Fort Collins vs Parker: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Parker, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Parker, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,826▲ | $133,972 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.82▲ | $64.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,988 | $98,017▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $111,043 | $120,130▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $156,592 | $161,619▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,806 | $180,536▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Parker.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Parker is $854 (0.64%). Fort Collins's median is -1.49% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $93,818,Parker spans $82,519. Fort Collins 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, Fort Collins ($133,322 effective) pays 4.49% more than Parker ($127,592 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,826/year)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,322)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Parker if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($180,536)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Fort Collins grew 18.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.3% growth in Parker over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$109,900 (2019) → $130,330 (2025)
Parker, CO
$129,058 (2024) → $129,504 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Parker, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Fort Collins or Parker?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Parker?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Parker as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Fort Collins vs Parker?
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