Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Englewood, CO: $55,750 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Englewood, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,750 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Englewood's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,095 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($72,361) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Englewood, Colorado, new graduates entering the licensed practical nurse (LPN) field can expect a starting salary around $55,750 in 2026, positioning them below the city's median annual salary of $72,361. This entry-level figure may require some realistic adjustments, as new nurses aim to progress through various tiers of compensation. Over the initial years, salaries can grow from the P10 level toward the 25th percentile at $65,382, eventually reaching the median as professionals gain experience. Englewood presents a favorable market for entry-level LPNs, especially with a projected annual growth rate of 5.70% in the sector, indicating solid potential for salary advancement in the early career stages.
About the Englewood Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Englewood
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Englewood
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Englewood, CO typically start between $55,750 and $65,382 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,603 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $72,361 — 6.3% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Colorado of $15,000 represents just 26.91% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($55,750/year) in Englewood. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Englewood
- 1Research the Englewood market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $55,750 to $65,382, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Englewood, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Englewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Englewood's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Englewood is $33,603 ( 60.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,750, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,353.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,647
2025 BLS Actual
$52,744
2026 Current Est.
$55,750
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Englewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,647 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,718 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,394 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,935 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,428 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,372 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,744 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,750 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,928 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Englewood, CO grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,647 in 2019 to $52,744 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,928. New graduates entering the Englewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Englewood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Englewood
Employers across Englewood actively hire newly licensed practical nurses, with skilled nursing facilities being the primary source of jobs. These establishments often provide comprehensive on-the-job orientation, easing the transition from academic settings to practical application. Home health agencies can also appeal to new grads by offering flexible scheduling, which may suit those balancing work with further education. For candidates aiming to increase their starting licensed practical nurse pay in CO, having an active LPN license achieved through a state board-approved practical nursing program, passing the NCLEX-PN, and pursuing additional certifications such as IV therapy or wound care can enhance employment prospects. The first three years provide an opportunity to build a robust career foundation, with many professionals eyeing LPN-to-RN bridge programs as a pathway to expand their roles, especially given the national trend toward all-RN staffing in hospitals.
More salary data for Englewood, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Englewood in 2026?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Englewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Englewood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov