In Denver, CO, Registered Nurses earn a median of $87,330 a year — about 8% below the U.S. median of $94,480. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #26.
What that pay is worth in Denver
Local prices run 106 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $93,190 salary buys less than it looks — about $88,096 in national-average buying power.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Denver?
A typical Denver home runs about $586,700 — 6.3 times the average Registered Nurse salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,770/mo takes roughly 23% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Registered Nurse pay ladder in Denver
Entry-level (10th percentile) Registered Nurses earn about $71,560; the top 10% reach $116,680 — a $45,120 spread, moderate for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Registered Nurse job market in Denver
Denver employs roughly 29,460 Registered Nurses. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Denver with other cities
See the full Registered Nurse salary by city ranking to weigh Denver against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Registered Nurses make in Denver?
The average Registered Nurse in Denver, CO earns about $93,190 per year, 1.4% below the national average of $94,480.
What is the take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Denver after taxes?
After federal and CO taxes, this $93,190 salary is worth about $70,997 a year - roughly $5,916 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 24%.
What do the highest-paid Registered Nurses earn in Denver?
The top 10% of Registered Nurses in Denver earn about $116,680 a year, versus about $71,560 for the bottom 10%.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Denver?
A typical Denver home runs about $586,700 - roughly 6.3x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.