Denver vs Fort Collins: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Denver, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,302▲ | $48,958 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.14▲ | $23.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,634▲ | $40,619 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,235▲ | $42,813 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,581▲ | $51,802 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,195▲ | $53,357 |
| Total Employed | 10,350 | N/A |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Denver and Fort Collins is $3,344 (6.83%). Denver's median is +16.21% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $16,561,Fort Collins spans $12,738. Denver has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Denver ($49,443 effective) pays 2.13% more than Fort Collins ($48,412 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,302/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,195)
- ✓Larger job market (10,350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,443)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Denver grew 39.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.1% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Denver, CO
$35,200 (2019) → $49,110 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$33,040 (2019) → $45,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Denver or Fort Collins?
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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