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CNA Pay in Colorado: Average Incomes & Cost of Living Data

Did you know a CNA wage in Colorado is 7.81 percent higher than the national average? Sounds good, right? Keep reading to learn more about nursing assistant salary research in Colorful Colorado. 

Colorado has 7.49 certified nursing assistants (CNAs) for every 1,000 people, and its location quotient is 0.85, below the national average. 

This resource provides publicly available information about average CNA salaries in Colorado. While Nursa currently offers independent contractor CNAs in Colorado the opportunity to access per diem jobs that pay on an hourly basis rather than access to salaried or wage-based employment opportunities, this information may be a helpful frame of reference for you as you assess the market landscape both in regard to per diem jobs and employment opportunities.

CNAs can enjoy the great outdoors in Oregon on their days off work.

What's the Average CNA Salary in the State of Colorado?

As mentioned, Colorado has a CNA or patient care tech (PCT) mean wage that is 7.81 percent higher than the national average. Specifically, the income for a CNA in Colorado is $18.77 per hour or $39,050 annually. 

The nursing assistant's average wage in Colorado is also higher than in nearby states. The following list shows the percentage difference in PCT salaries between Colorado and the surrounding states.

  • The CNA mean wage in Utah is 17 percent lower than in Colorado.
  • The average income in Wyoming is 9.32 percent lower than in Colorado. 
  • In Nebraska, the average wage is 11.5 percent lower than in Colorado.
  • In Kansas, it is 16.6 percent lower than in Colorado.
  • The average CNA pay in Oklahoma is 29.2 percent lower than in Colorado.
  • The mean CNA income in New Mexico is 14.5 percent lower than in Colorado.

As you can see, Colorado currently has the highest PCT income among these states.

In the following list, you will discover the CNA wage ranges in the state:

  • 10th percentile: $32,610
  • 25th percentile: $35,620
  • 50th percentile: $37,470
  • 75th percentile: $40,970
  • 90th percentile: $45,440

These percentiles show the CNAs earning less than the designated value. For example, 10 percent earn less than $32,610, and 90 percent earn more.

How Much Do Nursing Assistants Make in Colorado?

Now that you know how much the average nursing assistant wage is in Colorado, you may be wondering about more detailed pay information in the state. That is why the following chart will show how much CNAs earn in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas throughout the state.

Area Mean Annual Wage Mean Hourly Wage
Boulder, CO $41,020 $19.72
Colorado Springs, CO $38,080 $18.31
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO $40,250 $19.35
Fort Collins, CO $38,060 $18.30
Grand Junction, CO $35,630 $17,13
Greeley, CO $36,600 $17.60
Pueblo, CO $36,370 $17.49
Eastern and Southern Colorado non-metropolitan area $35,740 $17.19
Southwest Colorado non-metropolitan area $36,200 $17.41
Northwest Colorado non-metropolitan area $39,170 $18.83

Source: Chart based on information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Most recent information as of October 2023)

Which Are the Highest-Paying Cities for CNAs in Colorado?

If you are looking for the highest-paying cities in Colorado, the following list will show direct access to high-paying CNA jobs in these cities: 

How Do CNAs Make More Money in Colorado?

Knowing how much you can earn in Colorado may help you choose the best option when considering independent contractor work or applying for salaried or wage-based employment. Many factors affect the compensation of a certified nursing assistant in Colorado, such as your experience, location, and the industry you work in. Therefore, depending on these factors, you can have a higher CNA pay in Colorado.

CNA Employment Research in Colorado by Area

The following chart shows the concentration and employment of CNAs throughout the metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas in Colorado:

Area Employment Location Quotient
Boulder, CO 930 0.55
Colorado Springs, CO 3,250 1.24
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO 10,990 0.80
Fort Collins, CO 1,480 0.98
Grand Junction, CO 630 1.10
Greeley, CO 480 0.50
Pueblo, CO 740 1.35
Eastern and Southern Colorado non-metropolitan area 980 1.63
Southwest Colorado non-metropolitan area 670 0.74
Northwest Colorado non-metropolitan area 490 0.45

Source: Chart based on information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Most recent information as of October 2023)

Which Are the Highest-Paying Cities for CNAs in Colorado?

Image Caption: Some CNAs pick up per diem jobs in the highest-paying cities in Colorado to earn more.

If you are looking for the highest-paying cities in Colorado, the following list will show direct access to high-paying hospital CNA jobs in these cities: 

CNA Employment in Colorado by Area

The following chart shows the concentration and employment of CNAs throughout the metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas in Colorado:

Profession Mean Annual Wage
Registered nurse $86,590
Licensed practical nurse $60,310
Physical therapist assistant $62,070
Pharmacy technician $43,630

Source: Chart based on information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Most recent information as of October 2023)

The location quotient (LQ) shows an industry's concentration in an area compared to the national average. An LQ of one means that the area has the same concentration of that industry as the national average. Below one implies the area has a lower concentration of that industry; above one, it has a higher concentration than the national average.  

Earnings of Other Healthcare Professions in Colorado   

If you are interested in pursuing another healthcare career, the following chart shows the annual incomes for these professions in Colorado:

Profession Mean Annual Wage
Registered nurse $86,590
Licensed practical nurse $60,310
Physical therapist assistant $62,070
Pharmacy technician $43,630

Source: Chart based on information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Most recent information as of October 2023)

Cost of Living Considerations in Colorado

Some CNAs pick up per diem jobs in the highest-paying cities in Colorado to earn more.

Having updated data about the average wages for CNA jobs in Colorado helps you understand the ranges of a CNA or PCT earnings in the state. However, you also need some basic information about the cost of living in Colorado to consider which job to choose.

For example, if you don't have children and you are single, you will need to earn $19.22 per hour at a full-time job to cover your basic expenses. If you live with a partner and only you work, you will need to make $29.80 hourly, and if you both work, you will each need to make $14.90 per hour.

How Can I Become a CNA in Colorado?

If you are considering becoming a CNA in Colorado, you must search for approved CNA programs in the state. Consequently, you must pass The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). 

If you are already a certified CNA in the US and want to know if Colorado has CNA reciprocity, the answer is yes. You can apply by endorsement and complete the state requirements to obtain your Colorado CNA license (some exceptions apply).

After completing the requirements to receive your license, you can look up your new Colorado CNA license through the Division of Professions and Occupations of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies website.

How Can I Find CNA Jobs near Me in Colorado?

If you are wondering how to find CNA jobs in CO, make a higher CNA wage per hour, and have more flexibility, the best way is through Nursa.

Transform your life with Nursa, and take the benefits that come with per diem CNA jobs in Colorado. In this open nurse marketplace, you can look for the job of your dreams. Moreover, you can find nurse assistant jobs near you with higher pay and the flexibility you want. 

The following list shows direct links to per diem jobs in different cities in Colorado:

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