Colorado Springs vs Durango: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Durango, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Durango, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,257▲ | $69,410 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.74▲ | $33.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,690 | $59,881▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,029 | $67,124▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,512▲ | $78,004 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,423 | $85,866▲ |
| Total Employed | 710▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Durango.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Durango is $2,847 (4.10%). Colorado Springs's median is +6.15% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $39,733,Durango spans $25,985. Colorado Springs has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Colorado Springs ($71,750 effective) pays 8.54% more than Durango ($66,105 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,257/year)
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,750)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Durango if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,866)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Colorado Springs grew 30.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.3% growth in Durango over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$52,430 (2019) → $68,360 (2025)
Durango, CO
$62,968 (2024) → $65,667 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Durango, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Colorado Springs or Durango?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Durango?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Durango as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Colorado Springs vs Durango?
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