Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Colorado — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a licensed practical nurse make in Colorado? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $67,480/yr ($32.44/hr), with around 5,030 people working in this field statewide.
Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Colorado are above the national average by approximately $3,993. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
Colorado's mix of natural resources, tourism, and tech keeps licensed practical nurse demand steady.
Colorado Licensed Practical Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Colorado after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Colorado Licensed Practical Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Colorado median of $67,480.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience — Colorado
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Trend in Colorado — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Datalicensed practical nurses pay in Colorado has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the licensed practical nurse workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Colorado's healthcare and long-term care.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City — Colorado
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $74,900 | $36.01 | +11.0% | 1,760 |
| Colorado Springs | $71,550 | $34.40 | +6.0% | 1,408 |
| Aurora | $69,500 | $33.41 | +3.0% | 905 |
| Fort Collins | $64,800 | $31.15 | -4.0% | 452 |
| Boulder | $61,400 | $29.52 | -9.0% | 301 |
| Pueblo | $58,700 | $28.22 | -13.0% | 201 |
Tip: Denver offers the highest licensed practical nurse salaries in Colorado at $74,900/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Colorado vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Colorado sits in the mid-range for licensed practical nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Outlook in Colorado
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for licensed practical nurses in Colorado is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Colorado job market. Colorado's mix of natural resources, tourism, and tech keeps licensed practical nurse demand steady.
How to Earn More as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Colorado
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a licensed practical nurse in Colorado typically adds $55,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Denver pays licensed practical nurses $74,900/yr — +11.0% above the Colorado average. Simply relocating within Colorado can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Licensed Practical Nurses who specialise in healthcare and long-term care typically command premium rates in Colorado. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Wyoming pays licensed practical nurses $61,880/yr — -8.3% vs Colorado.
Find Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs in Colorado
Live ListingsSearch current licensed practical nurse job vacancies in Colorado:
🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Colorado — Indeed→ 🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Colorado — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs — Denver, CO→