Boulder vs Castle Rock: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Boulder, CO and Castle Rock, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Castle Rock, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,609▲ | $133,137 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.04▲ | $64.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,081 | $106,182▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,284 | $121,299▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $156,520▲ | $154,541 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,762▲ | $169,293 |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Castle Rock.
The salary gap between Boulder and Castle Rock is $10,472 (7.87%). 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 Boulder spans $104,681,Castle Rock spans $63,111. Boulder 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 ($136,508 effective) pays 7.66% more than Castle Rock ($126,797 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,609/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,762)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,508)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Castle Rock if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Boulder grew 18.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.3% growth in Castle Rock over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$116,770 (2019) → $138,820 (2025)
Castle Rock, CO
$128,254 (2024) → $128,697 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Castle Rock, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Boulder or Castle Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Castle Rock?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Castle Rock as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Boulder vs Castle Rock?
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