How Nurse Practitioner (NP)s in Colorado get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical Colorado compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $115,500 | $87,800 | $150,200 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $143,600 | $109,100 | $186,700 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $165,100 | $125,500 | $214,600 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $198,100 | $150,600 | $257,500 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $224,500 | $170,600 | $291,800 |
Pay varies sharply within Colorado. Major metros usually outpay state-wide averages.
| Metro | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Colorado |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | $166,200 | $126,300 | $216,100 | +1% |
Top occupations by median pay in Colorado — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in Colorado
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Nurse Practitioner (NP) salary in Colorado is $165,100 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $125,500 and the 75th at $214,600.
Pay-wise, Colorado sits +17% above the national Nurse Practitioner (NP) median ($141,100). That makes it one of the stronger markets — though cost of living should always be factored in alongside raw salary.
Senior Nurse Practitioner (NP)s (10–14 years of experience) in Colorado earn around $198,100 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $224,500 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), Colorado ranks 10th for Nurse Practitioner (NP) pay. The highest-paying state pays around $204,600 on average.
The median is a benchmark, not a verdict. Your exact market value depends on your experience and education — plus your specific employer's pay band. Run the free calculator for a personalized number.
Get my personal salary report →