Healthcare Recruiting
Registered Nurse Salary in Colorado 2026: City-by-City Pay Data
Registered Nurse Salary in Colorado (2026): City-by-City Pay Data
The average registered nurse salary in Colorado in 2026 is $87,800/year ($42.21/hour) based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and compensation data from UCHealth, SCL Health / Intermountain, Denver Health, and other major Colorado health systems. Salaries range significantly across the state based on city, employer, specialty unit, shift, and certifications held.
RN Salary by City in Colorado
| City / Metro | Avg Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | $95,000 | UCHealth + SCL Health + Children's Colorado, largest market |
| Aurora | $93,000 | UCHealth Anschutz Campus — Level I Trauma academic hub |
| Colorado Springs | $81,000 | UCHealth + Centura Health, military-adjacent market |
| Fort Collins | $83,000 | UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital |
| Boulder | $87,000 | Boulder Community Health + UCHealth, high COL market |
Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties in Colorado
| Specialty | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| CRNA | $239,000 |
| ICU / Critical Care RN | $108,000 |
| OR / Surgical RN | $101,000 |
| Cardiac / Cath Lab RN | $106,000 |
| Emergency RN | $98,000 |
| Flight / Transport RN | $114,000 |
Top Colorado Healthcare Employers for RNs
- UCHealth
- SCL Health / Intermountain
- Denver Health
- Children's Hospital Colorado
- Centura Health
- Boulder Community Health
- Craig Hospital
Compact License Status
Colorado is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). RNs holding a compact license in another NLC state can practice in Colorado without obtaining an additional state license.
Colorado RN Job Market Outlook
Colorado is a compact state. UCHealth Anschutz is the academic flagship and a top destination for specialty RNs — Level IV NICU and Level I Trauma create demand for experienced critical care nurses. High COL in metro Denver somewhat offsets strong nominal salaries. Travel: $2,200–$2,800/week.
How to Maximize Your RN Salary in Colorado
- Pursue specialty unit certification: CCRN (critical care), CEN (emergency), RNC-OB (L&D), CNOR (OR) — each adds $6,000–$15,000 at major Colorado health systems
- Night and weekend differential: Typically +$3–$7/hr, translating to $6,000–$14,000 in annualized additional income at full-time hours
- Charge nurse role: +$2–$5/hr at most facilities; first step toward nurse manager track
- Travel or PRN status: Experienced Colorado RNs earn 30–50% more as travelers or per-diem staff
- BSN or MSN completion: Most major Colorado systems pay $1–$3/hr more for BSN-prepared nurses; MSN opens management and APRN pathways
Related: RN Salary by State 2026, Travel Nurse Salary Guide, ICU Nurse Salary 2026, NP Salary Guide.
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