Arvada vs Denver: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Arvada, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arvada, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,848 | $80,131▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.47 | $38.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,151▲ | $54,552 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,300▲ | $67,120 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,675▲ | $85,934 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,704▲ | $94,654 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 2,700▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arvada.
The salary gap between Arvada and Denver is $4,283 (5.65%). Denver's median is +17.72% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arvada spans $36,553,Denver spans $40,102. Denver has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($75,751 effective) pays 4.87% more than Arvada ($72,236 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arvada if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,704)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,131/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,700 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,751)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Arvada grew 4.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.6% growth in Denver over the same period.
Arvada, CO
$68,809 (2024) → $71,758 (2025)
Denver, CO
$55,910 (2019) → $75,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arvada, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Arvada or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arvada and Denver?
Should I relocate from Arvada to Denver as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Arvada vs Denver?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov