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 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Colorado
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
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 Colorado eligibility requirements for K-12 Teacher licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to State Department of Education~Educator Licensing~Colorado StateBoard of Education and monitor board communications.
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 Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median 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 | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $61,560 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $61,700 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $50,820 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $47,470 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $65,510 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $50,980 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $61,710 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
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 | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Wyoming | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Oklahoma | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New Mexico | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
State Department of Education • Educator Licensing • Colorado StateBoard of Education
201 E Colfax Ave Room 105, Denver, CO, 80203
Phone: 3038666600
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $63,390 | Degree required | 3-7 years |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,760 | Degree required | 3-7 years |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $73,690 | Degree required | 3-7 years |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $64,620 | Degree required | 1-2 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, 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. 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. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a K-12 Teacher license in Colorado?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.