Elevate Your Nursing Career Among the Rockies

Here in Denver, our vibrant city is not only known for its stunning mountain views and craft beer scene, but it also stands at the forefront of a dynamic nursing job market. As local nurses, we share a sense of pride in our healthcare community and the role we play in it. In Denver, registered nurses can expect mean hourly wages around $39.75 and an annual salary near $82,740; however, those figures can range depending on experience, with entry-level positions starting closer to $29.80 an hour and seasoned professionals earning upwards of $48.30 (data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Comparatively, the statewide median salary for nurses in Colorado is about $37.50 per hour and $77,950 annually, making us a bit more competitive against the national averages of roughly $36.80 per hour and $76,130 annually. Our booming economy, which is bolstered by the tech and healthcare sectors, along with our unique blend of urban culture and outdoor lifestyle, sets Denver apart, particularly when contrasted with neighboring cities like Colorado Springs, where the job market is less robust.

In terms of job market analysis, the demand for nurses here is expected to rise significantly; the NurseRecruiter estimates that by 2028, Denver will require around 1,300 new registered nurses annually, primarily due to population growth and the aging workforce. Currently, we have roughly 26,000 active nurses working in our city. Travel nursing is seeing increased interest, especially during flu season and the summer months when tourism peaks. Here, we tend to offer competitive rates, attracting travel nurses who wish to experience all that our Mile High City has to offer while making good money. Additionally, per diem jobs are prevalent due to the flexible work model beloved by many nurses—understanding that work-life balance is key in our fast-paced industry. We’ve got numerous major hospitals, including UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Denver Health, along with countless clinics and specialized care facilities that continually need nursing talent. When we look at nearby cities like Aurora and Lakewood, we see varying landscapes in salary ranges and job opportunities that highlight Denver’s appeal. In Aurora, nurses can expect about a $1.50 to $2.00 lower hourly wage, while Lakewood continues to reflect a steady yet less aggressive growth in job postings.

Diving deeper into our healthcare infrastructure, Denver boasts an array of hospitals, with over a dozen major facilities along with specialty clinics focused on cardiology, neurology, and pediatrics. Both public and rapidly evolving private healthcare initiatives are actively expanding, with new investments in nursing programs and innovative care models that directly address community health needs. As Denver’s population grows each year, forecasted to reach approximately 1.2 million by 2025, our public health initiatives will become even more crucial in facilitating access to quality care and prioritizing public wellness. Environmentally-minded individuals will love our access to urban parks and trails, while our local arts scene enriches our cultural experience, making our community not just a great place for work but for life. This unique blend, with its positive forecast for nursing roles in our city, invites current and aspiring nursing professionals to consider their future here. If you’re searching for job opportunities, I encourage you to sign up for NurseRecruiter, where you can find local job matches tailored to your skills. Moreover, employers can post openings on NurseRecruiter to connect with our strong local nursing community.