Boulder vs Parker: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Boulder, CO and Parker, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Parker, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,775▲ | $100,524 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.30▲ | $48.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,019▲ | $67,587 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,526▲ | $83,267 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,294 | $117,980▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,071 | $144,596▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,140▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Parker.
The salary gap between Boulder and Parker is $8,251 (8.21%). 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,Parker spans $77,009. Parker 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 8.00% more than Parker ($95,737 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)
- ✓Larger job market (3,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,396)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Parker if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,596)
- ✓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 4.2% growth in Parker over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$79,180 (2019) → $103,290 (2025)
Parker, CO
$91,589 (2024) → $95,455 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Parker, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Boulder or Parker?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Parker?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Parker as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Boulder vs Parker?
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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