Aurora vs Fort Collins: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Aurora, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,371▲ | $72,130 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.68▲ | $34.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,284▲ | $49,922 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,985▲ | $65,069 |
| 75th Percentile | $94,335▲ | $83,048 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,203▲ | $85,934 |
| Total Employed | 54 | N/A |
Verdict
Aurora, CO offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Aurora and Fort Collins is $6,241 (8.65%). Aurora's median is +15.13% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $46,919,Fort Collins spans $36,012. Aurora has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Aurora ($74,639 effective) pays 4.65% more than Fort Collins ($71,325 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,371/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,203)
- ✓Larger job market (54 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,639)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Aurora grew 7.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.4% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$69,011 (2024) → $74,145 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$53,990 (2019) → $68,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Aurora or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Fort Collins as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Aurora vs Fort Collins?
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