Fort Collins vs Lakewood: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Lakewood, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Lakewood, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,826 | $135,259▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.82 | $65.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,988 | $105,420▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $111,043 | $121,350▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $156,592 | $163,090▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,806 | $183,046▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 27 |
Verdict
Lakewood, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Lakewood is $433 (0.32%). Lakewood's median is -1.17% 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,Lakewood spans $77,626. 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 3.50% more than Lakewood ($128,818 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,322)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,259/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($183,046)
- ✓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 Lakewood over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$109,900 (2019) → $130,330 (2025)
Lakewood, CO
$130,297 (2024) → $130,748 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Lakewood, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Fort Collins or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Lakewood as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Fort Collins vs Lakewood?
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