Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Healthcare
Nurse Practitioner Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nurse practitioner 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 Nurse Practitioner 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
$129,750 median (0% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#16 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Colorado eligibility requirements for Nurse Practitioner 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 $129,750, Nurse Practitioners in Colorado earn 0% above the national median of $129,210. Colorado ranks #16 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
$129,750Hourly estimate
$62.380% above national median
Difference: +$540
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNurse Practitioner Salary Ranking
#16 of 50 statesfor Nurse Practitioner median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $166,610 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $149,620 |
| #3 | Alaska | $145,450 |
| #4 | New York | $145,390 |
| #5 | Oregon | $144,600 |
Nearby States Comparison
Nurse Practitioner licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $129,750 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $127,750 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $127,930 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $124,690 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $126,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $138,440 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $133,790 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $125,700 | Degree required | State exam required | 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 Nurse Practitioner 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 Nurse Practitioners in Colorado?
Colorado lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Nurse Practitioners.
What education do you need to become a Nurse Practitioner in Colorado?
The board typically expects Degree required for Nurse Practitioner licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Nurse Practitioner salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Nurse Practitioners in Colorado is $129,750. Salaries range from $83,060 (10th percentile) to $165,970 (90th percentile).
How does the Nurse Practitioner salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Nurse Practitioners in Colorado earn 0% above the national median of $129,210, with a state median of $129,750.
How many Nurse Practitioners work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 4,130 Nurse Practitioners according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Nurse Practitioner 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 Nurse Practitioners 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 Nurse Practitioner license in Colorado?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.