Fort Collins vs Fountain: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Fountain, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Fountain, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,826▲ | $128,329 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.82▲ | $61.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,988 | $102,634▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $111,043 | $116,186▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $156,592▲ | $151,841 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,806▲ | $166,708 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fountain.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Fountain is $6,497 (5.06%). Fort Collins's median is -1.49% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $93,818,Fountain spans $64,074. Fort Collins 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, Fort Collins ($133,322 effective) pays 9.09% more than Fountain ($122,218 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,826/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,806)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,322)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fountain if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Fort Collins grew 18.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.3% growth in Fountain over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$109,900 (2019) → $130,330 (2025)
Fountain, CO
$123,622 (2024) → $124,049 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Fountain, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Fort Collins or Fountain?
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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