Job Outlook for Nurses in Colorado
Nursing remains a cornerstone of healthcare, with demand for skilled professionals nationwide and the Denver – Aurora – Centennial area is no exception. The field encompasses various roles, from licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and vocational nurses (LVNs) to registered nurses (RNs), each contributing to patient care. Understanding the job outlook for nurses is essential, as it highlights the growing need for these roles and the stability they offer in today’s healthcare environment.
The Job Outlook for Nurses in Colorado contains information compiled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and various other data sources to provide you with a solid understanding of the job outlook, nursing salary for RNs, and nursing opportunities in the Denver metro area. Information in this overview will primarily focus on exploring the opportunities and professional landscape for those pursuing an RN career with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
What is an RN or Registered Nurse?
A registered nurse (RN) is a licensed healthcare professional responsible for a variety of patient care tasks. These include educating patients and families about health conditions, identifying and addressing potential medical issues, administering medications, and advocating for patient well-being. RNs also design, implement, and assess nursing care plans, making them essential in ensuring coordinated and effective patient care.
How do you become a nurse in Denver?
In Colorado, there are several pathways to enter the nursing profession, depending on the type of nurse. For example, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) can start their careers after completing a state-approved training program and passing a competency exam. Those aiming to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), need to complete a practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
To become a registered nurse in Colorado, you’ll need to complete a nursing degree program. Among program choices, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is one of the most popular, providing graduates with a foundation in nursing education, a broad choice in specialties, and increased job growth potential. After earning a degree, graduates must take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN).
Passing the NCLEX-RN board examination enables individuals the opportunity to pursue the title Registered Nurse and qualifies them to apply for a nursing license in the state where they intend to practice.
What is the median RN salary in Colorado?
Nurses in Colorado, particularly in the Denver metropolitan area, enjoy competitive salaries. The positive job outlook for nurses means that even those newly entering the field can often find stable employment, with the Denver region, including cities like Aurora, offering favorable conditions for RNs.
The median RN salary in Denver, CO, is $93,241 annually, regional compensation vs. national compensation is highlighted below. *Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set
For those reaching the top percentiles of the profession, the earning potential is even greater. Nationally, registered nurses in the 90th percentile earn an hourly wage of $65.06, which amounts to an annual salary of $135,320. According to May 2024 data, RNs in the 10th percentile, often those just beginning their careers or in entry-level roles, earn an hourly wage of $31.75, translating to an annual salary of $66,030. This range illustrates the potential for salary growth as RNs gain experience and advance in their careers. (Source: Registered Nurses BLS May 2024 Data)
Regional vs. National RN Compensation at a Glance
Registered nurses in the Denver – Aurora – Centennial, CO region earn a median salary that is the same as the national average. This chart illustrates this regional trend.
Nursing Careers in Aurora
The Denver – Aurora – Centennial, CO metro area, is home to a growing nursing job market.
- Number of Registered Nurses: The area is home to approximately 30,692 Registered Nurses, while the national average for an area this size is 35,120.
- Employment per 1000 jobs: For every 1000 jobs, there are about 18 registered nurses in the area.
These points highlight the opportunity for nursing professionals in and around Denver. A career in nursing not only offers a stable and rewarding profession but also the opportunity to work in many different fields and specialties. Source: BLS May 2024 Data
Where do RNs work in Colorado?
The Denver metro area boasts a variety of large hospital networks, specialty clinics, and long-term care facilities. Arizona College of Nursing’s three-year BSN program is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level roles across these sectors.
Denver offers job opportunities in both acute care and ambulatory settings, with growth projected for both these fields.
Nurses also enjoy significant career flexibility. Beyond traditional day shifts, many healthcare institutions offer evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts. Employers often provide shift differentials, offering higher pay for non-day shifts, which can notably boost your RN salary in Colorado.
What are the top Colorado cities by RN job postings?
The top Colorado cities for total and unique registered nurse job postings are highlighted in the table below. These cities are key centers for nursing careers, offering a variety of opportunities for registered nurses across the state.
Date Range for Total & Unique Postings: August 2024 – July 2025. *Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set.
| City | Total Postings | Unique Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Denver, CO | 9,373 | 2,174 |
| Aurora, CO | 6,338 | 1,353 |
| Lakewood, CO | 4,580 | 750 |
| Englewood, CO | 2,659 | 522 |
| Littleton, CO | 1,549 | 504 |
| Westminster, CO | 2,872 | 413 |
| Parker, CO | 807 | 280 |
| Wheat Ridge, CO | 905 | 213 |
| Thornton, CO | 1,094 | 203 |
| Arvada, CO | 535 | 198 |
| Centennial, CO | 600 | 135 |
What are the top industries hiring nurses in Colorado?
The leading industries in Colorado are expanding rapidly, creating job opportunities across different fields. These sectors provide diverse career paths for professionals seeking to advance their careers. *Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set.
| Industries | Total (August 2024 – July 2025) |
|---|---|
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 14,605 |
| Unclassified Industry | 12,262 |
| Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities) | 1,331 |
| Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) | 1,164 |
| Administration of Veterans’ Affairs | 788 |
| Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers | 419 |
| Home Health Care Services | 596 |
| Kidney Dialysis Centers | 817 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | 384 |
What kind of job growth is there for Registered Nurses in Denver, Colorado?
O*NET OnLine projects positive job growth for nurses both nationally and within the Denver metro area over the next decade.
From 2024 to 2034, job growth for registered nurses in the United States is expected to grow 5%, potentially creating around 189,100 new nursing positions annually by 2034. Source O*NET OnLine
In Colorado, the nursing profession is expected to grow by 18%, with nearly 4,100 annual job openings projected between 2022 and 2032. Source O*NET OnLine
Job Posting Demand: Regional vs. National Comparison
This section highlights key comparisons between the Denver metro area and the national average in terms of job opportunities, compensation, and demand for nursing positions. It provides insights into how the Denver – Aurora – Centennial area aligns with or differs from national trends across these key factors. *Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set.
Jobs (2025)
The national average for an area this size is 35,120* employees, while there are 30,692 here.
Compensation
The national median salary for Registered Nurses is $93,600, compared to $93,241 here.
Job Posting Demand
The national average for an area this size is 2,445* job postings/mo, while there are 2,969 here.
*National average values are derived by taking the national value for Registered Nurses and scaling it down to account for the difference in overall workforce size between the nation and Denver – Aurora – Centennial, CO. In other words, the value represents the national average adjusted for region size.
Employment Trends: Regional vs. National Averages
The data highlights employment trends in the Denver – Aurora – Centennial area, comparing them to national averages to provide a comprehensive view of job opportunities and demand. Notably, employment trends in Denver are lower than the national average. *Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set.
What is the job outlook for other nursing roles in Aurora and Colorado?
Registered nurses (RNs) are essential to healthcare delivery, but they are not the only nursing professionals involved in patient care. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) also contribute significantly to patient care and support healthcare teams. Similar to RN roles, the outlook for LPNs and LVNs in Colorado remains promising.
As of May 2024, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the national average annual wage for LPNs and LVNs is $62,340. *Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set.
On average, LPNs and LVNs earn less than registered nurses across the country. This difference is largely due to the broader scope of responsibilities that RNs take on in patient care compared to LPNs and LVNs.
While LPNs and LVNs are vital to the healthcare system, those considering a nursing career should note that becoming an RN with a BSN offers more extensive career advancement opportunities than pursuing a role as an LPN.
Industry Sectors with the Most Job Opportunities
The graphic highlights the industry sectors where nursing jobs are most commonly found, with the majority of positions located within the general medical and surgical hospitals sector. This sector remains the largest employer of nursing professionals, offering numerous opportunities for career growth. *Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set.
| Industries | % of Occupation in Industry (2025) |
|---|---|
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | 25.6% |
| Education and Hospitals (Local Government) | 10.2% |
| Specialty (except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals | 10.0% |
| Education and Hospitals (State Government) | 9.6% |
| Outpatient Care Centers | 8.3% |
| Home Health Care Services | 8.2% |
| Other | 28.1% |
Who are the top nursing employers hiring in the Denver area?
The graphic showcases the top companies in the Denver area that are leading the way in nursing job opportunities. These employers represent a diverse range of healthcare providers, offering significant contributions to the region’s healthcare system and attracting skilled nursing professionals. *Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set.
| Top Companies | Unique Postings |
|---|---|
| UCHealth | 1,032 |
| HCA Healthcare | 506 |
| Intermountain Health | 463 |
| CommonSpirit Health Mountain Region | 390 |
| Children’s Hospital Colorado | 318 |
| AdventHealth | 298 |
| United States Department of Veterans Affairs | 170 |
| University of Colorado System Office | 102 |
| CommonSpirit Health | 96 |
| St Anthony North Hospital | 95 |
What are the top nursing job titles in the Denver – Aurora – Centennial area?
This graphic highlights the range of nursing job titles in demand across the Denver area, offering insight into the roles shaping the local healthcare workforce. The variety of titles reflects the wide range of opportunities available within the nursing community. *Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set.
| Top Job Titles | Unique Postings |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | 1,748 |
| Operating Room Registered Nurses | 663 |
| Travel Registered Nurses | 594 |
| Acute Care Registered Nurses | 546 |
| Medical Surgical Registered Nurses | 517 |
| Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurses | 494 |
| ICU Registered Nurses | 397 |
| Labor and Delivery Registered Nurses | 364 |
| NICU Registered Nurses | 340 |
| Medical Surgical Travel Registered Nurses | 317 |
What are the top skills in demand for nursing professionals?
The graphic below showcases the top skills most in demand across nursing job postings, along with the projected growth for each skill. These competencies are key to staying competitive in the nursing field and are expected to influence future job opportunities. *Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set.
| Skill | Job Postings Requested | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | 16,931 | 18.1% |
| Nursing | 12,910 | 20.1% |
| Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification | 8,711 | 13.9% |
| Nursing Process | 4,839 | 24.2% |
| Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification | 3,546 | 12.3% |
| Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) | 3,211 | 14.8% |
| Acute Care | 2,747 | 12.8% |
| Nursing Care | 2,582 | 19.1% |
| Medication Administration | 2,555 | 14.3% |
| Medical Records | 2,110 | 12.5% |
Leading Nursing Programs
The chart below presents the nursing programs with the highest number of completions, underscoring the prominence of Registered Nursing as the primary choice for many nursing students. Other specialized fields, such as Nursing Administration and Family Practice Nursing, also demonstrate notable completion figures, highlighting growing interest in advanced nursing roles. *Source: Lightcast Q3 2025 Data Set.
| Top Programs | Completions (2023) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse | 1,521 |
| Nursing Administration | 201 |
| Family Practice Nurse/Nursing | 58 |
| Maternal/Child Health and Neonatal Nurse/Nursing | 23 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other | 20 |
Do you need a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing to be a nurse in Colorado?
While some entry-level nursing positions may not require a bachelor’s degree, several nursing associations, government bodies, and healthcare organizations acknowledge the value of the skills that BSN-prepared nurses bring to their roles and encourage employers to adopt the BSN as the standard for new hires in nursing.
According to The American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nurses with a BSN are more adept at handling complex patient cases and are linked to better patient outcomes due to their advanced training. Though there are other entry points into nursing, pursuing a BSN opens up broader career prospects such as employment at a Magnet-designated hospital.
With job growth, stability, and competitive compensation, nursing offers an excellent career path.
Arizona College of Nursing is Here to Help
If you’re considering a career as a registered nurse (RN), Arizona College of Nursing is here to help you pursue your dream. Learn more about our BSN program here.
Learn More*The included job listing data is sourced from proprietary job outlook reports developed by Lightcast. The information on this page is derived from data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and consolidated reports from Lightcast, except for indicated external links.