Healthcare Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median nurse practitioner salary in Denver, CO is $138,635 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 6.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$138,635
vs State Avg
+$8,512
vs National
+$17,025
Cost of Living
112%

Nurse Practitioner Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median nurse practitioner salary of $138,635, which is $8,512 above the Colorado state average of $130,123. Compared to the national median of $121,610, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $138,635 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $123,781. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for nurse practitioners in Denver spans from $99,294 at the 10th percentile to $191,748 at the 90th percentile — a $92,454 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $102,600, while senior nurse practitioners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $176,700. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level nurse practitioner earns around $102,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $176,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$102,600
+$12,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$139,080
+$17,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$176,700
+$21,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $99,294
25th Percentile $118,788
Median (50th) $138,635
75th Percentile $163,590
90th Percentile $191,748

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$158,093
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$131,339
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$130,123
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$124,042
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Denver

Education

Most nurse practitioner positions require a master's degree. Denver and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Advanced AssessmentPharmacologyDiagnosisPatient EducationEMR SystemsClinical Decision-Making

Job Outlook

Nationally, nurse practitioner employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Nurse Practitioner Jobs in Denver

Browse open nurse practitioner positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nurse Practitioner Salary in Denver

How much does a Nurse Practitioner make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median nurse practitioner salary in Denver, Colorado is $138,635 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $121,610. Salaries range from $99,294 (10th percentile) to $191,748 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nurse Practitioner make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $138,635, a nurse practitioner in Denver earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for nurse practitioner pay? ▼
Denver's median nurse practitioner salary of $138,635 is 6.5% above the Colorado state average of $130,123. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a nurse practitioner salary of $138,635 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nurse practitioner in Denver? ▼
Most nurse practitioner positions in Denver require a master's degree. Key skills include Advanced Assessment, Pharmacology, Diagnosis, Patient Education. The job market is projected to grow 40% nationally over the next decade.