Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Healthcare
Licensed Practical Nurse Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for licensed practical nurse in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Licensed Practical Nurse in Colorado
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Nursing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$67,480 median (8% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#14 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Colorado eligibility requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Regulatory Agencies~Division of Professions & Occupations~Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of $67,480, Licensed Practical Nurses in Colorado earn 8% above the national median of $62,340. Colorado ranks #14 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median annual salary
$67,480Hourly estimate
$32.448% above national median
Difference: +$5,140
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationLicensed Practical Nurse Salary Ranking
#14 of 50 statesfor Licensed Practical Nurse median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $79,700 |
| #2 | Rhode Island | $77,940 |
| #3 | Alaska | $77,670 |
| #4 | California | $77,170 |
| #5 | Oregon | $76,570 |
Nearby States Comparison
Licensed Practical Nurse licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $67,480 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $61,880 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $60,740 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $59,920 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $55,870 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $60,760 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $74,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $61,710 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Wyoming | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Oklahoma | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New Mexico | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Nursing
1560 Broadway Ste 1350, Denver, CO, 80202
Phone: 3038947800
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $62,670 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $94,670 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Licensed Practical Nurses in Colorado?
Colorado lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Licensed Practical Nurses.
What education do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Colorado?
The board typically expects Degree required for Licensed Practical Nurse licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Licensed Practical Nurses in Colorado is $67,480. Salaries range from $52,320 (10th percentile) to $82,850 (90th percentile).
How does the Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Licensed Practical Nurses in Colorado earn 8% above the national median of $62,340, with a state median of $67,480.
How many Licensed Practical Nurses work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 5,030 Licensed Practical Nurses according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse license to Colorado from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Licensed Practical Nurses in Colorado?
The licensing agency is Department of Regulatory Agencies / Division of Professions & Occupations / Board of Nursing. Review agency details at https://dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing.
How often do you renew a Licensed Practical Nurse license in Colorado?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.