Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Colorado
Based on 5K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$73,880
$35.52/hr
vs National Average
$66,740
+10.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $84K
5K employed in Colorado
Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Colorado averages $73,880 annually, positioning the state well above the national mean. With approximately 4,920 employed LPNs across Colorado, this median salary reflects strong compensation within the healthcare sector. The salary range spans from $50,820 to $84,440, demonstrating considerable variation based on individual circumstances and experience levels.
Several factors influence earning potential for Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Colorado. Experience, specialization, and employer type significantly impact compensation, as do geographic location within the state and facility size. Healthcare settings in urban areas and specialized facilities typically offer higher wages than rural clinics. Additionally, shift differentials, certifications, and years of nursing experience play important roles in determining individual salaries within this range.
Salary Distribution — Licensed Practical Nurse in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,820 |
| 25th percentile | $61,890 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $73,880 |
| 75th percentile | $79,800 |
| 90th percentile | $84,440 |
Top-Paying Industries for Licensed Practical Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Licensed Practical Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Licensed Practical Nurses in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $77,310 | 30K |
| Finance and Insurance | $72,720 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,970 | 37K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $67,980 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $64,860 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Licensed Practical Nurse in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,700 |
| 2023 | $64,720 |
| 2024 | $67,480 |
| 2025 | $73,880 |
| 2026 (projected) | $78,313 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,700 | $54,982 |
| 2023 | $64,720 | $60,153 |
| 2024 | $67,480 | $63,623 |
| 2025 | $73,880 | $66,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $78,313 | $70,744 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $61,890 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $73,880 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $79,800 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $84,440 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Licensed Practical Nurse ($73,880 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Licensed Practical Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in CO | $344,270 | +366.0% | $165.51/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CO | $299,990 | +306.1% | $144.23/hr |
| Psychiatrist in CO | $266,370 | +260.5% | $128.06/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CO | $265,560 | +259.4% | $127.67/hr |
| Pediatrician in CO | $196,440 | +165.9% | $94.44/hr |
| Dentist in CO | $166,240 | +125.0% | $79.92/hr |
| Pharmacist in CO | $156,030 | +111.2% | $75.01/hr |
| Optometrist in CO | $152,000 | +105.7% | $73.08/hr |
| Podiatrist in CO | $142,620 | +93.0% | $68.57/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CO | $137,610 | +86.3% | $66.16/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in CO | $134,910 | +82.6% | $64.86/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CO | $134,540 | +82.1% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Colorado?
- Licensed practical nurses in Colorado earn a median salary of $73,880 per year, or $36 per hour. This is 10.7% higher than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for LPNs in Colorado?
- The salary range for licensed practical nurses in Colorado spans from $50,820 to $84,440 per year. Your specific salary within this range will depend on factors like experience, location, and employer.
Is nursing a well-paying job in Colorado compared to the US?
- Yes, Colorado offers above-average compensation for licensed practical nurses, with a median salary of $73,880 that exceeds the national average by 10.7%. This makes it a competitive state for LPN employment.
How many licensed practical nurses work in Colorado?
- There are approximately 4,920 licensed practical nurses currently employed in Colorado, representing a significant portion of the state's healthcare workforce.