Aurora vs Boulder: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Aurora, CO and Boulder, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Boulder, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,619 | $143,609▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.20 | $69.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,035▲ | $77,081 |
| 25th Percentile | $117,889▲ | $82,284 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,777▲ | $156,520 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,286▲ | $181,762 |
| Total Employed | 54 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Boulder is $7,990 (5.89%). Boulder's median is +4.93% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $85,251,Boulder spans $104,681. Boulder 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, Boulder ($136,508 effective) pays 5.69% more than Aurora ($129,161 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,286)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,609/year)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,508)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Aurora grew -2.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Boulder over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$133,708 (2024) → $131,096 (2025)
Boulder, CO
$116,770 (2019) → $138,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Boulder, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Aurora or Boulder?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Boulder?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Boulder as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Aurora vs Boulder?
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