Registered Nurse Salary in Colorado
Based on 54K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$100,260
$48.20/hr
vs National Average
$94,098
+6.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$80K – $125K
54K employed in Colorado
Registered Nurse salary in Colorado averages $100,260 per year, which is 7% above the national average. With approximately 54,490 registered nurses employed throughout the state, Colorado offers competitive compensation in the healthcare field. Salaries typically range from $79,500 to $124,940 annually, reflecting variations across different healthcare settings and experience levels.
Several factors influence registered nurse compensation in Colorado, including years of clinical experience, specialized certifications, and the type of healthcare facility. Urban areas like Denver generally offer higher wages than rural regions, while nurses in specialized units or with advanced credentials command premium salaries. Educational background, shift differentials, and employer size also play significant roles in determining individual earning potential within the state's healthcare market.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $79,500 |
| 25th percentile | $84,590 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $100,260 |
| 75th percentile | $108,930 |
| 90th percentile | $124,940 |
Top-Paying Industries for Registered Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Registered Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Registered Nurses in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $110,780 | 170K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,010 | 23K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,660 | 2.9M |
| Information | $97,430 | 590 |
| Utilities | $95,280 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,430 |
| 2023 | $86,900 |
| 2024 | $96,520 |
| 2025 | $100,260 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,145 |
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 | $82,430 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $86,900 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $96,520 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $100,260 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,145 | $97,744 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $84,590 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $100,260 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $108,930 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $124,940 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Registered Nurse Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Registered Nurse ($100,260 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Registered Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in CO | $344,270 | +243.4% | $165.51/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CO | $299,990 | +199.2% | $144.23/hr |
| Psychiatrist in CO | $266,370 | +165.7% | $128.06/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CO | $265,560 | +164.9% | $127.67/hr |
| Pediatrician in CO | $196,440 | +95.9% | $94.44/hr |
| Dentist in CO | $166,240 | +65.8% | $79.92/hr |
| Pharmacist in CO | $156,030 | +55.6% | $75.01/hr |
| Optometrist in CO | $152,000 | +51.6% | $73.08/hr |
| Podiatrist in CO | $142,620 | +42.3% | $68.57/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CO | $137,610 | +37.3% | $66.16/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in CO | $134,910 | +34.6% | $64.86/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CO | $134,540 | +34.2% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make in Colorado?
- Registered nurses in Colorado earn a median salary of $100,260 per year, or $48 per hour. This is 6.5% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for RNs in Colorado?
- Registered nurse salaries in Colorado range from $79,500 to $124,940 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer.
Is it worth becoming a registered nurse in Colorado?
- Yes, registered nurses in Colorado earn above the national average at $100,260 annually, making it a competitive salary with strong job prospects given there are 54,490 RNs employed in the state.
How many registered nurses work in Colorado?
- There are currently 54,490 registered nurses employed in Colorado, reflecting strong demand for nursing professionals in the state.