Licensed Practical Nurse in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Colorado employs 4,920 LVNs, with a statewide median of $73,880 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $73,880 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $50,820
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $79,800
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $84,440
- Employed in Colorado
- 4,920
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Colorado markets:
- Boulder
- $76,800 (250 employed)
- Denver
- $75,810 (2,700 employed)
- Greeley
- $72,720 (120 employed)
- Colorado Springs
- $68,360 (710 employed)
- Fort Collins
- $68,240
- Grand Junction
- $64,480 (160 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Colorado
Prices in Colorado run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $73,880 median is worth closer to $71,659 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)
Colorado is projected to grow LVNs employment +10.1%, faster than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 490 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Colorado License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — regulated by the Colorado State Board of Nursing (DORA).
- Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about three semesters at a Colorado community college).
- Apply to the Board ($88) and clear a fingerprint background check.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Colorado is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so your license can work across compact states.
Official requirements: Colorado State Board of Nursing (DORA) →
Training in Colorado
Affordable, fast paid-healthcare entry through community colleges (Front Range, Community College of Denver, Colorado Mesa, Lamar). Check NCLEX-PN pass rates before enrolling.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:
- Aims Community College — Certificate
- Arapahoe Community College — Certificate
- Colorado Mesa University — Certificate
- Colorado Mountain College — Certificate
Where LVNs Work in Colorado
Real Colorado nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- Skylake Post Acute — Thornton
- Hampden Hills Post Acute — Aurora
- Adara Living — Broomfield
- Pikes Peak Post Acute — Colorado Springs
- Briarwood Health Care Center — Denver
- Cherrelyn Healthcare Center — Littleton
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want a faster healthcare entry point and can handle direct care.
Think twice if: Bodily fluids, shift work, emotional stress, or physical lifting are dealbreakers.
Why it's resilient: Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
First Steps
Compare state-approved LPN programs and NCLEX-PN pass rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do LVNs make in Colorado?
The median wage for LVNs in Colorado is $73,880 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $50,820, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $84,440. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Colorado?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), overseen by the Colorado State Board of Nursing (DORA). Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about three semesters at a Colorado community college).
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in Colorado?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which Colorado metros pay LVNs the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Boulder leads at $76,800, followed by Denver ($75,810), Greeley ($72,720). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Colorado?
Real Colorado options include Aims Community College, Arapahoe Community College, Colorado Mesa University. Most LVNs start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Licensed Practical Nurse a growing career in Colorado?
Colorado projects LVNs employment to change +10.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 490 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Colorado statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Colorado State Board of Nursing (DORA) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Colorado wages · Colorado licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.