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Professor Salary in Fort Collins, CO β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Fort Collins's cost of living (index: 111). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Professor Salary in Fort Collins β€” Key Numbers

$93,662
Median Salary
$63,936
25th Percentile
$135,931
75th Percentile
$187,501
90th Percentile
National median (Professor)$84,380
vs. National median+11.0%
Fort Collins median household income$78,600
vs. City household income+19.2%

Cost of Living in Fort Collins

Cost of Living Index
111(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,500/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio19.2%
Annual rent cost$18,000
Median Home Price$500,000
Home Price / Salary5.3Γ—
20% Down Payment$100,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.3 yrs

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

Job Market in Fort Collins

2.8%
Unemployment Rate
365,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
30.8
Median Age

Fort Collins has a metro population of 365,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 2.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Professor Salary β€” Other Colorado Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Professor make in Fort Collins, CO?

The estimated median salary for a Professor in Fort Collins is $93,662 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $84,380 adjusted by Fort Collins's cost of living index (111). The typical salary range runs from $63,936 (25th percentile) to $135,931 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $187,501.

Is Fort Collins affordable for a Professor?

On a $93,662 annual salary, a Professor in Fort Collins would spend approximately 19.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,500/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Fort Collins relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $500,000 is 5.3Γ— the annual salary.

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

Fort Collins's median household income is $78,600. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $93,662 earns 19.2% more than the typical Fort Collins household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.