Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Lafayette, CO: $71,689 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Lafayette, CO earns a median $71,689/year (≈ $34.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Lafayette's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $68,275 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Lafayette, Colorado, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $71,689, which is notably above the national median of $68,071. The compensation range for LPNs in this area draws from a spectrum of salaries, stretching from $54,126 at the lower end (P10) to $91,639 at the higher end (P90). These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect local market conditions and regional price adjustments unique to Lafayette. Given the local focus on long-term care facilities, shift differentials and weekend premiums play a significant role in boosting compensation. This dynamic economic environment highlights the opportunities for LPNs seeking rewarding roles in the local healthcare sector.
About the Lafayette Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,126 | $26.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,324 | $32.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,689 | $34.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,915 | $39.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,639 | $44.06 |
Median Salary Position
5.32% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lafayette
In Lafayette, CO, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,513 (2026 est.). At $71,689, the local median is 5.32% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lafayette: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lafayette Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Lafayette median: $71,689/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lafayette Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $74,059 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +5.32% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Lafayette, CO earn a median of $71,689 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.32% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 3.20% below the Colorado state average of $74,059.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lafayette has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lafayette, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,689 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,275 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,004
2025 BLS Actual
$67,823
2026 Current Est.
$71,689
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,004 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,415 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,625 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,523 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,905 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,035 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,823 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,689 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,775 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lafayette metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $50,004 (2019) to $67,823 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,775 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,771 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lafayette 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) | $54,126 – $68,324 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,324 – $71,689 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,689 – $81,915 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,915 – $91,639 |
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 Lafayette
The job market for licensed practical nurses in Lafayette is characterized by the employment of approximately seven LPNs, showcasing a niche yet stable demand in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 105, which indicates a slightly higher living expense than the national average, it’s essential for LPNs to consider how their salaries translate to purchasing power. Facilities such as skilled nursing homes and long-term care centers tend to offer the most competitive pay, benefiting from increased funding and patient care demands. Factors such as IV therapy certification stipends and shift differentials contribute to the variation in salaries, with skilled nursing often providing higher compensation compared to home health agencies or physician offices. To maximize earnings, LPNs should seek opportunities that offer benefits like weekend and holiday premiums, positioning themselves strategically within the Lafayette, CO market.
More salary data for Lafayette, 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
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 $67,823 for licensed practical nursesin the Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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