Nurse Practitioner Salary in Aurora, CO: $135,619 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse practitioner in Aurora, CO earns a median $135,619/year (≈ $65.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1171). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $129,161 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, nurse practitioners in Aurora, Colorado, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $135,619, slightly below the national median of $136,864. Salaries can range significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $100,035, while those at the higher end of the scale can command up to $185,286. Estimates based on 2025 BLS data reflect local salary variations and cost-of-living factors, which in Aurora registers at a cost index of 105, indicating that living expenses are slightly above the national average. The pay dynamics within Aurora reveal a gradient influenced by specialty and practice type, with mental health-focused nurse practitioners typically earning more than their family or acute care counterparts, reflecting the increasing demand for mental health services in the region.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,035 | $48.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,889 | $56.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,619 | $65.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163,777 | $78.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $185,286 | $89.08 |
Median Salary Position
0.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, CO, the nurse practitioner salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $85,251 (2026 est.). At $135,619, the local median is 0.91% below the national median of $136,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aurora: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aurora Nurse Practitioner Pay Compares
Aurora median: $135,619/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $135,213 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $136,864 | -0.91% less |
Nurse Practitioners in Aurora, CO earn a median of $135,619 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.91% lower than the national median of $136,864 and 0.30% above the Colorado state average of $135,213.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aurora, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $135,619 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $129,161 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,821
2025 BLS Actual
$131,096
2026 Current Est.
$135,619
2019–2027 Growth
+28.9%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,821 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,664 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,582 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,503 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,111 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,708 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,096 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,619 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,298 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median nurse practitioner salary grew 20.5% from $108,821 (2019) to $131,096 (2025). At a 3.45% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,298 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,477 (28.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $100,035 – $117,889 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,889 – $135,619 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,619 – $163,777 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $163,777 – $185,286 |
NP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse practitioner compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Practitioner Job Market in Aurora
The job market for nurse practitioners in Aurora remains competitive, with 54 professionals currently employed in the area. However, this number suggests room for growth, particularly given the projected annual growth rate of 3.45% for the profession nationally. The higher cost of living in Aurora may impact take-home pay, necessitating careful budgeting by healthcare professionals. Employers such as hospital outpatient clinics and specialty practices tend to offer the highest compensation, whereas retail clinics and urgent care centers often provide lower salaries. Factors such as specialty certifications, full-practice authority, and potential for additional income through productivity bonuses or telehealth work can further expand earning potential. Those looking to maximize their pay in Aurora CO would benefit from seeking opportunities in high-demand specialties, engaging in continuing education, and possibly exploring independent practice options to enhance their financial prospects.
More salary data for Aurora, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $131,096 for nurse practitionersin the Aurora metropolitan area. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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