Denver vs Steamboat Springs: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Denver, CO and Steamboat Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Steamboat Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,664▲ | $127,449 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.66▲ | $61.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,198 | $99,613▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $126,312▲ | $121,053 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,551▲ | $144,832 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,110▲ | $161,595 |
| Total Employed | 2,310▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Steamboat Springs.
The salary gap between Denver and Steamboat Springs is $11,215 (8.80%). 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 Denver spans $78,912,Steamboat Springs spans $61,982. Denver 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, Denver ($131,085 effective) pays 8.00% more than Steamboat Springs ($121,380 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,664/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,110)
- ✓Larger job market (2,310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,085)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Steamboat Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Denver grew 24.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.3% growth in Steamboat Springs over the same period.
Denver, CO
$107,810 (2019) → $134,040 (2025)
Steamboat Springs, CO
$122,775 (2024) → $123,199 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Steamboat Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Denver or Steamboat Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Steamboat Springs?
Should I relocate from Denver to Steamboat Springs as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Denver vs Steamboat Springs?
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