Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Brighton, CO: $70,608 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Brighton, CO earns a median $70,608/year (≈ $33.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Brighton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $67,246 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses in Brighton, CO, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $70,608, which slightly surpasses the national median of $68,071. The salary range reflects a diversity of opportunities within the local market, with the lowest earners (10th percentile) making approximately $57,381, while the highest earners (90th percentile) command around $90,695. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 to account for local economic conditions and cost of living adjustments. With effective pay structures that include shift differentials and weekend premiums, Brighton's healthcare employers provide competitive compensation, making it a viable city for practical nursing professionals.
About the Brighton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,381 | $27.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,000 | $31.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,608 | $33.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,597 | $40.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,695 | $43.60 |
Median Salary Position
3.73% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brighton
In Brighton, CO, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,314 (2026 est.). At $70,608, the local median is 3.73% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brighton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brighton Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Brighton median: $70,608/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brighton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $74,090 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +3.73% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Brighton, CO earn a median of $70,608 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.73% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 4.70% below the Colorado state average of $74,090.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brighton has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brighton, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,608 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,246 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,249
2025 BLS Actual
$66,800
2026 Current Est.
$70,608
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Brighton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,249 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,639 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,861 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,656 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,956 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,055 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,608 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,632 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brighton metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $49,249 (2019) to $66,800 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,632 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,383 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brighton 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $57,381 – $66,000 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,000 – $70,608 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,608 – $83,597 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,597 – $90,695 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Brighton
The job market for licensed practical nurses in Brighton is relatively small, currently employing seven nurses; however, that number is positioned for growth. The cost of living index stands at 105, indicating that living expenses are slightly above the national average, thus necessitating salaries that support a comfortable lifestyle. Skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest salaries, followed by home health agencies and hospitals, although many facilities may also provide additional incentives such as shift differentials and IV therapy certification stipends. As the local job market expands, practical nurses looking to maximize their pay should consider pursuing roles in settings where demand is highest and gaining certifications that can elevate their earning potential. Exploring opportunities in long-term care can also provide a pathway to enhanced pay through holiday and weekend premiums.
More salary data for Brighton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Brighton, CO in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Brighton?
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Related Pages
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $66,800 for licensed practical nursesin the Brighton metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brighton 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