Registered Nurse Salaries in Colorado — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Registered Nurses in Colorado earn an average of $96,520 per year ($46.40/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 54,510 registered nurses.
Registered Nurse salaries in Colorado are above the national average by approximately $6,344. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
Colorado's growing economy and diverse industries create good opportunities for registered nurses.
Colorado Registered 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 Registered Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Colorado median of $96,520.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — Colorado
Registered Nurse Salary Trend in Colorado — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for registered nurses in Colorado: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Colorado's healthcare and hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary by City — Colorado
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $107,150 | $51.51 | +11.0% | 19,078 |
| Colorado Springs | $102,300 | $49.18 | +6.0% | 15,262 |
| Aurora | $99,400 | $47.79 | +3.0% | 9,811 |
| Fort Collins | $92,650 | $44.54 | -4.0% | 4,905 |
| Boulder | $87,850 | $42.24 | -9.0% | 3,270 |
| Pueblo | $83,950 | $40.36 | -13.0% | 2,180 |
Tip: Denver offers the highest registered nurse salaries in Colorado at $107,150/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 registered nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4%.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook in Colorado
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for registered nurses in Colorado is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Colorado job market. Colorado's growing economy and diverse industries create good opportunities for registered nurses.
How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in Colorado
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in Colorado typically adds $79,200 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Denver pays registered nurses $107,150/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. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals 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 registered nurses $81,790/yr — -15.3% vs Colorado.
Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Colorado
Live ListingsSearch current registered nurse job vacancies in Colorado:
🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Colorado — Indeed→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Colorado — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs — Denver, CO→