Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Brighton, CO: $46,820 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Brighton, CO earns a median $46,820/year (≈ $22.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Brighton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $44,590 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Brighton, Colorado offers an attractive compensation package for certified nursing assistants (CNAs), with a median annual salary of $46,820 in 2026. The projected salary range stretches from $39,534 at the 10th percentile to $57,157 at the 90th percentile, placing the local pay scale above the national median of $45,007. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, suggest that Brighton's market is responsive to labor demand and cost of living pressures. With a growth rate of 6.50% annually, prospective CNAs should consider this field as a viable pathway toward higher credentials, often bridging to roles such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN), which can significantly augment their earning potential.
About the Brighton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,534 | $19.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,126 | $20.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,820 | $22.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,517 | $25.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,157 | $27.48 |
Median Salary Position
4.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brighton
In Brighton, CO, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,623 (2026 est.). At $46,820, the local median is 4.03% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brighton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brighton Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Brighton median: $46,820/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brighton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $49,129 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +4.03% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brighton has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brighton, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,820 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,590 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,855
2025 BLS Actual
$43,962
2026 Current Est.
$46,820
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,855 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,092 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,531 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,738 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,036 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,962 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,820 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,863 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brighton metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $30,855 (2019) to $43,962 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,863 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,008 (61.60%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $39,534 – $42,126 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,126 – $46,820 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,820 – $52,517 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,517 – $57,157 |
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 Brighton
In terms of job market stability, Brighton employs a modest number of certified nursing assistants, with just seven currently in the area. This indicates a niche market where opportunities may arise, driven by a cost-of-living index of 105. While this is slightly above the national average, it implies that CNAs may face a tighter budget when it comes to day-to-day expenses. Among regional employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer the highest salaries, often utilizing shift differential pay structures to attract staff for night shifts or weekends, which can add anywhere from $1 to $4 per hour. With the ongoing recovery from the staffing challenges post-COVID, agencies may also offer premium pay during shortages. For those looking to maximize earnings in Brighton, pursuing additional certifications or seeking roles with weekend-only schedules could enhance pay, ensuring that educated and dedicated CNAs are well-compensated in their crucial roles.
More salary data for Brighton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K 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
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 $43,962 for certified nursing assistantsin the Brighton 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 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