Entry-Level Nurse Practitioner Salary in Colorado Springs, CO: $92,381 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse practitioners entering the Colorado Springs, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $92,381 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1171, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Colorado Springs's local price level (BEA RPP 100.7 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $91,732 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,433) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the nurse practitioner field in Colorado Springs, the starting nurse practitioner salary is projected at $92,381 in 2026. This figure marks a significant gap from the city’s median annual salary of $134,433, illustrating the journey ahead for early-career professionals. Newly minted nurse practitioners can expect incremental salary growth in their first few years, with potential earnings reaching $125,340 by the end of their third year, thanks to a robust demand for healthcare services in this region. Given Colorado Springs' growing healthcare market and a competitive job landscape, it presents a solid opportunity for entry-level nurse practitioners looking to establish their careers in a supportive environment.
Career Earnings Timeline in Colorado Springs
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Colorado Springs
Entry-level nurse practitioners in Colorado Springs, CO typically start between $92,381 and $125,340 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $69,425 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,433 — 1.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average advanced practice nursing program cost in Colorado of $90,000 represents just 97.42% of the starting nurse practitioner pay ($92,381/year) in Colorado Springs. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CCNE- and ACEN-accredited graduate nursing programs. Tuition varies significantly between public in-state MSN programs and private DNP programs, and often requires completed BSN coursework as a prerequisite.
NP Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Colorado Springs
- 1Research the Colorado Springs market: entry-level nurse practitioner pay ranges from $92,381 to $125,340, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the advanced practice nursing field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Colorado Springs, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Colorado Springs for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Colorado Springs's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Nurse Practitioner Compensation Range
The nurse practitioner wage spread in Colorado Springs is $69,425 ( 75.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $92,381, experienced hygienists can earn up to $161,806.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,180
2025 BLS Actual
$89,300
2026 Current Est.
$92,381
2019–2027 Growth
+70.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Colorado Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,180 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,300 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,381 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,568 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse practitioner compensation (10th percentile) in Colorado Springs, CO grew 59.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,180 in 2019 to $89,300 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $95,568. New graduates entering the Colorado Springs job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado Springs metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your advanced practice nursing Career in Colorado Springs
In Colorado Springs, various employers actively seek new grad nurse practitioners, particularly primary care offices and urgent care centers that implement structured onboarding programs for their hires. Large hospital systems also offer residency and fellowship programs tailored for nurse practitioners, providing valuable mentorship and increased job readiness. Meanwhile, those specializing as psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) may find opportunities in telehealth platforms, reflecting the increasing demand for mental health services. To enhance starting pay, aspiring nurse practitioners should focus on acquiring essential credentials, including an active RN license, a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited institution, and national certification from either AANP or ANCC. Additionally, understanding the nuances of state regulations, especially in states with varying scope-of-practice laws, is vital for maximizing one's career trajectory in the first few years. Overall, new graduates can anticipate a steady growth path in Colorado Springs as they embrace the challenges and rewards of their roles.
More salary data for Colorado Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new advanced practice nursing graduates. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Colorado Springs. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
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