Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Broomfield, CO: $58,827 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Broomfield, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,827 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Broomfield's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,026 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($72,944) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Broomfield, CO, presents a promising opportunity for those entering the field of practical nursing, with starting licensed practical nurse salary expectations around $58,827 in 2026. New graduates can expect to be on a trajectory toward the city's median annual salary of $72,944, closing the gap as they gain experience and enhance their skills. Over the first few years, entry-level positions can transition up towards the 25th percentile mark of $68,203 as nurses build their proficiencies. As the market for healthcare professionals continues to expand, Broomfield proves to be a favorable environment for early-career LPNs, paving the way for solid growth in this vital profession.
About the Broomfield Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Broomfield
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Broomfield
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Broomfield, CO typically start between $58,827 and $68,203 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,669 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $72,944 — 7.16% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Colorado of $15,000 represents just 25.50% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($58,827/year) in Broomfield. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Broomfield
- 1Research the Broomfield market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $58,827 to $68,203, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Broomfield, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Broomfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Broomfield's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Broomfield is $36,669 ( 62.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,827, experienced hygienists can earn up to $95,496.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,670
2025 BLS Actual
$55,655
2026 Current Est.
$58,827
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Broomfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,670 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,568 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,305 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,101 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,167 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,655 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,827 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,180 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Broomfield, CO grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,670 in 2019 to $55,655 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,180. New graduates entering the Broomfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Broomfield metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Broomfield
When seeking employment, new grad licensed practical nurses in Broomfield may find excellent opportunities primarily within skilled nursing facilities, which often provide extensive on-the-job orientation tailored for less experienced professionals. Home health agencies are also likely to value entry-level candidates due to their flexible scheduling options. For those aspiring to boost their starting pay in Colorado, possessing an active state-issued LPN/LVN license, having successfully passed the NCLEX-PN, and completing a practical nursing diploma can be strong endorsements. Additionally, considering specializing in areas such as IV therapy or wound care with optional certifications can further enhance prospects. In these formative years, establishing a career strategy is crucial, whether through pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs or targeting roles in long-term care, particularly given its substantial employment share of LPNs nationally.
More salary data for Broomfield, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Broomfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Broomfield is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov