Colorado Springs vs Denver: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,433 | $138,664▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.64 | $66.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,381 | $99,198▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $125,340 | $126,312▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,978 | $156,551▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,806 | $178,110▲ |
| Total Employed | 470 | 2,310▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Denver is $4,231 (3.15%). 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 Colorado Springs spans $69,425,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, Colorado Springs ($133,489 effective) pays 1.83% 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 Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,489)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,664/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,110)
- ✓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 Colorado Springs grew 29.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.3% growth in Denver over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$100,100 (2019) → $129,950 (2025)
Denver, CO
$107,810 (2019) → $134,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Colorado Springs or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Denver?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Denver as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Colorado Springs 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