Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Golden, CO: $45,208 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Golden, CO earns a median $45,208/year (≈ $21.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Golden's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $43,055 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.0% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Golden is projected to reach a median annual figure of $45,208, reflecting a modest increase over the national median of $45,007. This local estimate encompasses a salary range from $39,072 at the lower end (P10) to $53,049 at the upper end (P90). These figures, adapted from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, highlight how the Golden market has recalibrated post-COVID, establishing a new wage floor for CNAs. With a growth rate of 6.50% annually expected over the next five years, the local job market shows promise as it continues to respond to the staffing challenges that have plagued the healthcare industry.
About the Golden Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,072 | $18.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,123 | $19.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,208 | $21.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,751 | $23.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,049 | $25.51 |
Median Salary Position
0.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Golden
In Golden, CO, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,977 (2026 est.). At $45,208, the local median is 0.45% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Golden: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Golden Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Golden median: $45,208/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Golden Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $49,139 | -8.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +0.45% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Golden, CO earn a median of $45,208 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.45% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $49,139.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Golden has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Golden, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $45,208 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,055 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,793
2025 BLS Actual
$42,449
2026 Current Est.
$45,208
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Golden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,793 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,988 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,446 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,920 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,371 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,590 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,449 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,208 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,147 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Golden metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $29,793 (2019) to $42,449 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,147 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,354 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Golden 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) | $39,072 – $41,123 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,123 – $45,208 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,208 – $49,751 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,751 – $53,049 |
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 Golden
Despite a relatively small number of certified nursing assistants employed in Golden, currently at just six, the local job market remains competitive. The cost-of-living index is slightly above the national average at 105, indicating that while wages are rising, the purchasing power for CNAs may require strategic financial planning. Among employers paying the most, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often provide the highest compensation, particularly for roles that include shift differentials and weekend premiums. Factors affecting the pay range include bonuses for overnight or weekend shifts, agency pay rates during staffing shortages, and specific incentives for specialized training or certifications like CMA. To maximize earning potential in Golden, CNAs may find engaging with home health agencies, exploring weekend-only roles, or seeking positions in rehabilitation hospitals particularly advantageous. Transitioning to LPN or RN through available bridge programs can also enhance long-term financial prospects.
More salary data for Golden, 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 $42,449 for certified nursing assistantsin the Golden 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 Golden 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