Registered Nurse Salary in Colorado 2026

Last reviewed · Methodology

The median annual wage for a registered nurse in Colorado is $90,374 (mean $100,863). After federal, Colorado state, and FICA taxes, take-home pay is approximately $68,432/year ($5,703/month).

Median Annual

$90,374

in Colorado

Mean Annual

$100,863

vs. $96,060 national

Take-Home / yr

$68,432

after all 2026 taxes

Effective Tax

24.3%

federal + state + FICA

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Colorado vs. national registered nurse wages

MetricColoradoNationalDifference
Median annual wage$90,374$86,070+5%
Mean annual wage$100,863$96,060+5%
Take-home (single filer)$68,432after all 2026 taxes

Colorado median derived from BLS OEWS May 2024 national figure adjusted by state wage pattern.

Take-home breakdown for $90,374 in Colorado

Annual deductions

Federal income tax
−$11,052
Colorado state income tax
−$3,976
FICA (SS + Medicare)
−$6,914
Total taxes
−$21,942

Your paycheck

Annual net
$68,432
Monthly net
$5,703
Bi-weekly net
$2,632
Hourly equivalent
$32.90/hr

Assumes single filer, no pre-tax deductions, standard deduction, 2026 IRS brackets. Use the full calculator for filing-status adjustments, 401(k) contributions, and other pre-tax items.

About this occupation

Provides and coordinates patient care, educates patients and the public about health conditions, and provides emotional support to patients and families.

Outlook (2023-2033)

+6% (2023-2033, faster than average)

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) and RN licensure

BLS SOC Code

29-1141

Frequently asked questions

How much do registered nurses make in in Colorado in 2026?

The national median annual wage for RNs was $86,070 in May 2024 (BLS OEWS). With 2026 tax rules, take-home pay on a $86,070 salary runs roughly $66,000-$72,000 depending on state — California and Hawaii are outliers on the high end ($130K+ median).

Which states pay registered nurses the most?

California ($137K median), Hawaii ($128K), Oregon ($110K), Massachusetts ($105K), Washington ($100K), and New York ($100K) lead the country. High wages reflect strong union presence (CA) and high cost-of-living.

Do states without income tax pay nurses less?

Texas, Florida, Washington, and Tennessee are no-state-income-tax states, but their RN wages ($75K-$80K median) are only slightly below national median. The lower tax burden partly offsets the lower gross pay — and cost-of-living in most of these states is also lower than CA/NY.

Is nursing a good career in 2026?

Yes. BLS projects 6% employment growth through 2033 (faster than average), with persistent demand from an aging population. RN remains one of the most stable, recession-resistant healthcare careers.

What is the take-home pay on a $90,374 registered nurse salary in Colorado?

On a $90,374 registered nurse salary in Colorado, take-home pay is approximately $68,432/year ($5,703/month, $2,632/bi-weekly). That accounts for $11,052 in federal income tax, 3,976 in Colorado state income tax, and $6,914 in FICA. The effective tax rate is 24.3%.

Highest-paying states for Registered Nurses

Related occupations in Colorado

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