Boulder vs Colorado Springs: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Boulder, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,775▲ | $101,245 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.30▲ | $48.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,019▲ | $81,573 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,526▲ | $88,260 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,294▲ | $110,491 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,071▲ | $129,795 |
| Total Employed | 3,140 | 6,800▲ |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Boulder and Colorado Springs is $7,530 (7.44%). Boulder's median is +5.88% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $46,052,Colorado Springs spans $48,222. Colorado Springs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boulder ($103,396 effective) pays 2.85% more than Colorado Springs ($100,534 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,775/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,071)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,396)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Larger job market (6,800 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Boulder grew 30.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.4% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$79,180 (2019) → $103,290 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$74,320 (2019) → $96,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Boulder or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Colorado Springs as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Boulder vs Colorado Springs?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov