Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Windsor, CO: $39,514 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Windsor, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,514 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Windsor's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,632 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($48,477) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the workforce as certified nursing assistants in Windsor, Colorado, can expect a starting salary around $39,514 in 2026. This figure represents the 10th percentile of earnings, indicating that while new CNAs may begin their careers at this level, there's a significant potential for growth. The median annual salary in Windsor is projected to be $48,477, presenting a gap that new professionals can work to close over the first few years. Many will see their earnings increase towards the 25th percentile at $42,719 as they gain experience and build their skills. Given the high demand for CNAs in the area, Windsor offers a favorable market for new graduates. The growing need for healthcare support roles positions newcomers well for not just employment but also for advancement opportunities in the nursing field.
About the Windsor Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Windsor
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 Windsor
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Windsor, CO typically start between $39,514 and $42,719 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,237 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $48,477 — 7.71% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Colorado of $2,200 represents just 5.57% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($39,514/year) in Windsor. 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 Windsor
- 1Research the Windsor market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $39,514 to $42,719, 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 Windsor, 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 Windsor for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Windsor'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 Windsor is $18,237 ( 46.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,514, experienced hygienists can earn up to $57,751.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,006
2025 BLS Actual
$37,102
2026 Current Est.
$39,514
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Windsor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,006 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,869 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,105 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,641 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,817 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,071 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,102 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,514 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,082 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Windsor, CO grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,006 in 2019 to $37,102 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,082. New graduates entering the Windsor job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Windsor 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 Windsor
In Windsor, various employers actively recruit entry-level CNAs, especially skilled nursing facilities, which often provide paid training programs for recent graduates. Hospitals may prefer candidates with experience but are increasingly offering apprenticeship pipelines to allow new CNAs to gain necessary credentials. Home health agencies also present opportunities for those who seek flexible scheduling. To enhance earning potential, aspiring CNAs should complete state certification, which requires a minimum of 75 hours of training and passing a state exam. Additional credentials such as CPR/BLS certification, dementia care, or hospice aide training can further increase starting pay. Given the shortage stemming from post-COVID turnover in healthcare, many nursing facilities have raised wages significantly, creating a pathway for advancement into licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) roles. New professionals can realistically anticipate their salaries increasing over the first few years as they gain valuable experience and pursue additional qualifications.
More salary data for Windsor, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Windsor in 2026?
How fast do certified nursing assistant salaries grow in Windsor?
Is nursing school worth it in Windsor?
What do new certified nursing assistants make right out of school in Windsor?
How do I become a certified nursing assistant in Colorado?
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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 Windsor. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Windsor 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