Lafayette, Colorado: A Thriving Nursing Job Market with Competitive Salaries and Expanding Opportunities Amid Scenic Beauty and Community Growth
Living in Lafayette, Colorado, I can say that our city has a nursing job market that reflects not only the beauty of the Flatirons but also the vibrancy of our growing community. With an average nursing salary range of about $75,000 to $85,000 a year, our pay levels hold their own against Colorado’s average of $74,000, and surpass the national average of approximately $67,000 annually as indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Lafayette itself is nestled between the bustling hubs of Boulder and Denver, both of which amplify our job market with additional opportunities for travel nursing, which is burgeoning here. The city’s charm—its eclectic mix of outdoor activities, community events, and local parks, like the beautiful Waneka Lake—is what attracts many healthcare providers to come and serve our residents.
The nursing job market in Lafayette is quite robust, with a strong demand predicted to continue into the future. NurseRecruiter projects that approximately 250 new nurses will be needed in the coming three to five years to keep up with demand, given the overall surge in our healthcare sector exacerbated by an aging population. Currently, we estimate about 600 nurses already working in our city, which correlates with our estimated population of about 30,000 residents. Travel nursing in Lafayette sees a modest amount of activity, mostly spiking during the winter holiday season when patient volumes increase due to flu cases and accidents from winter sports. The number of per diem nursing jobs is also on the rise, with estimates suggesting around 50 positions available throughout our various healthcare facilities, including our key employers such as Centura Health's Avista Adventist Hospital and Boulder Community Health. Compared to our neighboring cities—such as Broomfield and Longmont—Lafayette offers competitive salaries and a community-focused lifestyle that sets us apart.
Our healthcare landscape is supported by a solid infrastructure, with about five major hospitals and numerous clinics serving a variety of specialties, including emergency, pediatrics, and gerontology. Ongoing investments in healthcare facilities and resources signal a positive trajectory for our job market. Lafayette has a commitment to public health initiatives that enhance community wellness programs, making our nursing roles even more integral to local health dynamics. With a population that has seen growth rates of approximately 1.5% annually, Lafayette is poised for continued expansion, ultimately enriching both our community and the nursing workforce. As I walk through our town, from the quaint shops to the stunning views of the mountains, I feel proud to be part of this community where nursing professionals can thrive. For my fellow nurses, whether you are local or considering a move here, I encourage you to explore job opportunities by signing up on NurseRecruiter, where employers can also post jobs to find local candidates who can provide the care our residents need.
