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2011 Teacher Salary Survey Results

This spring, the Schools of Choice Unit conducted an informal survey of all charter schools in the state to broadly examine teacher salary costs. The survey was in response to numerous requests from charter school operators in Colorado following the Administrator Salary Survey which was conducted in the fall of 2009. (Results of that survey can be found by clicking here.) The information for both surveys was provided primarily by business office personnel at individual charter schools. (The following information does not constitute legal or financial advice. Each school program is unique and salary expenses should reflect not only the program requirements, but also the qualifications and job responsibilities.)

A summary of the findings is provided in the following word document:
Teacher Salary Results Summary [docx]

A spreadsheet of the survey results (raw data) can be found here:
2011 Teacher Salary Survey Results Spreadsheet [xls]

The complete findings of the survey are included in the spreadsheet. Additional pages in the spreadsheet include a preliminary examination of the data sorted to examine the average teacher salary range in comparison to the size of the student body and age of the school. (Please check the comment associated with the first cell on each sheet for additional information.)

A summary of the findings are as follows:

  • 64 responses out of 160 total possible respondents = 40% participation
  • 51.6% of schools report that teacher salaries are between $35,000 and $43,999
  • 73.4% of schools report that teacher salaries are between $32,000 and $46,999
  • The average of the LOWEST teacher salary reported by the school is $30,769; the median is $30,750. The range of the LOWEST teacher salaries reported is $20,320 to $40,000.
  • The average of the HIGHEST teacher salary reported by the school is $47,017; the median is $46,588. The range of the HIGHEST teacher salaries reported is $30,240 to $76,688.

The following questions were included on the survey:

  • Approximately how many students are enrolled at your school?
  • How long has your school been in existence, or been operational as an independent charter school?
  • How many total instructional staff members are employed either full or part time at your school?
  • How many administrative positions (head of school, executive director, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief operations officer, principal, assistant principal, vice principal, etc.) are there at your school?
  • How many administrators are selected, hired, and reviewed by the governing board of the school?
  • What is the annual salary range (including benefits and merit pay) for the single top administrative position?
  • If your school has more than one administrator, what is the annual salary range (including benefits and merit pay) for the second highest paid administrator?
  • If your school has more than one administrator, what is the combined annual salary range (including benefits) for all administrative positions?