Colorado Springs vs Lafayette: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Lafayette, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Lafayette, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,245▲ | $98,147 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.67▲ | $47.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,573▲ | $67,459 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,260▲ | $84,305 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,491▲ | $109,357 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,795 | $136,271▲ |
| Total Employed | 6,800▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Lafayette is $3,098 (3.16%). Colorado Springs's median is -1.45% 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,Lafayette spans $68,812. Lafayette 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, Colorado Springs ($100,534 effective) pays 7.55% more than Lafayette ($93,473 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,245/year)
- ✓Larger job market (6,800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,534)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,271)
- ✓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 4.2% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$74,320 (2019) → $96,140 (2025)
Lafayette, CO
$89,424 (2024) → $93,198 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Lafayette, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Colorado Springs or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Lafayette as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Colorado Springs vs Lafayette?
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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