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Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are often drawn to Denver, Colorado, for its high standard of living combined with a favorable climate, thriving cultural scene and numerous outdoor activities. If you love the mountains, panoramic views, wildlife and outdoor recreation, check out Denver for your next travel nursing assignment or allied health job. There’s always something to do, the sun is constantly shining and those mountain views never get old. Plus, the Mile High City is known for its excellent healthcare facilities, including prestigious hospitals and renowned medical centers dedicated to healthcare innovation, competitive salaries and robust professional development opportunities.
Top Hospitals in Denver, Colorado
Many travel nurses come to Denver and never leave! Part of that is the many top Denver hospitals and other healthcare employers offering travel and staff nursing jobs or allied health positions. Many of these facilities not only provide exceptional patient care but also offer a supportive and collaborative work environment, cutting-edge technology and comprehensive benefits packages. Some top hospitals for healthcare professionals in The Mile High City include the following.
HCA HealthONE Hospitals: HealthONE has nine hospitals in the immediate Denver area, ranging from general medical surgical hospitals to specialty hospitals, and they all use MEDITECH electronic health record (EHR). HealthONE is part of HCA Healthcare’s Continental Division, which IBM Watson Health named as one of the 15 top health systems in the nation in 2020 and 2021. Of the following nine HealthONE hospitals, four received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for spring 2023 and two are Magnet facilities:
- Centennial Hospital: Short-term acute care
- North Suburban Medical Center: Short-term acute care teaching institution
- Presbyterian St. Luke’s: Short-term acute care / Grade “A” Spring 2023
- Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children: Short-term acute care for children
- Rose Medical Center: Short-term acute care teaching institution / Magnet / Grade “A” Spring 2023
- Sky Ridge Medical Center: Short-term acute care teaching institution / Grade “A” Spring 2023
- Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital: Specialty hospital
- Swedish Medical Center: Short-term acute care / Grade “A” Spring 2023
- The Medical Center of Aurora: Short-term acute care / Magnet hospital
Denver Health: Denver Health Medical Center has been treating the people of Denver for over 160 years, since its founding in 1860, and provides primary, specialty and acute care. This short-term acure care facility uses Epic EHR and is Colorado’s primary safety net institution. Health Links has previously recognized Denver Health as a Healthy Business Leader. The short-term acure care teaching institution was rated high performing in treating pneumonia in 2022-23.
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital: University of Colorado Hospital is part of the University of Colorado Health System, named as one of the 15 top health systems nationwide by IBM Watson Health in 2012, 2013, 2018-2020. UC Health University of Colorado Hospital has been Magnet designated since 2002 and ranked as U.S. News & World Report’s No. 1 hospital in Colorado and Denver in 2022-2023. It also ranked nationally in five adult specialties and rated high performing in five additional adult specialties and 17 procedures or conditions. This teaching hospital uses Epic EHR.
Saint Joseph Hospital: Part of Intermountain Healthcare and the SCL Health systems, Saint Joseph Hospital received a Grade “A” from Leapfrog in spring 2023 and has held Magnet status since 2017. Founded in 1873 by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL) as the first private teaching hospital in Colorado, this short-term acute care facility remains Denver’s largest private teaching hospital. In 2022-2023, it ranked as the No. 2 hospital in Denver and the No. 3 hospital in Colorado and rated high performing in two adult specialties and 16 procedures or conditions. Saint Joseph Hospital uses Epic EHR.
Average Nurse and Allied Health Pay Rates in Denver
Vivian Health had 1,900 postings for various nursing or allied health jobs in Denver, CO, on June 23, 2023. Positions included staff and travel roles at top hospitals and other healthcare facilities throughout the city. The following table demonstrates the average and maximum pay for RNs and allied health workers during this period.
| Discipline | Average Pay Rate | Max Pay Rate |
| Staff Registered Nurse | $37.39/hour | $75/hour |
| Travel Registered Nurse | $1,932/week | $3,466/week |
| Staff Allied Health Professional | $31.63/hour | $41/hour |
| Travel Allied Health Professional | $2,161/week | $2,872/week |
While the salaries above reflect the average of all professionals within each discipline, actual pay varies based on specialty, location, experience, work schedules, professional certifications and other factors employers deem essential to the role.
Top-paying non-managerial staff nursing jobs in Denver, Colorado, on June 23, 2023, included positions for home health, operating room and medical-surgical nurses. The highest-paying travel nursing jobs on this date were those for clinic CVICU, OR and clinic PACU nurses. Top earners in the allied health field included surgical technologists and respiratory technicians in staff positions and clinic medical technologists and interventional radiology technologists in travel roles.
Cost of Living in Denver
According to Sperling’s Best Places, Denver’s cost of living is about 28% higher than the national average. A significant factor is the higher-than-average cost of housing. Healthcare professionals looking to set down roots and purchase a home in Denver can face a very competitive market, with houses often selling over the asking price. Redfin listed the median home selling price in Denver at $600,000 in May 2023. While this average was down by 2% compared to 2022 and fewer homes had sold, about 42% of homes were still selling above asking. Travel HCPs looking to rent while they’re in town could expect to pay an average of $1,997 in February 2023, per RentCafe. However, rent is higher in popular neighborhoods like Cheery Creek and Lower Downtown (LoDo), so you can find better deals if you do a thorough search. You may find lower rent in Chaffee Hill, Lakewood, Regis, Washington Park and Westwood.
Where to Live: Best Neighborhoods in Denver
Located at the base of the Colorado Rockies, Denver has dozens of neighborhoods packed into a relatively small area of land. Some areas offer mountain views, and some are for those who want to feel like they live in the center of a city. These are my favorites because of the location, cost of living and convenience of services nearby.
Cherry Creek: A wealthy residential neighborhood with plenty of amenities. Fancy shops line the streets, and a fabulous bike trail leads into downtown. You’ll also find chic cocktail lounges and small art galleries in the surrounding streets.
Capitol Hill: This area is best for those who want to feel like they’re living in a city and for those without a car (parking here is VERY expensive). It’s close to the business district and state buildings. Also, check out the Washington Park area for a bit more space and a slightly lower cost of living.
Five Points: The original commuter area for Denver, this spot is up and coming and is gentrifying at a rapid rate. Named for the five-way intersection at the center of the community, Five Points is known for its live music scene and local jazz tunes.
Lakewood/Belmar: This neighborhood is a great choice for a more affordable option. For a bit higher living standard and safer neighborhoods, aim to live in the Belmar area and avoid Westwood. There are tons of shops, and this is a great commuter area, only 10-12 minutes to downtown. You can see the foothills perfectly, and on a clear day, you can see the brilliant peaks of the mountains proclaiming their majesty in the distance.
LoDo: LoDo stands for “Lower Downtown,” and this is where it’s all happening. Coors Field is nearby, and the neighborhood always feels like it’s buzzing. The cost of living is a bit higher here, but you can’t beat the super quick commute to downtown.
Highlands Ranch\LoHi: Offering similar magnificent mountain views to Lakewood but with a higher cost of living and more upscale shops. The Highlands are a planned suburb of Denver and is great for families and professionals.
Wheat Ridge/Arvada: These are technically two separate neighborhoods but tend to spill over into one another. They both have highly-rated public school systems and are teeming with coffee shops, restaurants and shopping options. Arvada has more single-family homes, while Wheat Ridge has more apartments.
Areas to Consider Living Outside of Denver: Littleton, Golden and Aurora are all just on the outskirts of Denver. Littleton is to the South, Golden to the West and Aurora to the East. Littleton and Golden have a higher cost and standard of living than Aurora. Littleton has a cute downtown and Golden is known for its open spaces. Aurora has some bad areas, but you can find some cute neighborhoods mixed in and some of the most affordable living near Denver.
Popular Denver Attractions
City Park: Enjoy 330 acres filled with picnic spots, playgrounds and walking trails. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science and The Denver Zoo are both located in the park. The Denver Zoo has an awesome “Lights at the Zoo” during the holiday season. City Park is located just northeast of Capitol Hill.
Denver Botanic Gardens: These gardens are located in Cheesman Park and house a conservatory and sunken amphitheater. There are 23 acres of gardens and various exhibits throughout the year to enjoy.
Denver Art Museum: This museum is in the Civic Center, and it’s one of the largest art museums between Chicago and the California coastline. Founded in 1893, the Denver Art Museum houses global art collections representing cultures around the world, as well as local artists from Denver and the Rocky Mountain region.
16th Street Mall/Union Station: These two sites are separated by a quick 10-minute walk, and it’s worth the trek to hit them both. The 16th Street Mall is a pedestrian shopping street surrounded by hotels and restaurants, while Union Station is a 100-year-old functioning train station and renowned historical site packed with restaurants, bars and some beautiful architecture.
Coors Brewery: Coors beer is well-known across the country. Founded in 1873 in Golden and now referred to as the MillerCoors Golden Brewery, it’s the largest single-site brewery in the world. You can take a tour of their vast property, taste some beer and buy some souvenirs.
The Molly Brown House: Get in touch with your inner adventurer and visit the home located at 1340 Pennsylvania Avenue. Discover the story of “the unsinkable” Titanic survivor Molly Brown as you read about her philanthropic and explorer spirit.
Empower Field at Mile High: Home to the Denver Broncos and the super enthusiastic Broncos fanbase, Empower Field opened in 2001 to replace the old Mile High Stadium. Catch a football game or see an arena event for the full experience.
BONUS: Escape city life in Denver and drive the Lariat Loop (a national scenic byway) just outside Denver through Golden, Morrison and Evergreen for a wild west adventure. Peep some epic views at the top of Lookout Mountain and see the grave of Buffalo Bill. Drive past Red Rocks Amphitheater and take a detour to the top for some awesome views of the venue. Stop at Mac Nation Cafe (see below) for a tasty treat.
Denver’s Foodie Spots
Denver Food Halls: Denver has some awesome food markets. Check out the Denver Milk Market, The Source Hotel and Market Hall, Denver Central Market, Broadway Market Denver and Zeppelin Station.
Union Station: This train station is one of the most iconic historical landmarks in Denver, with 10 chef-owned restaurants inside, including Mercantile, Terminal Bar and Stoic and Genuine.
Our Mutual Friend: This RiNo brewery has some great beers on tap and is right next to a banging BBQ joint named Owlbear BBQ. You can order your BBQ and eat it over at the brewery. Hazy beers and burnt ends are a favorite here.
La Loma: Don’t miss out on some of the best Mexican food in the City of Denver. This “upscale rustic” restaurant is family-run. Known for its margaritas and authentic food, La Loma also has an amazing brunch.
Denver Biscuit Company: This tasty brekkie spot has multiple locations throughout Denver. The biscuit sandwiches, plates and massive cinnamon rolls will have you wondering why they don’t expand their business to other states. Locals also love Annette in Aurora for a tasty breakfast outside the city proper.
BONUS: Mac Nation Cafe in Indian Hills: If you love macaroni and cheese, don’t miss this place. Located outside of Denver, this place is a perfect spot to stop for a bite to eat while driving the Lariat Loop (see above). It offers the cheesiest mac ‘n cheese and has state-themed dishes that reflect different versions of the dish across the nation.
Bars and Nightlife in Denver, Colorado
RiNo: RiNo stands for “River North Arts District.” This hip, trendy area is packed with art galleries, concert venues and a variety of bars and restaurants. A stroll down Larimer Street offers plenty of options for a night out. Check out Nocturne and the elusive Millers & Rossi Speakeasy.
Soco Nightlife District: Multiple clubs with various themes line the streets of Broadway and Lincoln south of Colfax (SOCO). Milk is a self-proclaimed underground club named after the famously featured milk bar in the movie, A Clockwork Orange. Dance the night away at Vinyl, The Church or Bar Standard. If you’re undecided, you can purchase a ticket to one club that will get you into the others. Each of the venues has a rooftop area.
The Grizzly Rose: Get your boots on and head over to this bar for a beer, a mechanical bull, line dancing and country music. Live music every night.
Retrograde: This hidden speakeasy is behind a freezer door in the back of an ice cream shop. Fantastic cocktails and a classy vibe draw people to this secret bar.
Corridor 44: A hip lounge with trendy decor located in Larimer Square in LoDo, serving stellar bubbly and sparkling wine. Dine on cheese plates and chocolate while feeling ultrachic on their outdoor patio.
Day Trips and Exploring
RMNP/Estes Park: You can’t come to Colorado without an adventure in the Rockies. Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is teeming with wildlife and gorgeous views you won’t want to miss. RMNP is huge and at a high elevation, so plan your visit accordingly. Estes Park is the RMNP’s “home base.” This quaint town sits at the entrance to the park, and you can often spot wildlife strolling through the streets, including elk and moose. Estes Park is also home to the Stanley Hotel, which was Stephen King’s inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in The Shining. Both locations are about 90 minutes from Denver.
Boulder: Situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, this charming town is happening. The University of Colorado’s presence keeps Boulder feeling young and fresh. Check out the Pearl Street Pedestrian Mall, climb the rock crags known as “the Flatirons” that surround the city or spend your day in a cafe watching the hipsters that inhabit the town. Boulder is approximately 45 minutes from Denver.
Vail: An icon in ski culture, this resort town is set in the White River National Forest. You can ski/snowboard during the winter or golf/hike in the summer. Other great mountains to explore are Breckenridge, Aspen and Copper Mountain. Vail is about a 1 hour, 45 minutes drive from Denver.
Steamboat Springs: Three hours northwest of Denver lies the beautiful little town of Steamboat Springs. Steamboat has a ski resort and is full of history and heritage. The geothermal hot springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs, is on the outskirts of town and 100% worth a visit. Steamboat is located 3 to 3.5 hours from Denver.
Colorado Springs: Just about an hour south of Denver, Colorado Springs is a great place to explore the eastern foot of the Rockies. Be sure to check out Garden of the Gods (free admission) and drive up the Pike’s Peak Highway to experience what it feels like at 14,000 feet. If you like wolves, head over to Divide and check out the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center – be sure to book in advance for a special interactive experience.
Getting Around the Mile High City
Denver has kind of dropped the ball on having enough public transportation to meet the needs of a rapidly growing city. Unfortunately, this has led to an exponential increase in traffic. Between the ever-growing number of residents and seemingly constant construction, rush hour is just about grid-locked. However, it only lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours in the morning and evening. Otherwise, traffic is heavy but moving.
Denver has a bus and light rail system, but the rail isn’t convenient for most commuters and is slower than driving. For travel nurses and allied health professionals needing to fly into or out of the city, Denver International Airport is the largest in the nation and the second largest in the world. It offers direct flights to many major destinations, with a wide array of ground transportation options to get you to or from the airport. You should leave plenty of extra time for security, since TSA lines are notoriously long at Denver International.
Denver Weather
Denver averages 245 sunny days each year, with relatively hot summers. While the average high in the hottest month is 89, many days creep into the 90s. However, it’s still ideal for hiking in the mountains and exploring the vast amount of outdoor space. Take a travel gig in Denver in the spring, mid-April through the end of June, if hot temps aren’t your thing. If you like to ski or snowboard, the Rocky Mountain snow is unreal. Denver remains warmer than in the mountains and certainly doesn’t receive as much snow, but it still averages 60 inches of annual snowfall. When it snows in Denver, the sun often melts it within days. The cold is a “dry” cold, unlike the humid, wet, bone-chilling winters of the east coast.
Remember, Denver is located at an elevation of 5,280 feet. This means the sun is stronger and the air is thinner. Be prepared to adjust to the altitude. Always stay hydrated and realize that if you’re traveling into the mountains, you could very well reach 7,000 to 10,000 feet.
Many Denver hospitals hire extra nurses throughout the flu season, which coincides with the ski season, if that’s your thing. Summer is trauma season, but also a very popular time of year for travel nursing in Denver. However, the hotter weather may bring competitive contracts and higher housing costs.
Nurses and allied health professionals looking for staff or travel positions in Denver or anywhere in Colorado can count on Vivian Health to help them find their ideal job faster and easier than ever. Explore our current job openings to get set to go on a mile-high adventure in the Rockies.
