Registered nurse salary in Colorado
The median registered nurse in Colorado earned $100,260 a year in 2025, $2,710 (3%) above the $97,550 national median. That ranks 14th of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $100,260
- Average yearly pay
- $99,370
- Employed in Colorado
- 54,490
How Colorado compares
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.
Nursing pay in Colorado
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $100,260 | 54,490 |
| LPN or LVN | $73,880 | 4,920 |
| Nurse practitioner | $132,930 | 4,270 |
A nurse practitioner in Colorado earns a median $32,670 more than a registered nurse ($132,930 against $100,260). A registered nurse earns a median $26,380 more than an LPN or LVN here ($100,260 against $73,880).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does a registered nurse make in Colorado?
The median is $100,260 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in Colorado earn more and half earn less.
Is Colorado a high-paying state for registered nurses?
Colorado ranks 14th of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so Colorado pays 3% above it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in Colorado?
BLS counted 54,490 registered nurses employed in Colorado in May 2025.
Why is the average different from the median?
The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In Colorado the average is $99,370.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in Colorado?
Colorado requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.