Healthcare Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Registered Nurse Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median registered nurse salary in Boulder, CO is $105,586 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median and 21.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$105,586
vs State Avg
+$18,681
vs National
+$24,366
Cost of Living
128%

Registered Nurse Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median registered nurse salary of $105,586, which is $18,681 above the Colorado state average of $86,905. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $105,586 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,489. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for registered nurses in Boulder spans from $74,620 at the 10th percentile to $157,040 at the 90th percentile — a $82,420 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $75,400, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $149,500. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $75,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,400
+$17,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$106,600
+$24,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$149,500
+$34,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $74,620
25th Percentile $86,840
Median (50th) $105,586
75th Percentile $131,430
90th Percentile $157,040

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$92,591
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$87,718
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$86,905
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$82,844
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Boulder

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Boulder

Browse open registered nurse positions in Boulder, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Boulder

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Boulder, Colorado is $105,586 per year, which is 30.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $74,620 (10th percentile) to $157,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $105,586, a registered nurse in Boulder earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Boulder's median registered nurse salary of $105,586 is 21.5% above the Colorado state average of $86,905. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $105,586 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Boulder? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Boulder require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.