Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Denver, CO: $25.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Denver, CO runs $25.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,302 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Denver's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.8, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,381 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay in Denver, CO, stands at a median of $25.14, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $21.64. This elevated wage reflects the local demand for skilled care professionals in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home health, and hospice care. For part-time workers, such as those on a typical schedule of three days per week, this hourly rate translates into a respectable income and provides flexibility in work-life balance. Additionally, the hourly pay range for certified nursing assistants stretches from $21.46 for entry-level positions up to $29.42 for those at the top of the experience scale, giving ample opportunity for advancement within the profession. The data presented comes from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.46 | $171.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.66 | $189.31 |
| Median (P50) | $25.14 | $201.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.24 | $209.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.42 | $235.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Denver
Based on $25.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.14/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Denver, CO can expect to earn approximately $52,301 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,174. With a cost-of-living index of 105.78 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Denver.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Denver
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,005.79 | $4,358 | $52,301 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $603.47 | $2,615 | $31,381 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $402.31 | $1,743 | $20,920 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Denver) | $25.14 |
| 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 Denver, CO earn a median of $52,302 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.21% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 6.50% above the Colorado state average of $49,110.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.14/hr = $31,381/year (purchasing power: $29,665).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,301/year (purchasing power: $49,442).
CoL index: 105.782 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+58.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Denver grew 39.5% from $16.92/hr (2019) to $23.61/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.78/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 Denver 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 Denver
While the hourly figure offers attractive potential for earnings, part-time certified nursing assistants working 24 hours per week can expect to bring home approximately $31,292 annually. In contrast, full-time CNAs can strive for a more lucrative outcome by committing to 40 hours weekly. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Denver often oscillates between $22 and $32 hourly, with premium rates reaching up to $45 during high-demand periods, particularly on weekends. Hourly rates can also vary significantly by employer type; CNAs at hospitals and rehabilitation facilities may earn more compared to those in residential care settings. However, some may opt for roles with lower hourly wages that provide health insurance benefits—essential as the workforce continues to grapple with the aftermath of post-COVID staffing shortages. For those seeking to negotiate pay, highlighting experience or agreeing to flexible hours can be pivotal in securing better compensation in this thriving job market.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Denver. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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