Colorado Springs vs Denver: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,245 | $106,500▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.67 | $51.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,573 | $85,522▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,260 | $89,924▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $110,491 | $115,588▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,795 | $132,554▲ |
| Total Employed | 6,800 | 30,380▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Denver is $5,255 (5.19%). Denver's median is +3.67% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $48,222,Denver spans $47,032. Colorado Springs has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($100,679 effective) pays 0.14% 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 Colorado Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,500/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,554)
- ✓Larger job market (30,380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,679)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Colorado Springs grew 29.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.4% growth in Denver over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$74,320 (2019) → $96,140 (2025)
Denver, CO
$76,410 (2019) → $101,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Colorado Springs or Denver?
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Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Denver as a registered nurse?
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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