Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Lakewood, CO: $40,100 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Lakewood, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,100 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lakewood's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,190 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,155) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of certified nursing assistance in Lakewood, Colorado can expect a starting salary reflecting their entry-level experience. The anticipated entry-level salary for a certified nursing assistant stands at $40,100, presenting a considerable gap from the city median of $49,155. Over the initial years of employment, it is realistic for new CNAs to see their earnings evolve as they gain experience, increasing to approximately $43,606 by the 25th percentile before potentially reaching the median salary. Lakewood's robust healthcare market makes it an attractive locale for fresh graduates, as demand for qualified CNAs continues to rise amid ongoing workforce challenges and a projected growth rate of 6.50% annually, providing a promising outlook for those entering the profession.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lakewood
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Lakewood, CO typically start between $40,100 and $43,606 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,992 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,155 — 9.22% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Colorado of $2,200 represents just 5.49% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($40,100/year) in Lakewood. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state nurse aide registry-approved CNA training programs meeting federal CMS requirements. Tuition varies widely between free employer-sponsored programs, community college courses, and private training schools.
CNA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Lakewood
- 1Research the Lakewood market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $40,100 to $43,606, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lakewood, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Lakewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lakewood's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Certified Nursing Assistant Compensation Range
The certified nursing assistant wage spread in Lakewood is $21,992 ( 54.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,100, experienced hygienists can earn up to $62,092.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,362
2025 BLS Actual
$37,653
2026 Current Est.
$40,100
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,362 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,239 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,492 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,096 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,304 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,612 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,653 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,100 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,707 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Lakewood, CO grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,362 in 2019 to $37,653 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,707. New graduates entering the Lakewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Lakewood
When considering first-job opportunities, various employers in Lakewood are keen to hire newly certified nursing assistants. Skilled nursing facilities, known for their willingness to invest in training programs, comprise the majority of entry-level positions available. In contrast, local hospitals may favor applicants with experience but are increasingly offering apprenticeship pathways to help bridge that gap. Home health agencies are seeking candidates who can offer flexible schedules, further enhancing job possibilities. To enhance starting pay in Colorado, credentials such as CPR/BLS certification and optional training in areas like dementia care or hospice care can be valuable. As the workforce continues to stabilize post-COVID, entry-level CNAs often experience salary growth projections that align with industry needs, particularly as many pursue future pathways toward roles as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs).
More salary data for Lakewood, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Lakewood in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Lakewood?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Lakewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lakewood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for certified nursing assistants (SOC 31-1131).
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