Arvada vs Denver: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Arvada, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arvada, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,392 | $138,664▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.54 | $66.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,886▲ | $99,198 |
| 25th Percentile | $124,937 | $126,312▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,334▲ | $156,551 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,652▲ | $178,110 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 2,310▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arvada.
The salary gap between Arvada and Denver is $272 (0.20%). Denver's median is +1.32% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arvada spans $70,766,Denver spans $78,912. Denver has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Arvada ($131,802 effective) pays 0.55% more than Denver ($131,085 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arvada if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,652)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,802)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,664/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Arvada grew 0.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.3% growth in Denver over the same period.
Arvada, CO
$133,317 (2024) → $133,777 (2025)
Denver, CO
$107,810 (2019) → $134,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arvada, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Arvada or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arvada and Denver?
Should I relocate from Arvada to Denver as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Arvada vs Denver?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov