Denver vs Golden: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Denver, CO and Golden, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Golden, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,131▲ | $68,179 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.53▲ | $32.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,552 | $56,692▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,120▲ | $64,441 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,934▲ | $79,209 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,654▲ | $84,210 |
| Total Employed | 2,700▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Golden.
The salary gap between Denver and Golden is $11,952 (17.53%). Denver's median is +17.72% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $40,102,Golden spans $27,518. Denver 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, Denver ($75,751 effective) pays 16.66% more than Golden ($64,932 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,131/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,654)
- ✓Larger job market (2,700 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,751)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Golden if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Denver grew 35.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.3% growth in Golden over the same period.
Denver, CO
$55,910 (2019) → $75,810 (2025)
Golden, CO
$61,852 (2024) → $64,502 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Golden, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Denver or Golden?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Golden?
Should I relocate from Denver to Golden as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Denver vs Golden?
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