Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary in Colorado (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Colorado, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Colorado Median
$73,880
per year
Hourly Rate
$35.52
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+15% vs US median
US median $64,400
State Rank
#14 of 51
4,920 employed here

How much do Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses make in Colorado?

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses working in Colorado earn a median salary of $73,880 per year, or about $35.52 per hour. That is 15% above the national median of $64,400 for this occupation.

Within Colorado, entry-level pay starts around $50,820 while the top 10% make $84,440 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $61,890 and $79,800 a year.

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary range in Colorado

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$50,820$24.43
25th percentile (early career)$61,890$29.75
50th percentile (median)$73,880$35.52
75th percentile (experienced)$79,800$38.37
90th percentile (top earners)$84,440$40.60

How Colorado compares

Colorado ranks 14th out of 51 states and territories for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Washington$83,150
2Alaska$80,800
3Oregon$80,470
4Massachusetts$80,220
5Rhode Island$80,090

Working as Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Colorado

Nationally, about 648,000 people work as Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Colorado pay ($73,880) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses make in Colorado?
The median Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary in Colorado is $73,880 per year, or about $35.52 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $50,820 at the entry level to $84,440 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Colorado pay compare to the national average?
Colorado pays Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses about 15% more than the national median of $64,400. Colorado ranks 14th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Colorado a good state for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
Yes on pay — Colorado pays above the national median for this occupation, at $73,880 a year. About 4,920 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses are employed in Colorado. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Colorado?
The highest-paying occupations in Colorado include Orthodontist ($416,000), Dermatologist ($398,810), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($385,410), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.