Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Arvada, CO: $50,294 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Arvada, CO earns a median $50,294/year (≈ $24.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Arvada's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $47,899 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arvada, Colorado, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants in 2026 is $50,294, significantly higher than the national median of $45,007, reflecting a competitive local labor market for healthcare professionals. Salary ranges vary considerably, with entry-level positions starting at around $41,402 and experienced CNAs earning up to $60,755. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, indicate not only the area's demand for skilled nursing but also the economic factors at play, particularly in skilled nursing facilities versus hospital settings. This disparity can often influence the certified nursing assistant pay in Arvada CO, as healthcare providers navigate staffing needs in a post-pandemic environment.
About the Arvada Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,402 | $19.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,898 | $21.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,294 | $24.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,588 | $26.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,755 | $29.21 |
Median Salary Position
11.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arvada
In Arvada, CO, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,353 (2026 est.). At $50,294, the local median is 11.75% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Arvada: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Arvada Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Arvada median: $50,294/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arvada Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $49,115 | +2.40% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +11.75% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Arvada, CO earn a median of $50,294 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.75% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 2.40% above the Colorado state average of $49,115.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arvada has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arvada, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,294 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,899 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,144
2025 BLS Actual
$47,224
2026 Current Est.
$50,294
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Arvada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,144 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,474 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,687 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,156 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,224 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,294 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,563 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arvada metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $33,144 (2019) to $47,224 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,563 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,419 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arvada 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $41,402 – $44,898 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,898 – $50,294 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,294 – $55,588 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,588 – $60,755 |
CNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual certified nursing assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in Arvada
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Arvada consists of approximately 31 professionals currently employed, indicating a steady demand for this vital role. A cost-of-living index of 105 suggests that while salaries are competitive, the higher living expenses may impact overall purchasing power. Various employers, including skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and assisted living communities, often offer differing pay scales; some facilities might provide additional compensation for night shifts or weekend work, with premiums ranging from $1 to $4 per hour. These pay structures reflect factors such as staffing shortages, specialized roles, and the varying acuity levels of patients, which can dramatically affect compensation. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Arvada, considering positions with weekend premiums or pursuing additional certifications might be beneficial, as doing so could open pathways to higher-paying roles within the healthcare continuum.
More salary data for Arvada, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $47,224 for certified nursing assistantsin the Arvada metropolitan area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arvada 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