Registered Nurses Salary in Colorado
Official Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024 - CO
Median Annual Salary in Colorado
$96,131
$46.22 / hour
▲ 8.0% above national avg
National Median
$89,010
$42.79 / hour nationally
COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$87,791
Missouri equivalent (COL: 109.5)
Registered Nurses Salary in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (Entry Level) | $50,949 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,214 |
| 50th (Median) | $96,131 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,661 |
| 90th (Top Earners) | $165,345 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | |
Free: Top 50 Highest Paying Jobs by State
Printable guide - see which jobs pay the most in your state
Check your email! Your free resource is on its way. (Check spam if you don't see it.)
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
The Colorado median salary of $96,131 for Registered Nurses has the purchasing power of approximately $87,791 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).
Colorado's higher cost of living (COL index: 109.5) reduces the real purchasing power of wages compared to lower-cost states.
COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Registered Nurses make in Colorado?
Registered Nurses in Colorado earn a median annual salary of $96,131 per year ($46.22/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is above the national median of $89,010.
Is Colorado a good state for Registered Nurses?
Colorado pays above the national average for registered nurses, making it a competitive market for this occupation. Cost of living in Colorado is higher average (COL index: 109.5).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Registered Nurses in Colorado?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 109.5 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $96,131 salary in Colorado has the purchasing power of approximately $87,791 in Missouri. Higher living costs in Colorado reduce real purchasing power.
How does Colorado compare to neighboring states for Registered Nurses salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Registered Nurses salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.
Top Paying Jobs in Colorado
| # | Job Title | Median Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologists | $358,776 |
| 2 | Radiologists | $334,714 |
| 3 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $330,718 |
| 4 | Neurologists | $319,248 |
| 5 | Surgeons, All Other | $318,082 |
| 6 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $293,630 |
| 7 | Psychiatrists | $269,782 |
| 8 | Physicians, Pathologists | $263,434 |
| Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 | ||
About Registered Nurses in Colorado
Registered Nurses work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy.
Education Required: Bachelor's degree