Career Guide for Elementary School Teachers: Aurora, CO

As a career analyst who’s lived in the Denver Metro area for over a decade, I’ve watched Aurora transform from a suburb into a diverse, sprawling city with its own identity. For an elementary school teacher, Aurora offers a complex mix of opportunity and challenge. It’s not the polished, affluent suburb of Cherry Creek; it’s a working-class city with a huge military presence, a rapidly growing immigrant population, and a school district (Aurora Public Schools, APS) that is often in the headlines for both its struggles and its innovations. This guide is a no-nonsense look at what it’s really like to teach here, based on hard data, local geography, and the lived experience of educators on the ground.

The Salary Picture: Where Aurora Stands

Let’s start with the numbers. The salary for an elementary school teacher in the Aurora metro area is modest compared to the cost of living, but it’s competitive within Colorado’s public school system. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median salary for elementary school teachers in the Aurora-Boulder-Greeley metropolitan area is $64,720 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.12. This sits slightly above the national average of $63,670, but that figure is a bit misleading. While we beat the national average, we are significantly behind the pay scales in more affluent Colorado districts like Denver Public Schools (DPS) or neighboring Cherry Creek School District, where starting salaries can be $10,000+ higher.

The Aurora Public Schools (APS) salary schedule is public information. A teacher with a Bachelor’s degree and zero years of experience starts at around $52,000. With a Master’s degree, that starting pay jumps to about $57,000. Reaching the median of $64,720 typically takes 5-8 years of experience and additional graduate credits. The top of the APS scale, for a teacher with a PhD and 25+ years, can exceed $100,000, but those are outliers.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how salaries typically progress in the Aurora area:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary (APS & Area)	Key Factors
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$52,000 - $58,000	Bachelor’s degree, initial license. Starting on the lower end of the scale.
Mid-Career	4-10 years	$60,000 - $72,000	Master’s degree, National Board Certification, or additional credits. This is where the median of $64,720 sits.
Senior	11-20 years	$73,000 - $85,000	Advanced degrees, leadership roles (e.g., mentor teacher, department chair).
Expert	20+ years	$86,000 - $105,000+	PhD, National Board Certification, district-level or administrative roles.

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities

Aurora is a mid-tier district in the state. It pays better than rural districts but less than the major metro centers.

City (District)	Median Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living Index (vs. US Avg 100)	Notes
Aurora (APS)	$64,720	105.5	Strong diversity, high ESL needs, moderate cost of living.
Denver (DPS)	~$69,000	109.3	Higher pay, but much higher housing costs. More competitive hiring.
Cherry Creek (CCSD)	~$72,000	115.0 (Englewood)	Highest pay in the metro area, but extremely competitive and affluent student body.
Colorado Springs (D11)	~$62,000	102.8	Lower pay, lower cost of living. Military spouse teacher prevalence.
Grand Junction (Mesa 51)	~$58,000	98.5	Rural, lower pay, lower cost of living.

Insider Tip: Aurora’s pay is structured by the Aurora Education Association (AEA) collective bargaining agreement. Always review the current AEA salary schedule before interviewing. Districts like Adams 12 Five Star (which borders Aurora) have similar scales. If you’re willing to commute 20-30 minutes east to rural Douglas County or west to Jefferson County, you can find higher pay, but you’ll trade urban diversity for suburban homogeneity.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $64,720 sounds reasonable, but in 2024 Colorado, the real take-home pay after taxes is the critical number. For a single filer with no dependents, Colorado’s flat state income tax (4.4%) and federal taxes will reduce that gross salary by approximately 22-25%. Your net monthly take-home pay will be roughly $3,900 to $4,050.

Now, factor in Aurora’s housing. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in the metro area is $1,835/month. This is the single biggest line item in any teacher’s budget.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Elementary School Teacher ($64,720/year)

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single teacher with a $64,720 salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Take-Home Pay	~$4,000	After federal/state taxes, Social Security, Medicare.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,835	This is the citywide average. You can find cheaper, but you sacrifice location/safety.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150 - $200	Varies by season (AC in summer, heat in winter).
Car Payment & Insurance	$500 - $800	Aurora is car-dependent. Public transit (RTD) exists but is unreliable for commuting.
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500	For one person.
Student Loans	$200 - $400	Depends on your debt load. Colorado has loan forgiveness programs for high-need schools.
Retirement (PERA)	$250 - $300	Colorado Public Employees’ Retirement Association is mandatory. ~8% of gross pay.
Miscellaneous (Health, Entertainment, etc.)	$300 - $500	Health insurance is often covered, but premiums can vary.
Remaining / Savings	$215 - $715	This is the discretionary or savings amount. It’s tight.

Can they afford to buy a home? With the median salary of $64,720, buying a home in Aurora is a significant stretch. The median home price in Aurora is currently around $450,000. To qualify for a mortgage on that home with a 20% down payment, you’d need an annual income closer to $110,000+. As a single teacher on a $64,720 salary, you would likely need a dual-income household or a substantial down payment from family to purchase. Renting is the default for most early- and mid-career teachers in the area.

Where the Jobs Are: Aurora's Major Employers

The vast majority of elementary teaching jobs in Aurora are with Aurora Public Schools (APS), which is the 5th largest school district in Colorado. However, the job market is more nuanced than just one district.

1. Aurora Public Schools (APS): The primary employer. APS serves a diverse student population with over 130 languages spoken. There is a constant, high demand for ELL (English Language Learner) certified teachers, Special Education teachers, and STEM educators. Hiring trends show APS is actively recruiting to fill vacancies, especially in the eastern corridor (Aurora Highlands, E-470 area) where new developments are booming.
2. Cherry Creek School District (CCSD): While its administrative offices are in Greenwood Village, CCSD serves a portion of southeast Aurora. Jobs here are extremely competitive. The student population is more affluent, and teacher turnover is lower. They prefer candidates with Master’s degrees and prior experience. The pay is higher, but so are expectations and parent involvement.
3. Adams 12 Five Star Schools: This district borders Aurora to the north and west. It covers parts of Thornton and Westminster. It’s a solid alternative with a similar demographic to APS but often with slightly better funding. A good option if you live in northern Aurora.
4. Private and Charter Schools: Aurora has a growing network of charter schools (e.g., Aurora Science & Tech, Denver School of Innovation & Sustainable Design) and private schools (e.g., St. Pius X Catholic School, Aurora Christian School). Salaries here can be lower than public schools (often starting in the $45,000 - $50,000 range) and benefits can vary. However, they offer smaller class sizes and more autonomy in curriculum.
5. Major Employers (Non-School): For a spouse or a teacher looking for a second income, Aurora’s economy is anchored by two massive employers: Children’s Hospital Colorado (Aurora campus) and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The Denver International Airport (DIA) is also a major employer just east of Aurora. The Space Force presence at Buckley Space Force Base also brings military families into the community.

Insider Tip: The best time to apply for APS jobs is from February through June for the following school year. The district has a centralized online application system. Being flexible on grade level (K-5) and willing to work in Title I schools (low-income areas) significantly increases your chances of being hired.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado requires a Teacher License to teach in a public school. The process is managed by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).

Step-by-Step Requirements & Costs:

1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree: From an accredited institution.
2. Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program: This can be a traditional four-year program or an alternative program like TEACH for America Colorado or Denver Teacher Residency. These programs must be Colorado-approved.
3. Pass Required Exams:
   • Praxis Core Academic Skills: Reading, Writing, Math (scores vary, ~$150 total).
   • Praxis II Subject Assessments: For Elementary Education (typically ~$130).
   • Colorado-Specific Assessment: The Place Exam for the English Language Learner (ELL) Endorsement is mandatory for all new teachers. This is a critical, unique Colorado requirement. It’s an additional test (~$130).
4. Apply for Initial License: Submit transcripts, test scores, and a fee to the CDE. The Initial License is valid for 3 years and costs $120.
5. Background Check: Required by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and FBI (~$50-75).
6. Apply for the ELL Endorsement: This is not optional. You must add this to your license within your first few years.

Total Initial Costs (Exams, License, Background Check): Approximately $500 - $600.

Timeline: If you have a Colorado-approved program, you can start applying for jobs in your final semester. The license processing takes 4-8 weeks after submitting all materials. If you are out-of-state, Colorado has reciprocity agreements, but you will still need to complete the ELL Place Exam and potentially other Colorado-specific requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Aurora is geographically massive. Commute time is a major factor. Here are neighborhoods to consider, balancing rent, safety, and commute to schools.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Pros & Cons
Central Aurora (Near Colfax & I-225)	Urban, diverse, older homes. Central to most schools.	$1,400 - $1,700	Pro: Walkable, good transit access, affordable. Con: Can be noisy, older infrastructure.
Aurora Highlands (East of I-225, near E-470)	Newer, master-planned community. Growing fast.	$1,800 - $2,100	Pro: New apartments, parks, safer, newer schools. Con: Far from downtown, car-dependent, pricier.
Montview / Buckley Area (North Aurora, near Buckley SFB)	Established, middle-class, family-oriented.	$1,600 - $1,900	Pro: Quiet, good schools, safe. Con: Can feel isolated from Denver proper.
Sable / Hoffman Heights (Central-North)	Affordable, mid-century homes. Close to I-70.	$1,300 - $1,600	Pro: Very affordable, central location. Con: Older housing stock, variable block-by-block safety.
Denver Proper (for commuters)	Urban, vibrant nightlife.	$1,800 - $2,200+	Pro: City life, higher pay if in DPS. Con: Long commute to Aurora schools (30-60 mins), higher rent.

Insider Tip: If you teach in northern Aurora (e.g., near Buckley SFB), living in Montview is ideal. If you teach in the new schools in the southeast (Aurora Highlands), living in that area makes sense. For the most affordable rent and central access, Sable or Central Aurora are your best bets, but do your homework on specific blocks.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Teaching in Aurora is a long-term investment. The district has structured advancement paths, but you must be proactive.

• Specialty Premiums & Stipends: APS offers stipends for hard-to-fill positions. A Special Education teacher can earn an additional $2,000 - $4,000 per year. National Board Certification (a rigorous, multi-year process) typically comes with a $5,000+ annual stipend in APS and is a major career booster.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Mentor Teacher: Experienced teachers guide new hires. Comes with a stipend.
  2. Department Chair/Grade-Level Lead: A leadership role within a school.
  3. Instructional Coach: Moves you out of the classroom to support other teachers. Requires a Master’s.
  4. Administration: To become a principal, you need a Master’s in Educational Leadership and a Colorado Principal License. This is the path to a $100,000+ salary.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 10-year job growth for elementary teachers in Colorado is 1% (BLS), which is slower than average. This is due to declining birth rates in Colorado. However, Aurora’s population is still growing, driven by immigration and affordable housing. Job security is high due to teacher burnout and turnover, but advancement will require moving into leadership, specialty roles, or obtaining additional certifications. The key is to specialize. Generalists will find jobs; specialists (SPED, ELL, STEM) will find careers with more leverage.

The Verdict: Is Aurora Right for You?

Aurora is not a destination for teachers seeking a comfortable, easy path. It’s a place for those who want to make a real impact in a diverse, challenging environment. The pay is modest for the cost of living, and home ownership is a distant dream for many. However, the community is vibrant, the professional development is robust, and the need for dedicated teachers is genuine.

Pros	Cons
High Demand: You will find a job, especially in SPED & ELL.	Modest Pay vs. Cost of Living: Tight budget, especially for single income.
Diverse Student Body: Incredible cultural experiences, high impact.	Housing Pressure: Rent is high; buying a home is difficult without dual income.
Structured Career Ladders: Clear paths for advancement and stipends.	District Challenges: APS faces budget constraints and political scrutiny.
Central Location: Easy access to Denver, mountains, and DIA.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited outside core areas.
Strong Union (AEA): Good benefits and contract protections.	10-Year Growth Stagnant: Fewer new teaching positions overall.

Final Recommendation: Aurora is a good fit for teachers who are mission-driven, adaptable, and financially savvy. It’s ideal for those starting their career (high demand for new hires) or for experienced teachers looking to specialize (SPED, ELL). It is not recommended for teachers who prioritize a low-stress environment, a quick path to homeownership, or a homogenous student population. If you’re willing to embrace the challenges, Aurora offers a deeply rewarding and impactful teaching experience unlike any other in Colorado.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market in Aurora Public Schools?
A: It’s competitive for desirable locations (e.g., affluent southwestern Aurora),