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Nurse Practitioner Salaries in Colorado — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a nurse practitioner make in Colorado? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $129,750/yr ($62.38/hr), with around 4,130 people working in this field statewide.

Nurse Practitioner salaries in Colorado are above the national average by approximately $671. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.

Strong population growth and an expanding economy support healthy demand for nurse practitioners in Colorado.

Colorado Nurse Practitioner Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter 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%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$129,750
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$93,474

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 Nurse Practitioner Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Colorado median of $129,750.

Your annual salary ($)

Nurse Practitioner Salary by Experience — Colorado

Entry Level (0–2 years)$80,400/yr · $38.65/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Colorado.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$115,477/yr · $55.52/hr
Established professional working independently in Colorado. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$144,022/yr · $69.24/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Colorado.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$186,800+/yr · $89.81/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Colorado.
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Nurse Practitioner Salary Trend in Colorado — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Over the past five years, Colorado has seen 13.9% wage growth for nurse practitioners — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Colorado's healthcare and outpatient care.

2021
$113,920
2022
$120,537
+5.8%
2023
$126,117
+4.6%
2024
$128,193
+1.6%
2026
$129,750
+1.2%

Nurse Practitioner Salary by City — Colorado

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Denver$144,000$69.23+11.0%1,445
Colorado Springs$137,550$66.13+6.0%1,156
Aurora$133,650$64.25+3.0%743
Fort Collins$124,550$59.88-4.0%371
Boulder$118,050$56.75-9.0%247
Pueblo$112,900$54.28-13.0%165

Tip: Denver offers the highest nurse practitioner salaries in Colorado at $144,000/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Colorado vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Colorado sits in the mid-range for nurse practitioners.

Colorado — 4.4% state income tax$129,750 gross~$93,474 take-home
Wyoming — no state tax$127,750 gross-1.5% vs CO
Nebraska — 5.84%$127,930 gross-1.4% vs CO
Kansas — 5.7%$124,690 gross-3.9% vs CO

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.

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Nurse Practitioner Job Outlook in Colorado

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
4,130Currently employed
413+New jobs projected

Employment for nurse practitioners in Colorado is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Colorado job market. Strong population growth and an expanding economy support healthy demand for nurse practitioners in Colorado.

How to Earn More as a Nurse Practitioner in Colorado

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a nurse practitioner in Colorado typically adds $106,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Denver pays nurse practitioners $144,000/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. Nurse Practitioners who specialise in healthcare and outpatient 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 nurse practitioners $127,750/yr — -1.5% vs Colorado.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a nurse practitioner earn in Colorado on average?
The average nurse practitioner salary in Colorado is $129,750 per year, or $62.38 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $80,400 while experienced professionals earn $186,800 or more.
Where do nurse practitioners earn the most in Colorado?
Denver pays nurse practitioners the most in Colorado at an average of $144,000 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is nurse practitioner pay in Colorado above or below the US average?
Colorado nurse practitioner salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $671. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
What is the take-home pay for a nurse practitioner in Colorado?
A nurse practitioner earning the Colorado average of $129,750 takes home approximately $93,474 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
Is nurse practitioner a good career in Colorado?
Yes. Nurse Practitioner is a strong career choice in Colorado with steady demand projected over the next decade. Strong population growth and an expanding economy support healthy demand for nurse practitioners in Colorado.
How do you get a nurse practitioner licence in Colorado?
In Colorado, nurse practitioners are licensed through the State Board of Nursing. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Board of Nursing for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.