Colorado Springs vs Thornton: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,433 | $137,279▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.64 | $66.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,381 | $99,414▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $125,340▲ | $117,421 |
| 75th Percentile | $145,978 | $168,201▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,806 | $189,567▲ |
| Total Employed | 470▲ | 34 |
Verdict
Thornton, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Thornton is $2,846 (2.12%). Thornton's median is +0.30% 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,Thornton spans $90,153. Thornton 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 2.10% more than Thornton ($130,742 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,489)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,279/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($189,567)
- ✓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 0.3% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$100,100 (2019) → $129,950 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$132,244 (2024) → $132,701 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Colorado Springs or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Thornton as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Colorado Springs vs Thornton?
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