Boulder vs Colorado Springs: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Boulder, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,178▲ | $72,257 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.02▲ | $34.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,849▲ | $44,690 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,740▲ | $63,029 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,357▲ | $80,512 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,414▲ | $84,423 |
| Total Employed | 250 | 710▲ |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Boulder and Colorado Springs is $8,921 (12.35%). 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,Colorado Springs spans $39,733. Colorado Springs 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 7.55% more than Colorado Springs ($71,750 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,414)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,164)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓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 30.4% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$55,680 (2019) → $76,800 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$52,430 (2019) → $68,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Boulder or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Colorado Springs as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Boulder vs Colorado Springs?
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