PACU Travel Nurse Salary in Colorado
Calculate your take-home pay as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Colorado. PACU travel nurses care for patients recovering from anesthesia and surgery, monitoring vital signs and managing post-operative care.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Average Hourly Rate
$54/hr
PACU in CO
Weekly Gross Pay
$2,140
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$111,280
Working full-time
Colorado PACU Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for PACU travel nurse compensation
Colorado offers moderate PACU travel nurse compensation at $54/hr (ranked #13 of 50 states). As a compact license state, you can start working quickly without additional licensing. Demand is steady for this specialty.
Est. Weekly Gross
$3,428
(Taxable + Stipends)
Est. Weekly Net
$2,820
(After 28.4% est. tax)
Stipend vs Housing
+$965/wk
(Surplus or deficit)
Hawaii leads at $62/hr — $8/hr more than Colorado. Compare →
Calculate Your PACU Pay in Colorado
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Colorado. Enter your contract details to see your true discretionary income after cost of living adjustments.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 4.4% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$85.78
Based on 36 hours in CO.
Gross Weekly Pay
$3,088
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,800
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$511
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,577
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$33,498
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$66,997
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$133,994
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,577
per week
Taxes
$511
per week
Total Gross: $3,088 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$840
≈ $3,637/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Colorado
$1,400
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,237
Your stipend covers rent with $2,237 left over each month.
Find apartments under $1,400/month in Denver:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Colorado
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Colorado's cost of living is higher than the national average by 5.1 points.
Housing Cost: High
Utilities: Moderate
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
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GSA Rates & Tax-Free Stipends in Colorado
PACU travel nurses in Colorado receive the same tax-free stipend rates as other specialties. The specialty premium is reflected in your higher taxable hourly rate.
Lodging
$120/night
Meals & Incidentals
$69/day
Weekly Stipend Max
$1,323
Requirements for PACU Travel Nurses in Colorado
PACU Certifications
- BLS
- ACLS
- 2+ years PACU experience
Colorado Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in Colorado
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Hospitals Hiring PACU Nurses in Colorado
- UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
- Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center
- Rose Medical Center
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PACU travel nurses make in Colorado?
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurses in Colorado typically earn between $49 and $66 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $54/hr. This translates to approximately $2,140 per week or $111,280 annually. PACU nurses often earn a premium due to specialized skills required.
What are the requirements to work as a PACU travel nurse in Colorado?
To work as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Colorado, you typically need: BLS, ACLS, 2+ years PACU experience. Colorado is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so if you have a compact license, you can work here without additional state licensing.
What GSA rates apply for PACU travel nurses in Colorado?
The GSA per diem rates for Colorado are: Lodging: $120/night, Meals: $64/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts. PACU travel nurses receive the same stipend rates as other specialties—the specialty premium is reflected in the higher taxable hourly rate.
Is Colorado a good state for PACU travel nurses?
Colorado is relatively tax-friendly for travel nurses. PACU nursing has high demand in this state. The cost of living index is 105.1 (above national average).
Which cities in Colorado have the best PACU travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse assignments in Colorado include: Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora. Major hospitals like UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center frequently hire PACU travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.