Registered Nurse Hourly Pay in Aurora, CO: $50.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a registered nurse working in Aurora, CO runs $50.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,161 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,493 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Registered nurses in Aurora, Colorado, are expected to earn a median hourly rate of $50.07 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $49.39. This competitive pay can provide significant financial flexibility for both part-time and per-diem workers, making it an attractive option for those who prefer varying work schedules or supplemental income. With entry-level positions starting at around $34.11 per hour and experienced nurses making up to $73.19 per hour, the opportunities for growth within the profession are substantial. These hourly rates, derived from annual salary projections, reflect the high demand for nursing staff in diverse settings such as hospital floors, intensive care units, emergency departments, and outpatient clinics.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Registered Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.11 | $272.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.19 | $321.49 |
| Median (P50) | $50.07 | $400.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.79 | $470.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.19 | $585.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $50.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.07/hr, a registered nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, CO can expect to earn approximately $104,156 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,090. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,003.00 | $8,680 | $104,156 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,201.80 | $5,208 | $62,493 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $801.20 | $3,472 | $41,662 |
Compare RN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Aurora) | $50.07 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $63.50 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
Registered Nurses in Aurora, CO earn a median of $104,161 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.39% higher than the national median of $102,730 and 2.70% above the Colorado state average of $101,423.
Registered Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.07/hr = $62,493/year (purchasing power: $59,518).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,156/year (purchasing power: $99,196).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for registered nurses in Aurora grew 33.1% from $35.73/hr (2019) to $47.55/hr (2025). At a 5.31% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.73/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem registered nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Registered Nurse in Aurora
For part-time registered nurses working a typical schedule of three days a week, their earnings can be significantly different from those who are full-time. A 24-hour work week could yield an annual take-home of about $62,034, while a full-time nurse grossing a higher hourly rate would take home more annually. Moreover, the per diem registered nurse pay in Aurora can range widely, as nurses who work through agencies might bill between $50 to $80 per hour. In certain specialties, travel nursing contracts can offer weekly pay between $2,000 and $4,500, particularly in high-demand areas, with crisis contracts for ICU nurses commanding even higher pay. However, nurses often face a choice between lower hourly wages with comprehensive benefits or higher pay without health insurance. For those navigating job offers, it’s advisable to consider the complete compensation package and be prepared to negotiate salary based on their experience and specialty, especially in the expanding market in Aurora.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for registered nurses in Aurora in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for registered nurses in Aurora. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov