Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Pueblo, CO: $89,982 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Pueblo, CO — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $89,982/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Pueblo's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $98,060 in average-cost America. The 21% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, senior licensed practical nurses in Pueblo, Colorado, can anticipate median annual salaries reaching $74,075, with top earners potentially earning around $89,982. This competitive figure positions Pueblo's top licensed practical nurse salary well above the national average of $68,071, showcasing a significant experience premium for seasoned professionals. The disparity between the median and top-tier earnings underscores the financial rewards that come with advanced experience and specialized skills. Attaining such salaries typically involves a combination of extensive hands-on experience, a commitment to professional development, and often, relevant certifications in areas such as wound care or IV therapy.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pueblo
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Pueblo earn between $84,655 and $89,982 per year (2026 est.). This $33,443 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pueblo median of $74,075 sits 8.82% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Pueblo | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $74,075 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,655 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $89,982 | $88,196 |
In Pueblo, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 21.47% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Pueblo
Advanced Certifications in Colorado
CO licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $74,075 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pueblo employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Pueblo command premium compensation, often reaching the $84,655–$89,982 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pueblo metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Pueblo with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Colorado who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Pueblo
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPueblo ranks #17 of 33 Colorado cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $89,982).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Pueblo ($89,982) is 2.1% below the Colorado average P90 ($91,912).
2019 BLS Actual
$62,830
2025 BLS Actual
$85,130
2026 Current Est.
$89,982
2019–2027 Growth
+51.4%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Pueblo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,830 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,610 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,982 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,111 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Pueblo saw their compensation grow 35.5% from $62,830 in 2019 to $85,130 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $95,111 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pueblo 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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Pueblo
Compensation for experienced licensed practical nurses in Pueblo can vary widely based on specialization and employer type. Long-term care facilities and skilled nursing environments often present the highest salary opportunities, particularly for those with expertise in critical areas like hospice and palliative care or pediatric home care. Employers, including hospitals, home health agencies, and assisted living communities, also differ in pay structures, with full-time roles generally offering more comprehensive benefits. Additionally, pursuing advanced education, such as LPN-to-RN bridge programs or obtaining credentials for specialized roles like MDS coordinator or nursing supervisor, can sharpen a nurse’s competitive edge. Non-salary compensation, including shift differentials, holiday pay, and stipends for specialized certifications, further enhances the appeal of senior licensed practical nurse positions in Pueblo, allowing these professionals to maximize their earning potential in CO.
More salary data for Pueblo, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Pueblo in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Pueblo?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Pueblo?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Pueblo?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Pueblo?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $85,130 for licensed practical nurses in the Pueblo metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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