Brighton vs Colorado Springs: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Brighton, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brighton, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,832 | $134,433▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.94 | $64.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,852▲ | $92,381 |
| 25th Percentile | $117,245 | $125,340▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $153,021▲ | $145,978 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,322▲ | $161,806 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 470▲ |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brighton.
The salary gap between Brighton and Colorado Springs is $5,601 (4.35%). Colorado Springs's median is -1.78% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brighton spans $64,470,Colorado Springs spans $69,425. Colorado Springs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Colorado Springs ($133,489 effective) pays 8.80% more than Brighton ($122,697 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brighton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,322)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,433/year)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,489)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Brighton grew 0.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.8% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Brighton, CO
$124,107 (2024) → $124,536 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$100,100 (2019) → $129,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brighton, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Brighton or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brighton and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Brighton to Colorado Springs as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Brighton vs Colorado Springs?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov