Healthcare Fort Collins, CO Pop. 169,810

Registered Nurse Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado

The median registered nurse salary in Fort Collins, CO is $87,718 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 0.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$87,718
vs State Avg
+$813
vs National
+$6,498
Cost of Living
106%

Registered Nurse Pay in Fort Collins: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Collins offers a median registered nurse salary of $87,718, which is $813 above the Colorado state average of $86,905. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Fort Collins pays above average for this role.

Fort Collins's cost of living is 106% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for registered nurses in Fort Collins spans from $61,992 at the 10th percentile to $130,464 at the 90th percentile — a $68,472 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,640, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,200. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $62,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,640
+$4,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,560
+$6,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,200
+$9,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Collins, CO

Percentile Fort Collins
10th Percentile $61,992
25th Percentile $72,144
Median (50th) $87,718
75th Percentile $109,188
90th Percentile $130,464

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$105,586
Pop. 105,673
Denver, CO
$92,591
Pop. 715,522
Aurora, CO
$86,905
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$82,844
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Fort Collins

Education

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

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Fort Collins

Browse open registered nurse positions in Fort Collins, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Fort Collins

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $87,718 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $61,992 (10th percentile) to $130,464 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,718, a registered nurse in Fort Collins earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Fort Collins's median registered nurse salary of $87,718 is 0.9% above the Colorado state average of $86,905. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 106% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $87,718 in Fort Collins has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Fort Collins? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Fort Collins 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.