Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Brighton, CO: $22.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Brighton, CO runs $22.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,820 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Brighton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,098 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brighton, Colorado, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) earn a median hourly rate of $22.51, which is notably higher than the national median of $21.64. This competitive hourly pay makes opportunities in this field especially appealing for part-time workers, who typically operate on a three-day workweek schedule of 24 hours. With per diem roles common in various healthcare settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and assisted living apartments, the pay can be attractive for CNAs looking to maintain flexibility in their work-life balance. Entry-level CNAs may earn approximately $19.01 per hour, while top earners can reach $27.48, allowing for significant earning potential depending on experience and the specific healthcare environment.
About the Brighton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.01 | $152.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.26 | $162.05 |
| Median (P50) | $22.51 | $180.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.25 | $202.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.48 | $219.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brighton
Based on $22.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.51/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brighton, CO can expect to earn approximately $46,829 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,017. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brighton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brighton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $900.56 | $3,902 | $46,829 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $540.34 | $2,341 | $28,098 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $360.23 | $1,561 | $18,732 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Brighton) | $22.51 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Psychiatric Aide (National Avg) | $18.50 |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Brighton, CO earn a median of $46,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.03% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 4.70% below the Colorado state average of $49,129.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.51/hr = $28,098/year (purchasing power: $26,760).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,829/year (purchasing power: $44,599).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$14.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Brighton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Brighton grew 42.5% from $14.84/hr (2019) to $21.14/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.98/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem certified nursing assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brighton 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.
Working as an Hourly Certified Nursing Assistant in Brighton
For part-time CNAs in Brighton, working 24 hours per week results in an annual income of about $28,051, providing a substantial hourly incentive compared to a full-time position. However, many CNAs opt for agency work or per diem positions, where pay rates can range from $22 to $32 per hour, with premium weekend contracts escalating to $30-$45 per hour in markets with staffing shortages. While travel contracts are less common, they can yield weekly earnings between $1,000 and $1,800, presenting unique opportunities in a post-COVID landscape. Working across various healthcare sectors, from skilled nursing facilities to hospice care, often results in different hourly rates. Some CNAs may choose a lower rate with benefits for job security and healthcare coverage, while others prefer higher pay without benefits. For those seeking to negotiate hourly pay in Brighton, emphasizing relevant experience and the demand for qualified CNAs can lead to better offers.
More salary data for Brighton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Brighton in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Brighton?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for certified nursing assistants in Brighton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brighton 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