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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Special Needs Nurse in Colorado is $76,994 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Special Needs Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Special Needs Nurse Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $82,509 | $6,876 | $1,587 | $40 |
| Average | $76,994 | $6,416 | $1,481 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,805 | $5,650 | $1,304 | $33 |
Denver Public Schools - Denver, CO
The Academy of Charter Schools - Westminster, CO
Laradon - Denver, CO
Pediatric Developmental Services - Castle Rock, CO
A Special Needs Nurse's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Special Needs Nurses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Special Needs Nurse roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Special Needs Nurse positions in Financial Services or Aerospace & Defense typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Special Needs Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $92,393 | $44.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $88,544 | $43.0 | 15% |
| MFG Nondurable | $86,234 | $41.0 | 12% |
| Chemicals | $84,694 | $41.0 | 10% |
| Telecom | $83,154 | $40.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Special Needs Nurse's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $82,509 | $6,876 | $1,587 | $40 |
| Average | $76,994 | $6,416 | $1,481 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,805 | $5,650 | $1,304 | $33 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Special Needs Nurse job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Mesa County Valley School District 51
Grand Junction, CO
Mesa County Valley School District 51 | Grand Junction, CO
Paraprofessional, Special Education (Sped) - Significant Support (LIFE/SSN). Pay Program: Support Staff, Non-Exempt Pay Range: Range 8 $19.68 - $21.96 *Pen... more
8 Days Ago
Colorado Springs School District 11
Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs School District 11 | Colorado Springs, CO
Special Education Paraprofessional. This position provides instructional and behavioral support to students under the direction of a certified teacher, wor... more
9 Days Ago
Arcadia Home Care and Staffing – an Addus family company
APTOS, CA
Arcadia Home Care and Staffing – an Addus family company | APTOS, CA
Pay rates range from $18.00 - $24.00/hr Currently looking to hire aides for all shifts. daytime, evening, and overnights. Also hiring weekend aides. Arcadi... more
7 Days Ago
Arcadia Home Care and Staffing – an Addus family company
IGNACIO, CA
Arcadia Home Care and Staffing – an Addus family company | IGNACIO, CA
Special Needs Caregiver - Pay rates range from $21 - $25/hr Currently looking to hire aides for all shifts. Also hiring weekend aides. Arcadia Home Care & ... more
7 Days Ago
Arcadia Home Care and Staffing – an Addus family company
SAN RAFAEL, CA
Arcadia Home Care and Staffing – an Addus family company | SAN RAFAEL, CA
Special Needs Caregiver - Pay rates range from $21 - $25/hr Currently looking to hire aides for all shifts. Also hiring weekend aides. Arcadia Home Care & ... more
7 Days Ago
Arcadia Home Care and Staffing – an Addus family company
TERRA LINDA, CA
Arcadia Home Care and Staffing – an Addus family company | TERRA LINDA, CA
Pay rates ranging from $16.90 to $22 dollars per hour. Currently looking to hire aides for all shifts. daytime, evening, and overnights. Also hiring weeken... more
7 Days Ago
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