Career Guide: Elementary School Teaching in Lakewood, CO

As a career analyst who has watched Lakewood's education sector evolve over the past two decades, I can tell you this isn't a city that shouts about its opportunities—it's a quiet workhorse. Nestled directly west of Denver, Lakewood (population 155,973) offers a compelling, if not flashy, proposition for elementary educators. You're not in the high-cost, high-profile Denver school system, but you're close enough to tap into its resources and salary benchmarks. The cost of living sits at 105.5 (US average = 100), which is manageable compared to Denver proper, and the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,835/month. The job market for teachers here is stable, not explosive, with 779 jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of 1%. This isn't a boomtown for education; it's a steady, reliable market for educators who value community, accessibility, and a balanced lifestyle.

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. The median salary for an elementary school teacher in Lakewood is $64,720/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.12/hour. This sits slightly above the national average of $63,670/year, a small but meaningful margin that reflects Colorado's generally higher public sector compensation. However, it's crucial to understand that this is a median—it's the midpoint of a range that expands with experience, education, and specialization.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Lakewood Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$52,000 - $58,000	Typically with a Bachelor's and initial license. Districts like Jefferson County start here.
Mid-Career (4-10 years)	$62,000 - $72,000	Where most Lakewood teachers land. Master's degrees often bump you here faster.
Senior (10-20 years)	$73,000 - $85,000	Requires additional credits or leadership roles (Dept. Head, Mentor Teacher).
Expert (20+ years)	$86,000 - $100,000+	Top of the scale, often with National Board Certification or specialist positions.

Source: Analysis based on Jefferson County School District (Jeffco) salary schedules and Colorado Department of Education data.

Insider Tip: The salary band is heavily influenced by the school district. While Lakewood is primarily served by Jefferson County Public Schools (Jeffco), parts of the city fall into Denver Public Schools (DPS) and Adams 12 Five Star Schools. DPS often has a higher base pay to offset Denver's higher cost of living, but Jeffco offers a more stable, community-focused environment. Always check the specific district's salary schedule before accepting an offer.

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities

How does Lakewood stack up against its neighbors? It's a solid mid-tier performer.

• Denver: Median salary is higher, closer to $68,000, but the cost of living is significantly steeper. A 1-bedroom in Denver averages over $2,000. You might earn more, but your take-home pay could feel similar.
• Colorado Springs: Salaries are slightly lower, around $61,500, but the cost of living is also lower. It's a more affordable option if you're willing to be further from the metro core.
• Boulder: This is the outlier. Salaries can be higher due to local mill levies, but the cost of living is punishing. A 1-bedroom often exceeds $2,200/month. Lakewood offers a much more reasonable balance.

In short, Lakewood provides a "Goldilocks" zone: not the highest pay, but not the most punishing costs, making it a strategically sound choice for building a long-term career.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A teacher's salary is a story told after the deductions. Let's break down a realistic monthly budget for a mid-career teacher earning the Lakewood median of $64,720/year.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, No Dependents)

Item	Estimated Cost	% of Gross Income	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,393	100%	$64,720 / 12
Taxes (Fed, State, FICA)	$1,300	24%	Varies by withholdings; this is a conservative estimate for CO.
Net Take-Home Pay	$4,093	76%	This is your actual cash flow.
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,835	34%	At the Lakewood median.
Utilities	$200	4%	Including internet, gas, electric.
Groceries	$400	7%	Cook at home to save.
Transportation	$250	5%	Gas, insurance, public transit (RTD).
Health Insurance	$300	5%	Approx. premium share for a district plan.
Retirement (PERA)	$500	9%	Mandatory ~8.5% contribution to Colorado PERA.
Misc./Savings	$608	11%	Discretionary spending and emergency fund.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the critical question. In Lakewood, the median home price is approximately $525,000. With a 20% down payment ($105,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would be around $2,800/month before taxes, insurance, and maintenance. This is well above the comfortable housing cost ratio (typically 30% of net income). For a teacher earning $64,720, buying alone is a stretch unless you have a significant down payment, a dual income, or are willing to live in a condo/townhome. Renting is the more feasible short-to-medium term option, with many teachers partnering with a spouse or roommate to manage costs.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood's education job market is dominated by public school districts, with a few charter and private options. Hiring is cyclical, peaking in spring for the next academic year, but mid-year openings do occur due to relocations or retirements.

1. Jefferson County Public Schools (Jeffco): The behemoth. Jeffco serves the majority of Lakewood and is the largest employer for teachers here. They have over 80 schools in the Lakewood area alone. Hiring trends show steady demand for elementary generalists, with a growing need for ELL (English Language Learner) and Special Education endorsements. Insider Tip: Jeffco's online application portal is notoriously detailed. Tailor your cover letter to the specific school's demographics and programs (e.g., IB, STEM focus).
2. Denver Public Schools (DPS): The eastern edge of Lakewood (like the Belmar and Addenbrooke areas) is zoned for DPS. DPS offers higher salaries (often $3,000-$5,000 more for the same experience) to compete with Denver's cost of living. They are a massive district with diverse needs and a strong focus on innovation and charter schools. Hiring is competitive but frequent.
3. Adams 12 Five Star Schools: Serves the northern Lakewood/Westminster border. Smaller than Jeffco and DPS, but known for a strong community feel and newer facilities. A good option if you live in northern Lakewood to minimize commute times.
4. Lakewood Charter School (and other charters): Lakewood Charter is a well-regarded K-8 public charter school. Charter schools often offer more flexibility in curriculum but may have different pay scales (sometimes lower than district schools) and non-union contracts. They can be a great fit for teachers who want more autonomy.
5. Private/Parochial Schools: Institutions like St. Bernadette's Catholic School or the Lutheran School Association offer smaller class sizes but typically come with lower salaries (often 20-30% less than public districts) and may require a faith commitment. Benefits can vary widely.
6. Jefferson County Early Childhood Education (ECE): For teachers interested in pre-K and kindergarten, Jeffco's ECE programs are a major employer. They often have different certification requirements and pay scales but are a critical pipeline for elementary teachers.
7. Summer Programs & Parks and Rec: The City of Lakewood and Jeffco both hire for summer enrichment programs. While not full-time, these are excellent networking opportunities to get your foot in the door and understand local school cultures.

Hiring Trend Insight: The 1% job growth indicates a stable, not expanding, market. Most openings are due to turnover, not new positions. To stand out, gain experience with high-needs populations (e.g., students experiencing homelessness, English learners) and earn an additional endorsement. The most in-demand specialties are Special Education (SPED), English as a Second Language (ESL), and STEM-focused elementary instruction.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado's licensing system is managed by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). It's a structured process, but it has pathways for out-of-state teachers.

The Process:

1. Complete a Teacher Preparation Program: You must graduate from an accredited institution with a bachelor's degree.
2. Pass Required Exams: Typically the Praxis Core (basic skills) and Praxis II (content knowledge for your specific elementary education license).
3. Apply for Initial License: Submit transcripts, test scores, and a background check (fingerprints). The application fee is $90.
4. Receive Initial License: This is valid for three years. You must complete approved induction programs (like the district's new teacher mentorship) during this period.
5. Upgrade to Professional License: After meeting experience and professional development requirements, you can apply for the five-year renewable Professional License.

Costs & Timeline:

• Total Cost (Excluding Degree): ~$300-$500 (exam fees ~$150-$250, application fee $90, background check ~$50).
• Timeline: If you're already a licensed teacher in another state, you can apply for a Reciprocal Initial License. Colorado has reciprocity with most states, but you may need to take Colorado-specific courses (like the "Civics" requirement) within your first year. This process can take 4-8 weeks for review. If you're starting from scratch (new graduate), plan for a 6-12 month timeline from graduation to holding a license.

Insider Tip: The Colorado Department of Education website is your bible. Bookmark the "Licensure" section. For out-of-state teachers, the "Out-of-State Applicant" checklist is essential. Start this process at least 3 months before you plan to apply for jobs, as districts require a Colorado license number for your application.

Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Lakewood is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute profile. Rent estimates are for a 1-bedroom apartment.

1. Belmar / Addenbrooke (East Lakewood):

   • Vibe: Modern, walkable, urban-suburban mix. Closest to Denver and the light rail (W Line).
   • Commute: Excellent. 15-20 min to downtown Denver, 10-15 min to most Lakewood schools. Easy access to I-25 and 6th Ave.
   • Rent: $1,900 - $2,200/month. Slightly above city average.
   • Best For: Teachers who want a lively, social scene and easy Denver access without the Denver price tag.

2. Applewood / West Woods (West Lakewood):

   • Vibe: Established, quiet, family-oriented. Mature trees, single-family homes, and parks.
   • Commute: Good. 20-30 min to most schools within Lakewood. Easy access to I-70 for mountain weekends.
   • Rent: $1,700 - $1,900/month.
   • Best For: Teachers seeking a peaceful, suburban lifestyle with a strong community feel. Ideal if you want to bike or walk to work.

3. Lakewood Heights / Heritage (Central Lakewood):

   • Vibe: Diverse, charming, with a mix of historic bungalows and apartments. Home to Lakewood's main commercial corridors (Wadsworth, Sheridan).
   • Commute: Central hub. 15-25 min to any school in the city. Good public transit options.
   • Rent: $1,600 - $1,850/month.
   • Best For: Teachers who want a central location with character, easy access to amenities, and a shorter commute.

4. Green Mountain / Rooney Road (South Lakewood):

   • Vibe: Slightly more rural, with open space trails and a focus on outdoor recreation. Closer to the foothills.
   • Commute: Can be 25-35 min to schools on the north side of the city due to I-70 traffic.
   • Rent: $1,550 - $1,800/month.
   • Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts who don't mind a slightly longer commute for more space and nature access.

5. North Lakewood / Westminster Border (North Lakewood):

   • Vibe: Commercial and residential mix. More apartment complexes, good value.
   • Commute: Excellent for Adams 12 schools, 20-30 min to Jeffco schools further south.
   • Rent: $1,500 - $1,750/month. Often the most affordable option.
   • Best For: Budget-conscious teachers, especially those working in the northern part of the metro area.

Personal Insight: If you work for Jeffco, Applewood and Lakewood Heights offer the best balance of commute, cost, and community. If you land a job with DPS in the Belmar area, living in Belmar itself is a smart move to avoid the I-25 traffic crawl.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A teaching career in Lakewood is a marathon, not a sprint. The path to higher earnings and leadership is well-defined, if competitive.

• Specialty Premiums: While public districts have rigid salary schedules, additional credentials add value and move you up the pay scale faster.

  • Master's Degree: Adds a step increase, often $2,000-$4,000 annually.
  • National Board Certification: The gold standard. Adds a significant premium (often $5,000+ annually in Jeffco) and is highly respected.
  • SPED/ESL Endorsements: These are in high demand. While they don't always add a direct salary bonus, they make you a top candidate for hard-to-fill positions, which can lead to quicker placement and job security.

• Advancement Paths (Beyond the Classroom):

  1. Instructional Coach/Mentor: Work with other teachers, typically requires 5+ years of experience and a Master's.
  2. Department Head/Grade Level Leader: Stipend positions (e.g., $2,000-$5,000 extra per year).
  3. Administrator: Requires a Master's in Educational Leadership and a principal license. Salaries jump to $90,000-$130,000.
  4. Specialist Roles: District curriculum specialist, interventionist, or ELL coordinator.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 1% growth forecast means the core teaching market will be stable. The real growth will be in specialized roles driven by state and federal mandates (e.g., literacy intervention, special education compliance). Teachers who invest in these niches early will have the most career mobility and earning potential. The shift towards blended learning and technology integration will also create new instructional roles.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: 779 jobs in the metro with steady turnover.	Modest Salary Growth: 10-year job growth of only 1% means limited new positions.
Manageable Cost of Living: Rent at $1,835 is high but lower than Denver/Boulder.	Buying a Home is Challenging: A $64,720 salary makes median home prices ($525k) difficult without a second income.
Prime Location: Easy access to Denver's amenities and mountains without the congestion.	Traffic Can Be a Factor: Commutes to certain schools (e.g., north to Adams 12) can be congested.
Strong Public School Districts: Jeffco and DPS offer robust benefits and union support (in Jeffco).	Competitive Hiring: For best positions, you need stellar applications and potentially advanced degrees.
Diverse Neighborhoods: From walkable urban to quiet suburbs, there's a lifestyle fit.	Lower Pay than Some Neighbors: Salaries are slightly below high-cost areas like Boulder, though cost-adjusted it's better.

Final Recommendation: Lak