Denver vs Grand Junction: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Denver, CO and Grand Junction, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Grand Junction, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,131▲ | $68,155 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.53▲ | $32.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,552▲ | $50,134 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,120▲ | $59,266 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,934▲ | $79,867 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,654▲ | $81,474 |
| Total Employed | 2,700▲ | 160 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Junction.
The salary gap between Denver and Grand Junction is $11,976 (17.57%). 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,Grand Junction spans $31,340. 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 6.12% more than Grand Junction ($71,384 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 Grand Junction 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 34.6% growth in Grand Junction over the same period.
Denver, CO
$55,910 (2019) → $75,810 (2025)
Grand Junction, CO
$47,920 (2019) → $64,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Grand Junction, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Denver or Grand Junction?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Grand Junction?
Should I relocate from Denver to Grand Junction as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Denver vs Grand Junction?
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