Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Colorado Springs, CO: $72,257 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Colorado Springs, CO earns a median $72,257/year (≈ $34.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Colorado Springs's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.7), that paycheck buys what $71,750 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Colorado Springs, the licensed practical nurse salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $72,257 in 2026, which is notably above the national median of $68,071. The salary range for LPNs in this region spans from $44,690 at the 10th percentile to $84,423 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in the local healthcare market. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected to 2026, indicate a competitive landscape for LPNs, particularly with the state's expanded scope of practice that allows for IV therapy and patient assessment. This elevated earning potential highlights Colorado Springs as a promising city for those entering or advancing in the practical nursing profession.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,690 | $21.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,029 | $30.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,257 | $34.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,512 | $38.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,423 | $40.59 |
Median Salary Position
6.15% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Colorado Springs
In Colorado Springs, CO, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,733 (2026 est.). At $72,257, the local median is 6.15% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Colorado Springs: You'd be above the median
How Colorado Springs Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Colorado Springs median: $72,257/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Colorado Springs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $74,109 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +6.15% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Colorado Springs, CO earn a median of $72,257 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.15% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 2.50% below the Colorado state average of $74,109.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Colorado Springs has a cost of living 0.71% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Colorado Springs, CO has a cost-of-living index of 100.707 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,257 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,750 — a 0.7% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,430
2025 BLS Actual
$68,360
2026 Current Est.
$72,257
2019–2027 Growth
+45.7%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Colorado Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,430 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,257 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,375 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Colorado Springs metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 30.4% from $52,430 (2019) to $68,360 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,375 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,945 (45.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado Springs 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) | $44,690 – $63,029 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,029 – $72,257 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,257 – $80,512 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,512 – $84,423 |
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 Colorado Springs
The local job market currently employs approximately 710 licensed practical nurses in the Colorado Springs area, offering steady opportunities for both new and experienced professionals. Given the area's cost-of-living index of 100.707, which slightly exceeds the national average, LPNs must consider how their salaries translate into purchasing power. Among the various employers in the region, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest compensation, followed by home health agencies and hospitals, although pricing structures may vary based on setting and additional certifications. The disparity in wages is influenced by factors such as shift differentials, IV therapy certification stipends, and premiums for weekend or holiday shifts. To maximize earnings in this competitive market, aspiring LPNs should pursue advanced certifications and consider roles in higher-paying environments like long-term care facilities, where the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise.
More salary data for Colorado Springs, 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
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 $68,360 for licensed practical nursesin the Colorado Springs 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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