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Nursing jobs in Colorado 2026

Vacancies, salaries, EB-3 demand and licensing — verified against BLS OEWS 2025 + HRSA NCHWA 2026.

RN Shortage
6,800
High 8.5%
Median Annual Salary
$99,370
$47.77/hr
COL-Adjusted
$78,623
COL index: 114
Compact State?
Yes
NLC multistate eligible

Key insight

In Colorado, there is a shortage of 6,800 registered nurses as of 2026 — 8.5% of the state's nursing workforce demand. Median RN salary is $99,370 per year. After cost of living adjustment, purchasing power equals $78,623 in national terms. This is a HIGH-priority EB-3 sponsorship state — international nurses are actively recruited here.

Top hiring cities

  • • Denver
  • • Colorado Springs
  • • Aurora

State nursing board

Colorado Board of Nursing
Endorsement fee: $90 · NCLEX attempts allowed: 8/year
Licensing portal