See Colorado’s Highest-Paid State Employees

Colorado is a land loaded with hard-working people who love the Centennial State. Just like some jobs are easier than others, some jobs pay a lot more than others.

Read More: Four Coloradans Make Forbes List of ‘400 Richest Americans'

Exactly who are some of Colorado's highest-paid workers? Keep reading to take a closer look at the individuals who earn the most and to find out what kind of work they do.

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Colorado's Highest-Paid State Workers

The American non-profit OpentheBooks.com has made a name for itself by publishing all levels of government spending online in favor of transparency (federal, state, local).

Some of the highest-paid state workers in Colorado make a living in the following fields:

• Senior Management in Athletics: Head Coaches and Athletic Directors at State Universities
• Medial Professors and Distinguished Medical Professors: Such as the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
• University Presidents: Leadership roles at Colorado's largest colleges

Senior Management in Athletics

The two head football coaches at two of Colorado's largest state schools are Coach Deion Sanders at the University of Colorado Boulder and Jay Norvell, head coach at Colorado State University. Coach Sanders is one of the highest-paid in Colorado, according to OpentheBooks.com, with an annual salary of around $5.7 million. Coach Norvell at CSU is taking home about $1.6 million each year.

While not your typical "state employee," these coaches do work at state universities with pay provided by the state (often suplimented by a stipend and money from boosters, equipment endorsments, etc.). Coaches are often protected at games (and some public appearances) by state police. Most states choose to include their top coaches among "employees".

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Colorado Medical Professors and College Presidents

Some of Colorado's highest-paid teachers are medical professors and distinguished medical professors, followed by a couple of Colorado college presidents. Check out those totals according to OpentheBooks.com:

• Richard Zane Professor University of Colorado Anschutz Medical: $909,407
• Joshua Metzl Professor University of Colorado Anschutz Medical: $907,342
• Evalina Burger-Van Der Walt Professor University of Colorado Anschutz Medical: $903,466
• Thomas Noonan Professor University of Colorado Anschutz Medical: $854,704
• Vikas Patel Professor University of Colorado Anschutz Medical $885,594
• Mark Erickson Professor University of Colorado Anschutz Medical: $879,251
• Todd Saliman – President University of Colorado System: $875,500
• Carrie Besnette Hauser – President (2013-2024) Colorado Mountain College: $856,764