Colorado Springs vs Wheat Ridge: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Wheat Ridge, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Wheat Ridge, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,433▲ | $130,049 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.64▲ | $62.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,381 | $106,824▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $125,340▲ | $119,822 |
| 75th Percentile | $145,978 | $153,089▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,806 | $167,651▲ |
| Total Employed | 470▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheat Ridge.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Wheat Ridge is $4,384 (3.37%). Colorado Springs's median is -1.78% 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,Wheat Ridge spans $60,827. Colorado Springs 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, Colorado Springs ($133,489 effective) pays 7.78% more than Wheat Ridge ($123,856 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,433/year)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,489)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Wheat Ridge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,651)
- ✓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 Wheat Ridge over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$100,100 (2019) → $129,950 (2025)
Wheat Ridge, CO
$125,279 (2024) → $125,712 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Wheat Ridge, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Colorado Springs or Wheat Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Wheat Ridge?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Wheat Ridge as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Colorado Springs vs Wheat Ridge?
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