Brighton vs Fort Collins: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Brighton, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brighton, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,608 | $72,130▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.95 | $34.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,381▲ | $49,922 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,000▲ | $65,069 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,597▲ | $83,048 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,695▲ | $85,934 |
| Total Employed | 7 | N/A |
Verdict
Brighton and Fort Collins are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Brighton and Fort Collins is $1,522 (2.16%). Fort Collins's median is +5.96% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brighton spans $33,314,Fort Collins spans $36,012. Fort Collins 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, Fort Collins ($71,325 effective) pays 6.07% 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 Brighton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,695)
- ✓Larger job market (7 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,130/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,325)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Brighton grew 4.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.4% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Brighton, CO
$64,055 (2024) → $66,800 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$53,990 (2019) → $68,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brighton, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Brighton or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brighton and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Brighton to Fort Collins as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Brighton vs Fort Collins?
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