Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Denver, CO

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) considering a move to Denver, Colorado.

---

The Salary Picture: Where Denver Stands

As an LPN in Denver, you’re entering a market that pays slightly above the national average but is significantly shaped by the city’s unique cost of living. The median salary for an LPN in Denver is $55,521/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.69/hour. For context, the national average for LPNs is $54,620/year, so you’re starting with a slight edge—about $900 more annually—before you factor in local demand.

Denver’s healthcare sector is robust, driven by a growing population, a strong network of hospitals, and a focus on elder care. With 1,433 LPN jobs currently in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 5%, the market is stable, if not explosive. This growth is steady, powered by the expansion of outpatient clinics, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities, which are increasingly vital in a city with an aging demographic.

When comparing to other Colorado cities, Denver sits in a sweet spot. It pays more than smaller markets like Grand Junction or Pueblo but less than affluent mountain towns like Aspen or Vail, where cost-of-living adjustments are extreme. For an LPN, Denver offers the best balance of opportunity, salary, and urban amenities.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salary progression for LPNs in Denver follows a typical trajectory, heavily influenced by specialization, shift differentials (especially for nights/weekends), and the type of facility.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Denver)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $53,000	Starting in home health, nursing homes, or smaller clinics. Shift differentials can add $2-$4/hour.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $62,000	Moves into hospital roles (e.g., med-surg, dialysis), case management, or supervisory positions in long-term care.
Senior (8-15 years)	$62,000 - $72,000	Specialization is key (wound care, IV therapy, hospice). Often leads LPN teams or works in complex patient settings.
Expert (15+ years)	$70,000+	Roles in education (training new LPNs), management, or high-demand specialties like infusion therapy or occupational health.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry data. Salary can vary significantly based on the employer (e.g., a unionized hospital vs. a private clinic).

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities

• Colorado Springs: Median LPN salary is roughly $53,500/year. Lower cost of living but fewer major hospital systems compared to Denver.
• Fort Collins: Median LPN salary is approximately $54,000/year. Strong community hospital presence but a smaller, more specialized market.
• Denver Metro: The clear leader in both job volume (1,433 jobs) and salary, justifying its higher cost of living for many professionals.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Denver’s cost of living is a major consideration. The Cost of Living Index is 105.5 (US avg = 100), and the average 1BR rent is $1,835/month. Let’s break down what a median salary of $55,521/year means for your monthly budget.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax)

• Gross Monthly Income: $55,521 / 12 = $4,627
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~22-25% = $1,018 - $1,157
• Net Monthly Take-Home: $3,470 - $3,609

Sample Post-Tax Monthly Budget

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,835	This is 50-53% of net income, which is high.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150 - $200	Varies by season (winter heating is costly).
Car Payment/Insurance	$300 - $450	Denver is car-dependent; public transit (RTD) is limited for many neighborhoods.
Groceries	$300 - $400
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$150 - $250
Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment, Savings)	$535 - $974	Leftover funds for savings, debt, or lifestyle.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
With the median home price in Denver around $580,000 (as of 2023 data), homeownership on a single LPN salary is challenging. A 20% down payment would be $116,000. Even with a lower down payment, the monthly mortgage (including taxes, insurance, and HOA) would likely exceed $3,000/month, which is unsustainable on the median net income. Homeownership typically requires dual incomes, significant savings, or looking to suburbs with lower prices (e.g., Aurora, Lakewood).

Insider Tip: Many Denver LPNs live with roommates or partners to manage housing costs. If homeownership is a goal, focus on building savings aggressively and consider career advancement to increase income before entering the market.

Where the Jobs Are: Denver's Major Employers

Denver’s healthcare landscape is diverse. While major hospital systems dominate, there’s strong demand in long-term care and home health. Here are key employers to target:

1. UCHealth: The largest system in Colorado, with multiple Denver campuses (e.g., University of Colorado Hospital on the Anschutz Medical Campus, Memorial Hospital Central). They have a high volume of LPN openings, especially in med-surg, dialysis, and outpatient clinics. They offer strong benefits and tuition assistance.
2. HealthONE (HCA Healthcare): Operates several major Denver hospitals, including Swedish Medical Center and Rose Medical Center. Known for a fast-paced environment; good for gaining acute care experience. Often hires LPNs for perioperative and post-surgical units.
3. SCL Health (now Intermountain Healthcare): Based in the Denver area with facilities like Lutheran Medical Center. Strong focus on community health and integrated care systems. Good for LPNs interested in a faith-based mission.
4. Denver Health: A public, safety-net hospital system. Offers unique experience with diverse patient populations and community health. Often has a high demand for LPNs in primary care and urgent care settings. More mission-driven work environment.
5. Major Long-Term Care Facilities: Companies like Sunrise Senior Living, Brookdale Senior Living, and local chains like Devonshire Acres have multiple locations in the Denver metro. These are consistent employers with steady demand. Insider Tip: Look for facilities specializing in memory care or rehabilitation, which often pay a premium.
6. Home Health Agencies: Apria Healthcare, Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), and Amedisys are major players. Offers autonomy and a different pace. Pay can be hourly or per-visit; mileage reimbursement is key.
7. Outpatient Clinics & Specialty Centers: Platte Valley Medical Center (part of CommonSpirit) in Brighton, and numerous private clinics (e.g., dermatology, dialysis centers like DaVita). These offer regular hours and a less chaotic environment than hospitals.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable shift toward outpatient and home-based care. Hospitals are increasingly using LPNs in specialized roles (e.g., infusion centers, wound clinics) rather than traditional bedside care. Flexibility is valued—weekend and night shifts often come with significant differentials.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado is a compact state, meaning if you’re already licensed in another compact state (e.g., Nebraska, Kansas), you can practice in Colorado without a new license. For everyone else, here’s the process:

1. Education & Examination:

• Complete an approved LPN program (typically 12-18 months).
• Pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

2. Apply for Licensure by Examination (if new to Colorado):

• Colorado Board of Nursing is the licensing body.
• Cost: The application fee is $88.50, plus the NCLEX exam fee of $200 (paid to Pearson VUE). Total initial cost is approximately $288.50.
• Timeline: After graduating, you can register for the NCLEX. Colorado typically processes applications in 2-4 weeks. Once you pass the NCLEX, you can get a temporary permit to start working while waiting for your physical license. In total, from graduation to having an active license, expect 3-6 weeks.

3. For Nurses Already Licensed in Another State (Licensure by Endorsement):

• Hold a current, active license in good standing.
• Cost: $88.50 application fee.
• Timeline: Processing can take 4-8 weeks. Colorado does not require a background check for endorsement if you’re already licensed elsewhere, which speeds up the process.

Insider Tip: Colorado’s online portal is efficient. Apply for your license as soon as you pass the NCLEX. The state is experiencing some processing backlogs, so don’t wait to start your application.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

Your neighborhood choice will define your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Capitol Hill / Uptown: Rent: $1,900 - $2,200. Central location with easy access to UCHealth’s University of Colorado Hospital (via I-25) and Denver Health. Walkable, vibrant, older buildings. Great for young professionals who want city life. Commute to hospitals is 15-20 minutes.
2. Wash Park / Cherry Creek: Rent: $2,000 - $2,500. More upscale, family-friendly. Close to Swedish Medical Center (HealthONE) and several outpatient clinics. Safe, green spaces, but pricier. Commute is manageable (20-25 mins).
3. Highlands / Berkeley: Rent: $1,700 - $2,000. Trendy, with great food scenes. Good for access to Lutheran Medical Center (SCL/Intermountain) and western suburbs. A bit farther from central Denver hospitals but offers a strong community feel. Commute to central hospitals can be 25-35 minutes.
4. Aurora (near Anschutz Campus): Rent: $1,500 - $1,800. Directly adjacent to the massive Anschutz Medical Campus (UCHealth). Affordable, diverse, and you can bike or walk to work. Less "Denver" vibe but unbeatable for hospital access. Commute: 0-10 mins if you work on campus.
5. Littleton / Englewood (South Metro): Rent: $1,600 - $1,900. Family-oriented suburbs with good schools. Home to Swedish Medical Center and Littleton Hospital (HealthONE). Safe, quieter, but requires driving. Ideal for those seeking a suburban lifestyle. Commute to central Denver can be 30-45 minutes.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-25 and I-70 is notorious. If you work at a hospital, live within 5 miles or choose a neighborhood with direct access to your workplace to avoid the worst congestion.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 5% indicates stability, not a boom. For LPNs, growth comes from specialization and advancement, not just waiting for more openings.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths

• Specialization (The Fastest Path to Higher Pay):

  • IV Therapy/Infusion: Adding this certification can boost hourly pay by $3-$5. Needed for outpatient infusion centers (e.g., for chemotherapy or hydration).
  • Wound Care: Certified Wound Care Nurses (CWCN) are in high demand in hospitals, nursing homes, and home health. Can add $4-$6/hour.
  • **Dialysis:**经验丰富的透析护士是金饭碗。 Pay is often $28-$32/hour starting, due to technical skill and patient complexity.
  • Hospice/Palliative Care: Requires emotional resilience but offers a profound career path. Pay is similar to hospital roles but with a different mission focus.

• Advancement Paths:

  • LPN to RN Bridge Programs: This is the most common advancement. Many Denver employers (like UCHealth) offer tuition reimbursement for bridge programs. An RN salary in Denver is significantly higher (median ~$80,000+), making this a worthwhile investment.
  • Supervisory Roles: Becoming a Charge LPN or Unit Manager in a long-term care facility. Requires leadership skills and experience.
  • Case Management: Moving into utilization review or care coordination, often for insurance companies or large health systems. Typically requires 5+ years of experience.

10-Year Outlook

The outlook is positive but requires adaptation. Demand will remain strong in geriatrics, home health, and outpatient care. The rise of telehealth may create new LPN roles in remote patient monitoring. However, the push for higher education (RN) will continue. LPNs who specialize will remain competitive, but those in generalist roles may face more pressure to upskill. Insider Tip: Start specializing early. Even a few extra certifications can make you the go-to person in your facility and protect you from layoffs.

The Verdict: Is Denver Right for You?

Denver offers a dynamic career for LPNs but comes with significant financial and lifestyle trade-offs.

Pros	Cons
Salary Edge: Slightly above national average.	High Cost of Living: Rent consumes a large portion of income.
Job Volume & Growth: 1,433 jobs and steady 5% growth.	Housing Market: Homeownership is challenging on a single LPN salary.
Diverse Employers: Hospitals, clinics, home health, long-term care.	Traffic & Commutes: Car dependency is high; public transit is limited.
Career Advancement: Strong pathways for specialization and LPN-to-RN.	Competitive Market: While there are jobs, you’re competing with other nurses.
Lifestyle & Recreation: Access to mountains, parks, and a vibrant city.	"Mile High" Adjustment: Altitude can affect new residents for the first few weeks.

Final Recommendation

Denver is a strong choice for LPNs who are career-focused and seek urban amenities. It’s ideal for those willing to live with roommates or in more affordable suburbs, and for those who see specializing or pursuing an RN bridge program as part of their plan. If your primary goal is to buy a home quickly on a single income, Denver will be difficult. However, if you want a stable job market, opportunities for growth, and a lively city at the foot of the Rockies, Denver is an excellent place to build your nursing career.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be certified in any specialties to get a job in Denver?
Not necessarily for entry-level roles. However, having certifications in IV therapy, wound care, or BLS/ACLS will make you a more competitive candidate, especially for hospital positions. Many employers will pay for these certifications after hire.

2. What’s the typical interview process like for Denver hospitals?
It’s often a two-step process: a phone screening with HR, followed by an in-person interview with the unit manager. Expect questions about your experience with specific patient populations (geriatrics, post-surgical) and how you handle high-stress situations. For home health or long-term care, interviews may include a skills assessment.

3. Is the cost of living really that high? Can I live comfortably on a median LPN salary?
Yes, it’s high. A single person can live comfortably but with little margin for error. You’ll likely need to budget carefully, especially with housing. Sharing an apartment or living in a suburb like Aurora can make a significant difference. It’s manageable, but not luxurious.

4. How is the public transportation (RTD) for commuting to hospitals?
RTD is best for those working near major transit lines (e.g., the Anschutz Campus is near the UCHealth Line, and Denver Health is near the 16th Street Mall). However, many hospitals are in suburbs (e.g., Swedish in Englewood) with poor transit access. Most Denver nurses drive to work. Factor in a car payment, insurance, and the infamous Colorado drivers.

5. What’s the best way to find an LPN job in Denver before moving?
Use Indeed, LinkedIn, and hospital career pages. Apply for jobs 4-6 weeks before your move. Colorado is a compact state, so if you’re licensed in another compact state, you can apply sooner. Be upfront about your move date. Many employers are open to virtual interviews, especially for long-term care and home health positions.