Centennial vs Denver: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Centennial, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Centennial, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,935▲ | $138,664 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.27▲ | $66.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,110▲ | $99,198 |
| 25th Percentile | $120,277 | $126,312▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $163,356▲ | $156,551 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,604▲ | $178,110 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 2,310▲ |
Verdict
Centennial, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Centennial and Denver is $1,271 (0.92%). Centennial's median is +2.24% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Centennial spans $92,494,Denver spans $78,912. Centennial has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Centennial ($133,271 effective) pays 1.67% more than Denver ($131,085 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Centennial if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,935/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($194,604)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,271)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Centennial grew 1.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.3% growth in Denver over the same period.
Centennial, CO
$132,707 (2024) → $135,268 (2025)
Denver, CO
$107,810 (2019) → $134,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Centennial, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Centennial or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Centennial and Denver?
Should I relocate from Centennial to Denver as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Centennial vs Denver?
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