Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Thornton, CO: $75,237 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Thornton, CO earns a median $75,237/year (≈ $36.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Thornton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $71,654 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the licensed practical nurse salary in Thornton, Colorado, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $75,237, reflecting a robust market for healthcare professionals in the area. Salary ranges for LPNs vary significantly, with the lowest earners making approximately $54,956 and the highest reaching up to $102,151. These local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost disparities, indicate a competitive pay structure that also includes additional incentives such as shift differentials and weekend premiums, which are crucial for those working in long-term care settings. As healthcare needs evolve, the demand for qualified licensed practical nurses remains strong in Thornton, suggesting a favorable employment outlook for skilled professionals.
About the Thornton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,956 | $26.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,165 | $31.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,237 | $36.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,893 | $44.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,151 | $49.11 |
Median Salary Position
10.53% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Thornton
In Thornton, CO, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,195 (2026 est.). At $75,237, the local median is 10.53% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Thornton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Thornton Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Thornton median: $75,237/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Thornton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $74,052 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +10.53% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Thornton, CO earn a median of $75,237 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.53% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $74,052.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Thornton has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Thornton, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,237 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,654 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,479
2025 BLS Actual
$71,180
2026 Current Est.
$75,237
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Thornton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,479 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,131 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,370 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,018 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,255 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,180 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,237 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,526 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Thornton metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $52,479 (2019) to $71,180 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,526 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,047 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Thornton 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) | $54,956 – $66,165 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,165 – $75,237 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,237 – $91,893 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,893 – $102,151 |
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 Thornton
With 34 licensed practical nurses currently employed in Thornton, the local job market reflects a stable environment for these healthcare workers. Given the cost of living index at 105, which is above the national average, LPNs must consider how this impacts their take-home purchasing power. Skilled nursing facilities typically offer some of the highest salaries for LPNs in the area, followed closely by home health agencies and, to a lesser extent, physician offices. The spread between lower and higher salaries is attributed to various factors such as the setting in which LPNs work, available certifications like IV therapy, and additional shifts worked that come with increased pay rates. For those aiming to maximize their licensed practical nurse pay in Thornton CO, pursuing specialty certifications and seeking positions in skilled care environments can lead to greater financial rewards.
More salary data for Thornton, 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 $71,180 for licensed practical nursesin the Thornton 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 Thornton 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