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Verified by CO Board of Healthcare

Registered Nurse Licensing in Colorado

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered nurse in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in Colorado

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Nursing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $96,520 median (3% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #16 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Colorado eligibility requirements for Registered Nurse licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  4. 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 $96,520, Registered Nurses in Colorado earn 3% above the national median of $93,600. Colorado ranks #16 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,540

Median annual salary

$96,520

Hourly estimate

$46.40
3% above national median

Difference: +$2,920

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$76,050
  • P2525th percentile$81,790
  • P50Median$96,520
  • P7575th percentile$104,370
  • P9090th percentile$121,710

State vs National Median

State: $96,520
National: $93,600

Total employment: 54,510 | Annual openings: N/A

Registered Nurse Salary Ranking

#16 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$140,330
#2Hawaii$136,320
#3Oregon$123,990
#4Washington$112,180
#5Alaska$110,690

Nearby States Comparison

Registered Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Colorado$96,520Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Wyoming$81,790Varies by state boardThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$81,020Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Kansas$78,060Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$81,160Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New Mexico$88,260Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$96,890Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Utah$82,270Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Colorado68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Wyoming68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Kansas68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Oklahoma68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New Mexico68MediumState-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

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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Athletic Trainer$62,670Specific course requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$94,670Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Registered 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 Registered Nurses in Colorado?

Colorado lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Registered Nurses.

What education do you need to become a Registered Nurse in Colorado?

The board typically expects Degree required for Registered Nurse licensure in Colorado.

What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in Colorado?

The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Colorado is $96,520. Salaries range from $76,050 (10th percentile) to $121,710 (90th percentile).

How does the Registered Nurse salary in Colorado compare to the national average?

Registered Nurses in Colorado earn 3% above the national median of $93,600, with a state median of $96,520.

How many Registered Nurses work in Colorado?

Colorado employs approximately 54,510 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Registered 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 Registered 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 Registered Nurse license in Colorado?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.