Nurse Practitioner Hourly Pay in Denver, CO: $66.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nurse practitioner working in Denver, CO runs $66.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,664 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1171). Weighted against Denver's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.8, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,196 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the nurse practitioner hourly pay in Denver, Colorado, is projected to reach a median of $66.66, slightly above the national hourly median of $65.80. This rate provides an attractive option for part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, such as primary care exam rooms, outpatient clinics, and telehealth platforms. Hourly earnings range from $47.69 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $85.63 for the most experienced providers. Such variability allows nurse practitioners to choose flexible work schedules, with many opting for three-day workweeks or gig opportunities that can significantly augment their income.
Nurse Practitioner Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.69 | $381.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.73 | $485.80 |
| Median (P50) | $66.66 | $533.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.27 | $602.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.63 | $685.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Denver
Based on $66.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.66/hr, a nurse practitioner working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Denver, CO can expect to earn approximately $138,659 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,996. With a cost-of-living index of 105.78 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Denver.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Denver
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,666.53 | $11,555 | $138,659 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,599.92 | $6,933 | $83,196 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,066.61 | $4,622 | $55,464 |
Compare NP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner (Denver) | $66.66 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Physician Assistant (National Avg) | $63.20 |
| Nurse Anesthetist (National Avg) | $103.40 |
| Nurse Midwife (National Avg) | $63.85 |
Nurse Practitioners in Denver, CO earn a median of $138,664 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.32% higher than the national median of $136,864 and 2.60% above the Colorado state average of $135,150.
Nurse Practitioner Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.66/hr = $83,196/year (purchasing power: $78,648).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,659/year (purchasing power: $131,080).
CoL index: 105.782 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nurse practitioners in Denver grew 24.3% from $51.83/hr (2019) to $64.44/hr (2025). At a 3.45% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.96/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem nurse practitioners can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Denver 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.
Working as an Hourly Nurse Practitioner in Denver
Exploring the financial landscape for nurse practitioners reveals intriguing earning potential. For those working part-time, a typical 24-hour workweek translates to about $104,233 annually, allowing for a desirable work-life balance while still providing a solid financial foundation. On the other hand, per diem and locum tenens opportunities can be much more lucrative, with rates ranging from $80 to $140 per hour for agency positions. This is particularly true for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who often command $150 to $200 per hour working on telehealth platforms. Hourly rates can differ significantly depending on the employer type, with urgent care chains and specialty clinics typically offering varying pay structures. Importantly, some nurse practitioners may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, which can influence their overall satisfaction and stability in their careers. As such, effective negotiation strategies are crucial for maximizing income while ensuring job security in the vibrant Denver healthcare market.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nurse practitioners in Denver in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for nurse practitioners in Denver. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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