Registered Nurse Salary in Boulder, CO (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$101,900
in Boulder · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$101,278
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#38
among cities with BLS data
Registered Nurses in Boulder
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Boulder, CO is $101,900 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $8,492/month or $49/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($96,980), Boulder pays 5% more than the typical city.
Boulder has a cost of living index of 100.6 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $101,900 in Boulder is equivalent to $101,278 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Boulder metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Registered Nurses by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $178,450 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $178,450 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $178,450 |
| 4 | Sacramento, CA | $163,020 |
| 5 | Folsom, CA | $163,020 |
| 6 | Roseville, CA | $163,020 |
| 7 | Carlsbad, CA | $139,350 |
| 8 | San Diego, CA | $139,350 |
| 9 | Chula Vista, CA | $139,350 |
| 10 | Anaheim, CA | $138,010 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Boulder
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $186,270 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $84,770 |
| Electrician | $65,120 |
| Accountant | $102,070 |
Full cost of living profile for Boulder
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Boulder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in Boulder?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Boulder, CO is $101,900 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Boulder Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
Boulder Registered Nurse pay ($101,900) is 5% above the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in Boulder?
Yes. Boulder has a cost of living index of 100.6 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $101,900 salary in Boulder has the purchasing power of approximately $101,278 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology