710 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
State Department of Education • Educator Licensing • Colorado StateBoard of Education
201 E Colfax Ave Room 105, Denver, CO, 80203
Phone: 3038666600
Agency website was unavailable in source data, using official search fallback.
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Librarian | $64,980 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| School Counselor | $63,900 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $95,620 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $94,670 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for K-12 Teachers in Colorado?
Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for K-12 Teachers.
What education do you need to become a K-12 Teacher in Colorado?
The board typically expects Degree required for K-12 Teacher licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical K-12 Teacher salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in Colorado is 61,550. Salaries range from $46,940 (10th percentile) to $92,660 (90th percentile).
How does the K-12 Teacher salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
K-12 Teachers in Colorado earn 1% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of 61,550.
How many K-12 Teachers work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 24,840 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher license to Colorado from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for K-12 Teachers in Colorado?
The licensing agency is State Department of Education / Educator Licensing / Colorado StateBoard of Education.