Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Steamboat Springs, CO: $46,317 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Steamboat Springs, CO earns a median $46,317/year (≈ $22.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Steamboat Springs's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $44,111 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Steamboat Springs, Colorado, certified nursing assistants are projected to earn a median annual salary of $46,317 in 2026, reflecting a slight increase over the national median of $45,007. Salaries for this role vary significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $38,030 while the top 10% can make up to $54,878 annually. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variations, highlight the essential differences in compensation based on the type of care facility. With numerous employment opportunities available, particularly in skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities, the local job market for certified nursing assistants offers competitive wages that can attract candidates looking to start or advance their careers in patient care.
About the Steamboat Springs Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,030 | $18.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,507 | $20.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,317 | $22.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,623 | $23.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54,878 | $26.38 |
Median Salary Position
2.91% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Steamboat Springs
In Steamboat Springs, CO, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,848 (2026 est.). At $46,317, the local median is 2.91% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Steamboat Springs: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Steamboat Springs Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Steamboat Springs median: $46,317/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Steamboat Springs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $49,116 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | +2.91% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Steamboat Springs, CO earn a median of $46,317 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.91% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 5.70% below the Colorado state average of $49,116.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Steamboat Springs has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Steamboat Springs, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,317 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,111 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,523
2025 BLS Actual
$43,490
2026 Current Est.
$46,317
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Steamboat Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,523 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,748 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,192 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,801 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,312 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,585 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,490 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,317 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,327 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Steamboat Springs metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $30,523 (2019) to $43,490 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,327 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,804 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Steamboat Springs 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) | $38,030 – $43,507 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,507 – $46,317 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,317 – $49,623 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,623 – $54,878 |
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 Steamboat Springs
Currently, Steamboat Springs employs only four certified nursing assistants, indicating a tight labor market where competition for competent staff is high. Given the area's cost of living index of 105, which is above the national average, the take-home purchasing power for these professionals may be impacted. Highest pay opportunities typically stem from hospitals, particularly in intensive care units and medical-surgical floors, where the acuity of patients necessitates higher skill levels. Factors such as shift differentials, with night shifts usually offering $2-4/hour more and weekend shifts providing an additional $1-3/hour, can significantly enhance overall earnings. For those seeking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Steamboat Springs, it may be advisable to consider roles in agencies that offer premium pay during staffing shortages, as well as pursuing additional certifications or increasing hours worked on weekends or evenings to leverage these higher rates.
More salary data for Steamboat Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do certified nursing assistants make in Steamboat Springs, CO in 2026?
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Can certified nursing assistants make $100K in Steamboat Springs?
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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 $43,490 for certified nursing assistantsin the Steamboat Springs 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 Steamboat Springs 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