Denver vs Boulder: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Denver, CO and Boulder, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Boulder, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,500 | $108,775▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.20 | $52.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,522 | $89,019▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,924 | $94,526▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,588 | $116,294▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,554 | $135,071▲ |
| Total Employed | 30,380▲ | 3,140 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Boulder is $2,275 (2.14%). 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 Denver spans $47,032,Boulder spans $46,052. Denver 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, Boulder ($103,396 effective) pays 2.70% more than Denver ($100,679 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Larger job market (30,380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Denver grew 32.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.4% growth in Boulder over the same period.
Denver, CO
$76,410 (2019) → $101,130 (2025)
Boulder, CO
$79,180 (2019) → $103,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Boulder, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
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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