Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Denver, CO
Median pay, Denver metro
$75,810/year
about $36.45 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $63,500 – $81,300
Half of licensed practical nurses in the Denver metro area earn more than $75,810 a year and half earn less. That's 18% higher than the national median of $64,400, and ranks #14 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $51,610 | $24.81 |
| 25th | $63,500 | $30.53 |
| Median (50th) | $75,810 | $36.45 |
| 75th | $81,300 | $39.09 |
| 90th (top earners) | $89,550 | $43.05 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a licensed practical nurse job in the Denver metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $63,500 ($30.53/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $63,500 to $81,300 ($30.53 to $39.09/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $81,300 ($39.09/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Night, weekend and holiday differentials can add a lot. Ask for the exact rates.
- Pay often differs between nursing homes, hospitals, clinics and home health, so compare like with like.
- Agency and travel LPN jobs pay more per hour but usually come with fewer benefits.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Denver metro. Occupation: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (SOC 29-2061). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.