Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Golden, CO: $68,179 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Golden, CO earns a median $68,179/year (≈ $32.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Golden's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $64,932 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.0% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Golden, Colorado, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can expect a projected median annual salary of $68,179 in 2026, which is slightly above the national median of $68,071. The salary range is notable, spanning from $56,692 at the lower end (P10) to $84,210 for top earners (P90). These figures are local estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to reflect the 2026 economic landscape. The unique scope of practice in Colorado allows for responsibilities that include IV therapy and patient assessment, which contribute to the compensation structure for LPNs working in various health settings, including skilled nursing facilities where demand remains significant.
About the Golden Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,692 | $27.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,441 | $30.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,179 | $32.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,209 | $38.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,210 | $40.48 |
Median Salary Position
0.16% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Golden
In Golden, CO, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,518 (2026 est.). At $68,179, the local median is 0.16% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Golden: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Golden Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Golden median: $68,179/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Golden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $74,107 | -8.00% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +0.16% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Golden, CO earn a median of $68,179 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.16% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $74,107.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Golden has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Golden, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,179 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,932 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,555
2025 BLS Actual
$64,502
2026 Current Est.
$68,179
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Golden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,555 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,897 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,146 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,707 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,825 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,852 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,502 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,179 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,065 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Golden metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $47,555 (2019) to $64,502 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,065 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,510 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Golden 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $56,692 – $64,441 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,441 – $68,179 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,179 – $79,209 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,209 – $84,210 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Golden
The job market in Golden currently employs a small number of LPNs, with only six licensed practical nurses in operation. This limited workforce must consider the local cost of living index of 105, which is above the national average, influencing take-home pay and purchasing power. Skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest pay among local employers, providing more lucrative opportunities compared to home health agencies or physician offices. Factors such as shift differentials, IV therapy certification stipends, and weekend/holiday premiums in long-term care settings all contribute to the salary variations. To maximize compensation in Golden, LPNs should consider seeking positions in settings that offer these incentives, while also pursuing continuing education and certifications to enhance their professional appeal and advancement opportunities.
More salary data for Golden, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Golden?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $64,502 for licensed practical nursesin the Golden metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Golden 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