Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Denver, CO: $38.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Denver, CO runs $38.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,131 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Denver's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.8, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,083 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay in Denver, Colorado, is projected to be $38.53, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.73. This competitive pay reflects the diverse roles that LPNs fill across multiple healthcare settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health, and physician offices. For part-time licensed practical nurses working three days a week, this means earnings of around $1,228 weekly, offering an attractive option for those balancing other responsibilities. As such, the hourly range spans from $26.22 for entry-level positions to $45.51 for the most experienced and skilled practitioners, highlighting the potential for growth and increased earning power in this essential profession. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, ensuring their relevance for those considering a career in practical nursing in Denver.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.22 | $209.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.27 | $258.16 |
| Median (P50) | $38.53 | $308.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.32 | $330.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.51 | $364.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Denver
Based on $38.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.53/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Denver, CO can expect to earn approximately $80,138 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,233. With a cost-of-living index of 105.78 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Denver.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Denver
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,541.11 | $6,678 | $80,138 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $924.66 | $4,007 | $48,083 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $616.44 | $2,671 | $32,055 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Denver) | $38.53 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Denver, CO earn a median of $80,131 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.72% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 8.20% above the Colorado state average of $74,058.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.53/hr = $48,083/year (purchasing power: $45,454).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,138/year (purchasing power: $75,757).
CoL index: 105.782 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Denver grew 35.6% from $26.88/hr (2019) to $36.45/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.72/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Denver 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.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Denver
When examining the financial landscape for licensed practical nurses in Denver, the situation for part-time and per-diem workers varies notably. A three-day-a-week LPN might take home around $63,856 annually, while those opting for per diem positions can expect to earn between $28 and $42 per hour, often depending on the urgency of the role and the facility's needs. Agency LPNs, particularly in understaffed nursing homes, can command rates between $45 and $60 per hour, offering lucrative but sometimes less stable work options. Variations in hourly rates also emerge based on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities typically paying less than hospitals while home health agencies may offer more competitive wages. For many nurses, the trade-off lies in balancing higher hourly rates against the lack of benefits; those willing to accept lower hourly pay might secure health insurance and other job perks. Effective negotiation is essential for prospective LPNs in Denver. Demonstrating awareness of market rates and being clear about desired compensation can significantly influence pay outcomes and job satisfaction in a demanding healthcare environment.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Denver. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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