Boulder vs Thornton: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Boulder, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,101▲ | $49,889 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.53▲ | $23.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,814▲ | $37,945 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,118▲ | $42,171 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,988 | $57,747▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,790 | $64,394▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,030▲ | 34 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Thornton.
The salary gap between Boulder and Thornton is $3,212 (6.44%). Boulder's median is +17.98% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $16,976,Thornton spans $26,449. Thornton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced certified nursing assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boulder ($50,475 effective) pays 6.23% more than Thornton ($47,513 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,101/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,030 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,475)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,394)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Boulder grew 42.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.6% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$35,010 (2019) → $49,860 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$44,792 (2024) → $46,844 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Boulder or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Thornton as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Boulder vs Thornton?
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Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov