Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Aurora, CO: $51,154 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Aurora, CO earns a median $51,154/year (≈ $24.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $48,718 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Aurora, Colorado, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $51,154, reflecting a noteworthy increase compared to previous years. With salaries ranging from $39,541 at the lower end to $65,142 at the high end, Aurora's certified nursing assistant pay is approximately 13.66% higher than the national median of $45,007. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, indicate a competitive market for CNAs in the area as the workforce recovers from a post-COVID wage reset. The local healthcare sector is evolving, offering certified nursing assistants opportunities that not only contribute to patient care but also support financial stability.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,541 | $19.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,960 | $21.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,154 | $24.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,260 | $28.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,142 | $31.32 |
Median Salary Position
13.66% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, CO, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,601 (2026 est.). At $51,154, the local median is 13.66% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aurora: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aurora Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Aurora median: $51,154/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $49,139 | +4.10% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +13.66% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Aurora, CO earn a median of $51,154 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.66% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 4.10% above the Colorado state average of $49,139.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aurora, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,154 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,718 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,711
2025 BLS Actual
$48,032
2026 Current Est.
$51,154
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,711 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,064 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,644 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,417 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,288 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,032 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,154 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,479 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $33,711 (2019) to $48,032 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,479 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,768 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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) | $39,541 – $43,960 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,960 – $51,154 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,154 – $58,260 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,260 – $65,142 |
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 Aurora
The local job market for certified nursing assistants in Aurora is solid, with 54 individuals currently employed in this field. However, the cost of living, reflected in a CoL index of 105, means that take-home pay can be impacted. To maximize earnings, CNAs should consider positions in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, which typically offer higher wages compared to home health agencies or assisted living communities. Factors such as shift differentials for nights and weekends, premium pay during staffing shortages, and certifications like CMA can all influence compensation. For those looking to enhance their careers, pursuing LPN or RN pathways can lead to significant salary increases, making it crucial to strategically navigate job offers and consider all aspects of pay in this competitive Aurora CO market.
More salary data for Aurora, 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 $48,032 for certified nursing assistantsin the Aurora 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 Aurora 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