Education Support Professionals Pay

A closer look at ESP pay

Education Support Professionals (ESPs) play a vital role in our education system, providing essential services and support to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. They serve in a variety of roles, including clerical, custodial, food service, health and student service, paraeducators, security, skilled trade, technical service, and transportation.

A Professional Development system that leads to salary increases

One of the unique aspects of ESP pay in our district is the professional development system that leads to significant salary increases for over 95% of ESPs. This system is designed to reward ESPs for their dedication and hard work, and encourage them to further develop their skills and knowledge. From 2021 to 2023, the National Education Association reports that ESP compensation in Colorado increased by an average of 2.5%. In the same timeframe, our district increased its base ESP rate of pay by 16.4%. This means that our district ESPs will see a significant increase in their salary each year through our professional development system.

Comparing hourly rates in our district to other Colorado districts

Our district pays competitive hourly rates for ESPs, particularly when compared to other similar districts in Colorado. The following table illustrates the range of hourly pay for sample positions in our district and other comparable Colorado districts: The table clearly shows that our district pays at the top end of the range for most positions compared to other Colorado districts. This means that our ESPs are well-compensated for their work.

Retirement benefits and Professional Development opportunities

All ESPs in our district are members of Colorado PERA, a retirement system for public employees in the district. This system is a vital part of the overall compensation package, as it ensures that ESPs have a secure retirement income.  The retirement benefits provided by Colorado PERA are not unique to our district, but they are a standard part of compensation for public employees in Colorado.

In conclusion, the compensation system for ESPs in our district is robust, offering competitive pay, retirement benefits, and professional development opportunities. Our district's unique professional development system, which leads to significant salary increases for over 95% of ESPs, sets us apart from other Colorado districts. This, combined with our commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive work environment for all staff, makes our district an attractive place to work for ESPs.