Registered Nurses Salary in Denver, CO

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO

Median annual salary $98,500 +5.2% vs national
Median hourly $47.36
10th percentile $77,210
90th percentile $124,200
Employed locally 29,570
National median $93,600

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    In Denver, CO, the typical registered nurse earns a median annual salary of $98,500, with a median hourly wage of $47.36. This figure is notably higher than the national median for registered nurses, which stands at $93,600. When compared to local household income in Denver, where the area median household income is $102,339, registered nurses' earnings are slightly below average but still substantial. This comparison highlights that while registered nurses earn a competitive salary within their field nationally, they align closely with broader regional economic standards given the cost of living and wage distribution in Denver.

    Entry-level registered nurses in Denver typically earn around the 25th percentile mark, which is $81,790 annually, whereas those at the higher end of experience can make upwards of $124,200 per year, reflecting the 90th percentile. The disparity between entry-level and experienced workers' earnings can be attributed to several factors, including years of service, specialized skills or certifications, work environment, and responsibilities such as supervisory roles or specialized fields within nursing like critical care or anesthesiology. Additionally, the local demand for healthcare professionals, indicated by a healthy employment figure of 29,570 registered nurses in Denver and a relatively low unemployment rate of 4.20%, contributes to salary variations across experience levels.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $77,210
    25th
    $81,790
    50th (median)
    $98,500
    75th
    $105,920
    90th
    $124,200

    Denver economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $102,339 2023 • Census ACS
    Registered Nurses salary vs area income 96% Median Registered Nurses salary is 4% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Registered Nurses make per hour in Denver?

    The median hourly wage for Registered Nurses in Denver, CO is $47.36, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $60.52 or more per hour.

    Is Denver above or below average for Registered Nurses salaries?

    The median Registered Nurses salary in Denver, CO is 5.2% above the national median of $93,600. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Registered Nurses in Denver?

    Entry-level Registered Nurses (10th percentile) earn around $77,210 per year in Denver, CO. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $81,790.