Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Steamboat Springs, CO: $69,850 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Steamboat Springs, CO earns a median $69,850/year (≈ $33.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Steamboat Springs's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $66,524 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, can anticipate a median annual salary of $69,850 in 2026, which reflects a competitive edge compared to the national median of $68,071. The salary range for this role spans from $55,068 at the 10th percentile to $87,072 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the variation in pay based on factors such as work setting and experience. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, projected forward, underscore how the structural choices between skilled nursing facilities, home health, and clinics can significantly influence earnings. With the nursing workforce standing at just four licensed practical nurses in the community, this niche environment offers varied opportunities for those willing to adapt to the predominant health care models in the area.
About the Steamboat Springs Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,068 | $26.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,096 | $32.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,850 | $33.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,116 | $38.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,072 | $41.86 |
Median Salary Position
2.61% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Steamboat Springs
In Steamboat Springs, CO, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,004 (2026 est.). At $69,850, the local median is 2.61% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Steamboat Springs: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Steamboat Springs Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Steamboat Springs median: $69,850/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Steamboat Springs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $74,072 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +2.61% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Steamboat Springs, CO earn a median of $69,850 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.61% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 5.70% below the Colorado state average of $74,072.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Steamboat Springs has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Steamboat Springs, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,850 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,524 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,721
2025 BLS Actual
$66,083
2026 Current Est.
$69,850
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Steamboat Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,721 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,096 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,326 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,047 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,291 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,368 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,083 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,850 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,831 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Steamboat Springs metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $48,721 (2019) to $66,083 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,831 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,110 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Steamboat Springs 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) | $55,068 – $68,096 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,096 – $69,850 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,850 – $79,116 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,116 – $87,072 |
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 Steamboat Springs
A thorough understanding of the local job market and wage dynamics can greatly benefit those considering a career as an LPN in Steamboat Springs. The cost of living index sits at 105, suggesting that while salaries are relatively strong, the purchasing power of licensed practical nurses should be carefully assessed against living costs. Among the potential employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest compensation due to the demands of long-term care, followed by home health agencies and physician offices. Factors driving the salary spread include differentials for evening or weekend shifts, as well as the availability of stipends for IV therapy certification. For LPNs aiming to maximize their earnings, seeking out opportunities in higher-paying environments and considering advanced certifications can be beneficial strategies in this specific market.
More salary data for Steamboat Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Steamboat Springs, CO in 2026?
Is Steamboat Springs, CO a good place to work as a licensed practical nurse?
Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Steamboat Springs?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Steamboat Springs?
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Related Pages
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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 $66,083 for licensed practical nursesin the Steamboat Springs 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 Steamboat Springs 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