Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Fort Collins, CO: $48,958 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Fort Collins, CO earns a median $48,958/year (≈ $23.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Fort Collins's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.1), that paycheck buys what $48,412 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $48,958 in 2026, certified nursing assistants in Fort Collins, Colorado, are positioned well above the national level of $45,007. This figure ranges from $40,619 at the 10th percentile to $53,357 at the 90th percentile, indicating that those in entry-level roles or with less experience can still find competitive pay. These estimates are drawn from official BLS OEWS surveys, reflecting the growing demand for certified nursing assistants as the healthcare sector continues to evolve. For individuals interested in advancing their careers, the potential to bridge from CNA to LPN can significantly enhance earning prospects and job security, especially in a city where healthcare roles are increasingly vital.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,619 | $19.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,813 | $20.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,958 | $23.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,802 | $24.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,357 | $25.66 |
Median Salary Position
8.78% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Collins
In Fort Collins, CO, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,738 (2026 est.). At $48,958, the local median is 8.78% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Fort Collins: You'd be above the median
How Fort Collins Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Fort Collins median: $48,958/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Collins Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $49,105 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +8.78% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Fort Collins, CO earn a median of $48,958 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.78% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.30% below the Colorado state average of $49,105.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Collins has a cost of living 1.13% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fort Collins, CO has a cost-of-living index of 101.128 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,958 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,412 — a 1.12% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,040
2025 BLS Actual
$45,970
2026 Current Est.
$48,958
2019–2027 Growth
+57.8%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Fort Collins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,040 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,790 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,110 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,650 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,970 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,958 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,140 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Collins metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 39.1% from $33,040 (2019) to $45,970 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,140 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,100 (57.81%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Collins 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) | $40,619 – $42,813 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,813 – $48,958 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,958 – $51,802 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,802 – $53,357 |
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 Fort Collins
As the demand for certified nursing assistants remains strong in Fort Collins, the cost-of-living index sitting slightly above the national average at 101.128 impacts overall purchasing power. Employers like skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer the highest compensation, driving competition for qualified candidates. Shift differentials can further influence earnings, with night shifts often commanding an extra $2-4 per hour and weekends providing a premium as well. In such a dynamic market, pursuing opportunities in higher-acuity settings or specialized roles can provide leverage for enhanced pay. For those looking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Fort Collins, considering shifts that offer bonuses and exploring staffing agency roles during shortages may prove beneficial in a landscape that values adaptability and experience.
More salary data for Fort Collins, 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 $45,970 for certified nursing assistantsin the Fort Collins 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
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