Average Registered Nurse Salary in Colorado
Registered Nurses in Colorado earn an average of $102,533 per year across 1 metro area. This is +9.5% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$102,533
per year
Hourly Rate
$49.29
per hour
vs National
+9.5%
$93,600 national
Salary Range
$68,273
to $145,885
About Registered Nurse Careers in Colorado
Registered nurses (RNs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in various healthcare settings and serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, providing critical care and advocacy for patients.
In Colorado, registered nurses earn an average of $102,533 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $68,273 for entry-level roles to $145,885 for the most experienced professionals — +9.5% above the national average. Pay is influenced most by nursing specialty (icu, emergency, oncology tend to pay more), education level (bsn vs. adn), and the specific metro area within Colorado.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$102,533
Cost of Living Index
105
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$97,650
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Colorado's cost of living (above average), a Registered Nurse's salary of $102,533 has the purchasing power of $97,650 in an average-cost area.
Registered Nurse Salary by City in Colorado
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver, CO | $102,533 | $49.29/hr | $68,273 | $145,885 | 2,681 |
Modeled estimates derived from the 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS national median and regional cost factors. Sorted by estimated median salary (highest first).
Colorado vs National Average
Registered Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in Colorado
There are approximately 2,681 Registered Nurses employed across 1 metro area in Colorado.
Key Industries: Technology, Aerospace, Energy
State Income Tax: 4.4% flat rate
Registered Nurse Salary Range in Colorado
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$68,273
Starting salary for new Registered Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$102,533
Mid-career Registered Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$145,885
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Colorado
Pharmacist
$142,633
avg in CO
+$40,100 vs Registered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$133,015
avg in CO
+$30,482 vs Registered Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$95,969
avg in CO
-$6,564 vs Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
$64,525
avg in CO
-$38,008 vs Registered Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$41,930
avg in CO
-$60,603 vs Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Registered Nurse salaries in Colorado with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Colorado Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Colorado?
The average Registered Nurse salary in Colorado is $102,533 per year ($49.29/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 9.5% above the national average of $93,600.
What is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Colorado?
Denver, CO is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Colorado, with a median salary of $102,533 per year.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Colorado?
Registered Nurse salaries in Colorado range from $68,273 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $145,885 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $102,533 per year.
About This Data
The national median for this occupation comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The metro and state figures on this page are modeled estimates: we adjust that national median using regional wage differentials and cost-of-living indexes, then average the metros within Colorado. They are not direct BLS metro observations and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers.