Boulder vs Brighton: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Boulder, CO and Brighton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Brighton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,178▲ | $70,608 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.02▲ | $33.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,849▲ | $57,381 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,740▲ | $66,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,357▲ | $83,597 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,414 | $90,695▲ |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brighton.
The salary gap between Boulder and Brighton is $10,570 (14.97%). Boulder's median is +19.25% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $24,565,Brighton spans $33,314. Brighton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boulder ($77,164 effective) pays 14.75% more than Brighton ($67,246 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,178/year)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,164)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Brighton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,695)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Boulder grew 37.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.3% growth in Brighton over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$55,680 (2019) → $76,800 (2025)
Brighton, CO
$64,055 (2024) → $66,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Brighton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Boulder or Brighton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Brighton?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Brighton as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Boulder vs Brighton?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov