A complete 2026 breakdown of what Registered Nurses earn in Denver — base salary, hourly rate, top employers, and tips for negotiating the highest offer. With percentile data and cost-of-living context.
| Experience | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | $59,670 - $78,030 | 28 - 37/hr |
| Mid-level (3-5 years) | $82,620 - $105,569 | 39 - 50/hr |
| Senior (6-10 years) | $105,569 - $133,110 | 50 - 63/hr |
| Lead/Principal (10+ years) | $128,519 - $169,830 | 61 - 81/hr |
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | $78,030 |
| San Francisco, CA | $110,160 |
| Chicago, IL | $91,800 |
| Denver | $91,800 |
| Houston, TX | $78,030 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $91,800 |
Major employers in Denver hiring Registered Nurses include:
$91,800 in Denver goes further or less far depending on cost of living. With housing costs of ~$1700/month for a 1-bedroom apartment, your take-home after housing is approximately $71,400/year. See full cost of living in Denver.
The average Registered Nurse salary in Denver is $91,800/year ($44.13/hour). The 25th percentile earns $68,850/year, the 75th percentile earns $119,340/year, and the 90th percentile earns $151,470/year.
Registered Nurse is a high-growth career in Denver with a strong job market. The median salary is above the national average for this role.
Top earners (90th percentile) in Denver make $151,470/year. These are typically senior Registered Nurses with 10+ years of experience, often in management or specialized roles.
⚠️ Estimate only. Salary data based on 2026 BLS, Glassdoor, and Payscale data. Actual offers depend on experience, employer, and negotiation. Full disclaimer.