Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Lakewood, CO: $49,155 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Lakewood, CO earns a median $49,155/year (≈ $23.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $46,814 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, Colorado, the projected median annual salary of $49,155 for certified nursing assistants highlights the competitive pay in the region compared to national averages. The salary ranges from $40,100 at the lower end (P10) to $62,092 on the higher end (P90), showcasing a significant variance in compensation tied to experience and work setting. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and take into consideration local regional price parities. For those contemplating a career path that may lead from a CNA to an LPN, understanding these salary figures provides a good foundation to gauge earning potential and job security in the evolving healthcare landscape of Lakewood.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,100 | $19.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,606 | $20.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,155 | $23.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,940 | $26.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,092 | $29.85 |
Median Salary Position
9.22% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CO, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,992 (2026 est.). At $49,155, the local median is 9.22% above the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $49,155/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $49,106 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +9.22% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Lakewood, CO earn a median of $49,155 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.22% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.10% above the Colorado state average of $49,106.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,155 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,814 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,394
2025 BLS Actual
$46,155
2026 Current Est.
$49,155
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,394 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,693 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,104 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,056 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,721 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,133 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,155 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,155 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,350 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $32,394 (2019) to $46,155 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,350 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,956 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $40,100 – $43,606 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,606 – $49,155 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,155 – $55,940 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,940 – $62,092 |
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 Lakewood
The job market in Lakewood currently employs 27 certified nursing assistants, reflecting a modest yet stable demand for these essential roles. A cost-of-living index standing at 105 suggests that while salaries are relatively competitive, the purchasing power in the area is somewhat above the national average. Those seeking the highest pay among various employers in Lakewood should consider skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, as these often provide better compensation due to higher patient acuity demands. Several factors contribute to the wide pay spread, including shift differentials—where night shifts can command an additional $2-4 per hour—and agency premium pay during staffing shortages. For maximizing salary within this market, CNAs should also explore opportunities for weekend-only roles which often offer weekend premiums and consider pursuing additional certifications to enhance their qualifications.
More salary data for Lakewood, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Lakewood, CO in 2026?
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Lakewood?
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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 $46,155 for certified nursing assistantsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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