Arvada vs Fort Collins: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Arvada, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arvada, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,392▲ | $134,826 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.54▲ | $64.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,886▲ | $85,988 |
| 25th Percentile | $124,937▲ | $111,043 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,334▲ | $156,592 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,652 | $179,806▲ |
| Total Employed | 31 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Arvada and Fort Collins are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Arvada and Fort Collins is $3,566 (2.64%). Arvada's median is +1.12% 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,Fort Collins spans $93,818. Fort Collins 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, Fort Collins ($133,322 effective) pays 1.15% more than Arvada ($131,802 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arvada if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,392/year)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,806)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,322)
- ✓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 18.6% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Arvada, CO
$133,317 (2024) → $133,777 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$109,900 (2019) → $130,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arvada, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Arvada or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arvada and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Arvada to Fort Collins as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Arvada vs Fort Collins?
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