Healthcare Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Registered Nurse Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median registered nurse salary in Denver, CO is $92,591 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 6.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$92,591
vs State Avg
+$5,686
vs National
+$11,371
Cost of Living
112%

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

Denver offers a median registered nurse salary of $92,591, which is $5,686 above the Colorado state average of $86,905. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 $92,591 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,671. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for registered nurses in Denver spans from $65,436 at the 10th percentile to $137,712 at the 90th percentile — a $72,276 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,120, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $131,100. 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.

Registered Nurse Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $66,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,120
+$8,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$93,480
+$11,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,100
+$16,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $65,436
25th Percentile $76,152
Median (50th) $92,591
75th Percentile $115,254
90th Percentile $137,712

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$105,586
Pop. 105,673
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 Denver

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Denver 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 Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Denver

Browse open registered nurse positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Denver

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Denver, Colorado is $92,591 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $65,436 (10th percentile) to $137,712 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $92,591, a registered nurse in Denver earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Denver's median registered nurse salary of $92,591 is 6.5% above the Colorado state average of $86,905. 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 registered nurse salary of $92,591 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Denver? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Denver 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.