How does a Professor's salary in Denver compare to the rest of Colorado?

Denver's cost of living index is 121 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted upward accordingly. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $102,100 earns $16,900 more than the median household income in Denver ($85,200).

Professor Salary in Denver, CO — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Denver's cost of living (index: 121). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Professor Salary in Denver — Key Numbers

$102,100

Median Salary

$69,696

25th Percentile

$148,177

75th Percentile

$204,393

90th Percentile

National median (Professor)$84,380

vs. National median+21.0%

Denver median household income$85,200

vs. City household income+19.8%

Cost of Living in Denver

Cost of Living Index

121(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,395/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio16.4%

Annual rent cost$16,740

Median Home Price$565,000

Home Price / Salary5.5×

20% Down Payment$113,000

Years to save (20% rate)5.5 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Denver

3.3%

Unemployment Rate

2,930,000

Metro Population

26 min

Avg Commute

36.6

Median Age

Denver has a metro population of 2,930,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.3% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Financial Calculators for Denver

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Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Salary to Hourly

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Cost of Living — Denver

Compare Denver to other cities

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Rent vs. Buy in Denver

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Budget Planner

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Professor Salary in Colorado

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Denver

Physician$277,453 Chief Executive Officer$254,100 Dentist$212,367 IT Manager$205,107 Marketing Manager$190,720 Lawyer$176,370

Professor Salary — Other Colorado Cities

Colorado Springs, CO$86,911 Fort Collins, CO$93,662

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Professor make in Denver, CO?

The estimated median salary for a Professor in Denver is $102,100 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $84,380 adjusted by Denver's cost of living index (121). The typical salary range runs from $69,696 (25th percentile) to $148,177 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $204,393.

Is Denver affordable for a Professor?

On a $102,100 annual salary, a Professor in Denver would spend approximately 16.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,395/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Denver relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $565,000 is 5.5× the annual salary.

How does a Professor's salary compare to Denver's overall income?

Denver's median household income is $85,200. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $102,100 earns 19.8% more than the typical Denver household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Professor — National Professor in Colorado All Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.