Travel Nurse Pay in Denver, Colorado: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates
Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Denver.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Economics Verdict
Profitable: Denver Travel Nursing
GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)
$1,281/wk
≈ $5,546.73/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$1,700/mo
Margin
+$3,846.73/mo
Stipend covers rent
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
$58.89
Based on 36 hours in CO.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,120
Taxable Weekly Income
$720
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$204
True Net Weekly Pay
$1,916
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$24,902
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$49,804
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$99,607
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$1,916
per week
Taxes
$204
per week
Total Gross: $2,120 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,000
≈ $4,330/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Colorado
$1,400
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,930
Your stipend covers rent with $2,930 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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Travel Nurse Pay in Denver
Average Hourly Rate
$54/hr
Average Weekly Pay
$2,160
GSA Lodging Rate
$183/night
GSA Meal Rate
$64/day
Cost of Living in Denver
Cost of Living Index
128.7 (Above National Average)
Studio
$1400/mo
1 Bedroom
$1700/mo
2 Bedroom
$2300/mo
Top Hospitals in Denver
- 🏥 UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
- 🏥 Denver Health
- 🏥 Presbyterian/St. Luke's
In-Demand Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in Denver, Colorado?
Travel nurses in Denver typically earn between $49 and $64 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $54/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $61-76 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for Denver, Colorado?
The GSA per diem rates for Denver are: Lodging: $183/night, Meals: $64/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts travel nurses can receive. For official rates, visit [GSA.gov](https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates).
What is the cost of living in Denver?
The cost of living index in Denver is 128.7, which is above the national average. Average rent ranges from $1400 for a studio to $2300 for a two-bedroom apartment.
What hospitals hire travel nurses in Denver?
Top hospitals in Denver that frequently hire travel nurses include UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, Denver Health, Presbyterian/St. Luke's, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.
What specialties are in demand in Denver?
The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Denver include ICU, ER, OR. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.
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