What RNs earn in Denver
Registered nurses in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro earn a median of $101,130 a year, 4% above the national RN median of $97,550. The middle half of RNs here earn between $85,390 and $109,760, so experience, specialty and shift differentials can move you a long way inside that range. Among the 60 metro markets The RN Network tracks, Denver ranks #18 for median RN pay.
| Role | Median | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $101,130 | $85,390 – $109,760 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $134,040 | $122,100 – $151,330 |
| Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $216,700 | $214,450 – $217,320 |
| Nurse Midwife | $137,610 | $126,780 – $137,610 |
Powered by RN Workforce Insights™ · 2025 annual pay. Typical range is the 25th to 75th percentile.
Cost of living and the Denver nursing market
Pay only tells half the story. A two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent runs about $2,089 a month in Denver, which is roughly 25% of a median RN salary before taxes. That is a manageable share, but it is worth negotiating hard on base pay and differentials.
About 30,380 RNs work in this metro, the #21 largest RN workforce of the markets we track. The RN Network directory lists 180 healthcare employers in Denver, Aurora and Centennial, including 97 behavioral health facilities, 36 long-term care facilities, 18 dialysis centers and 14 outpatient surgery centers.
Hospitals hiring nurses in Denver
Every hospital below has its own page with pay context, nearby openings and a direct line to its careers site.
Nursing jobs in Denver
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Career advice for Denver nurses
Watch the latest episode of Nursing Matters, the show that helps nurses find the right job, land the offer and grow their careers.
You Passed the NCLEX. Can You Lose This License? Nursing Matters Episode 102626
Latest article
Medical Surgical Nurse Career: The Leadership Roles Panels Count
Happy Medical-Surgical Nurses Week, which the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses celebrates November 1 through 7 and which opens today.
Read the article →Common questions about nursing in Denver
How much do registered nurses make in Denver?
The median RN salary in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro is $101,130 a year, and the middle half of RNs earn between $85,390 and $109,760.
What do nurse practitioners earn in Denver?
Nurse practitioners in the Denver metro earn a median of $134,040 a year.
Can a nurse afford to live in Denver?
A two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent costs about $2,089 a month in Denver, roughly 25% of a median RN salary before taxes.
Which hospitals hire nurses in Denver?
Hospitals in the Denver area include Saint Joseph Hospital, University of Colorado Hospital Authority, VA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System, Adventhealth Porter, HCA Healthone Rose. See the full list in The RN Network facility directory.
How do I find a nursing job in Denver?
Browse current Colorado openings on The RN Network job board, claim your free Talent Agent profile so employers hiring in Denver can find you, and compare pay using the Colorado salary guide.