Registered Nurse in Pueblo, CO

Here is a complete career guide for Registered Nurses considering a move to Pueblo, CO.

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The Salary Picture: Where Pueblo Stands

Pueblo isn't your typical Colorado paycheck. While the state is known for high cost-of-living hubs like Denver and Boulder, Pueblo operates on a different economic plane. The median Registered Nurse salary here is $84,107/year, or $40.44/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,070/year, a disparity you must factor into your decision-making. However, the cost of living in Pueblo makes this salary feel significantly more powerful than it does in most other Colorado cities or the US at large.

To understand where you fit in, here’s a breakdown of salaries by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local market data and the provided median.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$68,000 - $75,000	$32.69 - $36.06
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$82,000 - $92,000	$39.42 - $44.23
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$90,000 - $105,000	$43.27 - $50.48
Expert/Leadership (15+ years)	$100,000 - $120,000+	$48.08 - $57.69+

Insider Tip: The top end of the salary range is often found in specialty units (like ICU, OR, or L&D) at the larger hospital systems or in leadership roles like Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager. New grads should not expect to hit the median immediately, but Pueblo's market is stable, and nurses are always in demand.

Comparison to Other CO Cities:

• Denver Metro: Median RN salary is around $92,000/year, but the average 1BR rent is over $1,800. The take-home pay gap is much wider than the salary suggests.
• Colorado Springs: Median RN salary is approximately $88,500/year, with a cost of living closer to the national average (around 100). Pueblo offers a lower salary but a much lower financial barrier to entry.
• Grand Junction: Median RN salary is similar to Pueblo (around $84,000 - $86,000/year), but Pueblo has a larger metro population (111,081 vs. ~68,000) and more diverse healthcare employers.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

This is where Pueblo shines. The state income tax is a flat 4.4%, and federal taxes will take a significant chunk, but the low housing cost is the game-changer.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a Registered Nurse earning the median salary of $84,107/year.

Monthly Expense	Estimate	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,009	$84,107 / 12
Estimated Taxes (Fed + CO)	$1,900	~27% (varies by withholdings)
Net Take-Home Pay	$5,109	Approximate after taxes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$881	Citywide average
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Trash)	$150 - $200	Pueblo's climate means seasonal variation
Groceries	$350 - $400	Based on USDA low-cost food plan
Car Payment/Insurance/Fuel	$500 - $700	Highly variable; public transit is limited
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$200 - $400	Premium varies by employer
Retirement (403b/401k, 5-10%)	$250 - $500	Recommended for long-term growth
Discretionary/Savings	$700 - $1,500	Leaves significant room for savings
Total Estimated Expenses	$3,231 - $3,881
Monthly Surplus	$1,228 - $1,878

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and this is a key motivator for many nurses moving to Pueblo. With a monthly surplus of $1,200+, saving for a down payment is feasible. The median home price in Pueblo is around $275,000, significantly lower than the Colorado median. A 20% down payment ($55,000) could be saved in 3-4 years with disciplined budgeting. This stands in stark contrast to Denver, where the same home would cost over $500,000 and the down payment would be out of reach for most single-income nurses.

Where the Jobs Are: Pueblo's Major Employers

Pueblo's healthcare ecosystem is robust and centered on a few major players. The metro population of 111,081 supports these institutions, and with a 10-year job growth projection of 6%, the market is stable and growing, albeit modestly. There are approximately 999 jobs in the metro area for Registered Nurses, providing ample opportunity.

1. St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center (Centura Health): The cornerstone of Pueblo's healthcare. This is a Level II Trauma Center and a major teaching facility. It's the largest employer of nurses in the region. Hiring Trend: Consistently hiring for Med-Surg, ICU, ED, and OR. They offer a robust new grad residency program.
2. Parkview Medical Center (New): The new, state-of-the-art Parkview Hospital opened in 2023, replacing the older facility. This has created a surge in hiring across all units. Hiring Trend: High demand for experienced nurses in all specialties. They are establishing new protocols and building teams, which can be an exciting opportunity for leadership-minded RNs.
3. Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo (CMHIP): A major state psychiatric hospital. Offers a unique and critical nursing specialty. Hiring Trend: Steady demand for psych nurses. The work is challenging but offers excellent experience and often shift differentials.
4. HealthWest (San Luis Valley Health): While based in the San Luis Valley, they serve Pueblo's broader region and have outpatient clinics and partnerships in the area. Good for nurses interested in community health or rural health.
5. Dialysis Clinics (DaVita, Fresenius): Several clinics are located in Pueblo. This is a stable, predictable M-F schedule for experienced nurses. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with demand for dialysis-trained nurses.
6. Long-Term Care Facilities & Nursing Homes: Pueblo has several large facilities (e.g., Sangre de Cristo Hospice, various nursing homes). These offer alternative schedules and a different patient population.
7. School Districts (Pueblo School District 60 & 70): School nurse positions are available but competitive. They follow the academic calendar.

Insider Tip: The opening of the new Parkview hospital has temporarily intensified competition for housing near the South Side, but it has also created a ripple effect of openings at St. Mary-Corwin as nurses transition. Apply to both.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado's licensing process is straightforward but has specific requirements. The Colorado Board of Nursing is the governing body.

• Application & Fees: You must apply online through the Colorado Board of Nursing website. The application fee is $88.25, and the license by endorsement fee is $88.25. The fingerprinting fee is an additional $44.50.
• Requirements:
  • Graduate from an accredited nursing program.
  • Pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
  • If you're an out-of-state nurse, you must provide verification of your current license (via Nursys) and proof of practice hours in the last 5 years.
  • Colorado is not a compact state, so nurses from compact states (e.g., Texas, Arizona) must apply for a Colorado single-state license.
• Timeline: The process can take 6-12 weeks from submission of a complete application to receiving your license. It's crucial to start this process before accepting a job offer or moving. You cannot practice without a Colorado license.
• Cost Breakdown:
  • Application/License Fee: $88.25
  • Fingerprinting: $44.50
  • Background Check: Included in fingerprint fee
  • Total: ~$132.75 (excluding NCLEX fee, which is paid to Pearson Vue).

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Pueblo is often described as a "collection of neighborhoods" rather than a dense city. Your choice depends on commute, lifestyle, and budget.

1. North Side (Near St. Mary-Corwin):

   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to St. Mary-Corwin. 15-20 minutes to the new Parkview (South Side).
   • Lifestyle: Established, quiet, with older homes and tree-lined streets. Close to the Historic Union Avenue District for dining and shopping.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $950 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Nurses at St. Mary-Corwin who want a short commute and a classic, residential feel.

2. South Side (Near Parkview Medical Center):

   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to Parkview. 15-20 minutes to St. Mary-Corwin.
   • Lifestyle: Rapidly developing area around the new hospital. More modern apartment complexes and newer subdivisions. Family-friendly with good schools.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100 for a 1BR (slightly higher due to new development).
   • Best For: Nurses at the new Parkview hospital or those seeking newer amenities and a shorter commute to that facility.

3. Pueblo West:

   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to either hospital. Requires driving on I-25.
   • Lifestyle: A suburban community with a different feel. Larger lots, more space, a strong sense of community. It feels less like "city" Pueblo.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200 for a 1BR (more options for 2BR at this price).
   • Best For: Nurses who want suburban living, more square footage, and don't mind a commute. Popular with families.

4. Downtown/Union Ave District:

   • Commute: 10 minutes to both hospitals.
   • Lifestyle: Urban, walkable, historic. Home to restaurants, bars, galleries, and the Pueblo Riverwalk. More apartments and lofts.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $1,000 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Single nurses or couples who want a vibrant, social scene and a short commute. Parking can be a challenge in older buildings.

5. Bessemer:

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to both hospitals.
   • Lifestyle: A working-class neighborhood with a strong community feel. Affordable housing stock, both owned and rented.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $850 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Nurses on a tighter budget who want to maximize their savings for a future home. It's a practical, no-frills choice.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Pueblo is an excellent place to build experience and specialize without the intense competition of larger metros.

• Specialty Premiums: In Pueblo, specialties command a premium, though it may be modest compared to coastal cities.
  • ICU/Critical Care: +$3 to $5/hour.
  • OR/Perioperative: +$2 to $4/hour.
  • Labor & Delivery: +$2 to $4/hour.
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health: +$1 to $3/hour (and often a shift differential).
  • Dialysis: Competitive, though often salaried.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Clinical Ladder: Both major hospitals have clinical ladder programs to advance from RN I to RN IV, with corresponding pay increases.
  • Leadership: Charge Nurse and Nurse Manager positions are available and are a natural next step after gaining 5+ years of experience.
  • Education: Becoming a clinical educator or preceptor is a path for those who enjoy teaching. St. Mary-Corwin has a formal nurse residency program.
  • Advanced Practice: Pueblo has a growing need for Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists, especially in primary care and specialty clinics. Several universities (including CSU Pueblo) offer MSN programs.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 6% job growth rate, Pueblo is not a boomtown but a stable, sustainable market. The demand will be driven by an aging population and the expansion of services at Parkview. Nurses who specialize early and get involved in quality improvement projects will have the best advancement opportunities. The proximity to Colorado Springs (an hour away) also opens up additional job options without requiring a move.

The Verdict: Is Pueblo Right for You?

Pueblo offers a compelling value proposition for the right nurse. It's a city of trade-offs, and your satisfaction will depend on what you prioritize.

Pros	Cons
High purchasing power due to low cost of living. Homeownership is very achievable.	Lower salary compared to other Colorado metros and the national average.
Stable job market with major employers and 6% growth.	Limited amenities compared to Denver/Colorado Springs (fewer restaurants, cultural events, shopping).
Short, manageable commutes city-wide.	Income disparities and poverty rates are higher than the state average, which can be seen in certain neighborhoods and patient populations.
Major hospital upgrades (new Parkview) creating a dynamic work environment.	Public transportation is limited, making a car a necessity.
Access to outdoor recreation (Lake Pueblo State Park, nearby mountains).	Limited diversity in cuisine and retail compared to larger cities.
A genuine sense of community and a slower pace of life.	Cultural and social scene can feel small or limited to a few core venues.

Final Recommendation:
Pueblo is an excellent choice for a career-focused nurse who is financially motivated to buy a home and build equity. It's ideal for those who value a short commute, a stable job, and a community feel over the constant stimulation of a large city. It is a fantastic place for new grads to get solid experience without being overwhelmed, and for experienced nurses to leverage their skills for a high-quality, affordable life.

If your primary goal is to maximize your salary above all else, or if you crave the cultural and social density of a major metropolis, Pueblo may feel too small. But if you want to work hard, save money, and own a piece of Colorado without the coastal price tag, Pueblo is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. I'm a new grad. Will I find a job in Pueblo?
Yes. Both St. Mary-Corwin and Parkview have formal nurse residency programs designed to transition new grads into practice. The market is generally favorable for new nurses, but you should start applying 3-6 months before graduation.

2. Is the cost of living really as low as it seems?
Yes, but with caveats. The $881 average rent is real, though you'll find more options in the $800-$950 range. Utility costs can be higher in older housing stock. The biggest savings are on housing, transportation, and food compared to Denver or national averages. Your dollar stretches significantly further.

3. What is the nursing culture like at the major hospitals?
Both hospitals have a strong focus on teamwork and mission-driven care. St. Mary-Corwin, as a longer-established center, has deep institutional knowledge. Parkview, being newer, is more agile and has modern workflows. You'll find a mix of seasoned nurses who've been there for decades and newer nurses drawn by the area's affordability. It's generally a collaborative, non-cutthroat environment.

4. Do I need to know Spanish to work as a nurse in Pueblo?
While it's not a strict requirement, it is a significant asset. Pueblo has a large Hispanic/Latino population (over 50%). Being bilingual in Spanish will make you a more competitive candidate, improve patient communication, and make your daily work easier. Many employers value this skill highly.

5. How long is the drive to Denver or Colorado Springs for weekend trips?

• To Colorado Springs: About 1 hour via I-25. Very manageable for a day trip or weekend.
• To Denver: About 2 hours to 2.5 hours via I-25. Doable for a weekend trip, but not a casual weekly commute. This proximity allows you to enjoy amenities in the larger cities without paying the cost of living there.

*Sources: Colorado Board of Nursing, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Zillow rental data, Sperling's Best Places Cost of Living Index