Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Aurora, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Aurora Stands

Aurora sits in a unique position on the Colorado salary landscape. While it’s part of the booming Denver metro area, its cost of living and job market dynamics are distinct. For a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), the numbers tell a clear story.

The median salary for a CNA in Aurora is $36,350/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.48/hour. It’s crucial to understand that this median figure is pulled down by a significant number of entry-level positions in home health and smaller facilities. However, it also sits slightly above the national average of $35,760/year, a small but meaningful advantage for local professionals.

The Aurora metro area has 789 jobs for CNAs, indicating steady demand. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which is modest but stable, aligning with an aging population and consistent healthcare needs. This isn’t a boomtown for CNAs, but it’s a reliable market with a clear career path.

To get a clearer picture of your earning potential, you need to look beyond the median. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local hiring trends, shift differentials, and specialization pay.

Experience Level	Typical Yearly Salary	Key Factors in Aurora
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$32,000 - $35,000	Often starts in home health agencies or long-term care facilities. Shift differentials for nights/weekends can add $1-$2/hour.
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$36,000 - $40,000	Move to hospital work (e.g., UCHealth, Centura) or skilled nursing. Specializations like dialysis or memory care start here.
Senior (6-10 yrs)	$40,000 - $45,000+	Lead CNA roles, mentorship positions, or specialized hospital units. Often includes benefits like better PTO.
Expert (10+ yrs)	$45,000 - $52,000	Rare for pure CNA roles. Usually involves a shift to a dual role (CNA/Phlebotomy, CNA/Medication Aide) or a supervisory position in home health.

How does Aurora compare to other Colorado cities?
Compared to Denver, Aurora CNA salaries are slightly lower (Denver’s median is closer to $38,000), but Aurora’s cost of living is also more manageable. In Colorado Springs, salaries are similar (~$35,500 median), but the job market is smaller. Boulder pays the highest (~$39,000 median) but has an astronomically high cost of living that often negates the pay bump. For a balanced equation, Aurora is a strong contender.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be frank: making $36,350/year in a city where the average 1-bedroom rent is $1,835/month requires careful budgeting. It’s not a salary that allows for frivolity, but it is manageable with discipline.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single CNA earning the median salary. (Note: Taxes are estimated based on CO state tax (4.63%) and federal tax brackets for a single filer with standard deduction).

Monthly Expense	Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$3,029	$36,350 / 12
Estimated Taxes (Federal + CO)	~$550	This can vary. Use a CO-specific payroll calculator for precision.
Net (Take-Home) Pay	~$2,479	This is your starting point.
Rent (1-Bedroom Avg)	$1,835	This is the biggest hurdle. See "Best Neighborhoods" for lower options.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$150	Aurora’s climate means higher heating costs in winter.
Groceries	$350	Shopping at local grocers like King Soopers or Hispanic markets can save money.
Car Insurance & Fuel	$200	Aurora is car-dependent. Public transit is an option but not always convenient for shifts.
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$200	A major cost if working for a smaller agency.
Misc. (Phone, etc.)	$100
TOTAL EXPENSES	~$2,835
Monthly Deficit	~($356)

The Verdict: On a single median income, renting a standard 1-bedroom apartment is not affordable. This budget leaves no room for savings, emergencies, or discretionary spending.

Can they afford to buy a home?
At the current Aurora median home price (around $450,000), the down payment alone is prohibitive. Even with an FHA loan (3.5% down = $15,750), the monthly mortgage payment, taxes, and insurance would easily exceed $2,800/month, far beyond the $2,479 take-home pay. Homeownership on a single CNA income is not feasible in the near term. The path to stability here often involves dual-income households or significant career advancement.

Insider Tip: Many local CNAs make it work by sharing a 2-bedroom apartment with a roommate, cutting rent to ~$1,000-$1,200/month, or living with family. This is the most common strategy for younger professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Aurora's Major Employers

Aurora’s healthcare landscape is dominated by a few major players, with a strong network of long-term care and home health agencies supporting them.

1. UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (Anschutz Campus): The region’s flagship hospital. It’s a top-tier employer for CNAs looking for hospital experience, tuition reimbursement, and benefits. Hiring is competitive; they often prefer candidates with BLS (Basic Life Support) certification. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on internal growth. They prefer to promote from within their own CNA training programs.

2. Centura Health - St. Anthony Hospital (Lakewood) & St. Anthony North (Westminster): While not in Aurora proper, they serve the metro area and are major employers. Known for a faith-based mission and strong community focus. Hiring Trend: Active, especially for night and weekend shifts which often come with a $2-$3/hour differential.

3. Peaks Health & Rehabilitation (Aurora): A large, respected skilled nursing facility. A classic starting point for many CNAs. Offers consistent hours and experience with post-acute and long-term care. Hiring Trend: Consistent need due to high patient turnover. Often hires new graduates directly from local CNA programs.

4. BrightStar Care of Aurora: A leading home health agency. Offers more flexible schedules but often at a lower base pay (closer to $16-$17/hour). Ideal for those seeking work-life balance over hospital intensity. Hiring Trend: Growing, especially for companion care and basic personal care aides. Demand is high for bilingual (Spanish/English) CNAs.

5. Sunrise Senior Living (Aurora): A national chain focusing on assisted living and memory care. Good for those interested in dementia care. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on personality fit for their resident-centered model.

6. Local Charter/ Magnet Schools: Aurora Public Schools and Cherry Creek School District hire CNAs or Health Assistants for school health rooms. This offers a traditional school schedule (summers off) but may require additional certifications. Hiring Trend: Low turnover, so openings are rare but prized.

The Big Picture: The highest-paid CNA jobs are in hospital settings (UCHealth, Centura). The most abundant entry-level jobs are in long-term care (Peaks) and home health (BrightStar). Most employers in the metro area require a valid CO CNA license and a negative TB test.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado CNA licensure is managed by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). The process is straightforward but requires investment.

Step-by-Step:

1. Complete an Approved Training Program: You must complete a state-approved CNA program. In Aurora, reputable options include Arapahoe Community College, Emily Griffith Technical College (Denver), and various private schools. Cost: $800 - $1,500.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you take a written and skills test. The state’s testing vendor is Credentia. Exam fee: ~$110.
3. Apply for State Certification: Submit your application to DORA. Fee: $35. You must also pass a criminal background check.
4. Get on the State Registry: Once approved, you’re listed on the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry.

Timeline: From starting class to being on the registry can take 3-4 months.
Total Estimated Cost: $1,000 - $1,700.
Pro-Tip: Many employers, like UCHealth, offer tuition reimbursement or paid CNA training programs if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 1 year). This is the best way to enter the field debt-free.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Rent is the biggest budget killer. Choosing the right neighborhood is critical. For a CNA earning the median, targeting areas below the city average is key. Aurora is huge, stretching from I-225 to E-470.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1-BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit for a CNA
Central Aurora (Near Colfax)	Urban, diverse, older stock, walkable. Commute to UCHealth is 15-20 mins.	$1,400 - $1,600	Most affordable. Close to major bus routes (RTD's 15 & 15L). Older buildings, but you get more space for your money.
Sable/City Center	Quiet, residential, family-oriented. Commute to hospitals is 10-15 mins.	$1,500 - $1,700	Good balance. Safe, straightforward commutes via I-225. Many duplexes and older apartments available.
East Aurora (Near E-470)	Newer, suburban, more car-dependent. Commute can be 20-30 mins in traffic.	$1,600 - $1,800	For those who want a newer apartment and can handle a longer commute. Less walkable, but amenities are closer.
Denver (Montbello, Green Valley Ranch)	Technically outside Aurora, but adjacent. Good access to I-70 & I-225.	$1,500 - $1,700	Insider Tip: Many Aurora hospital workers live here. Slightly lower rents than central Aurora, with similar commute times to UCHealth.
Avoid: Aurora Hills, near the Anschutz campus directly.	Proximity is great, but rents are inflated ($2,000+) due to hospital worker demand. This area is a tough fit on a CNA salary.

Commute Reality: Your job location will dictate your neighborhood. If you work at UCHealth, consider living in Montbello or Central Aurora for direct access to I-70 and I-225. If you work at Peaks, Sable or Central Aurora are ideal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The CNA role in Aurora is a solid foundation, not a final destination. The path to higher earnings requires specialization or further education.

Specialty Premiums:

• Dialysis CNA: Working in outpatient dialysis centers (e.g., DaVita, Fresenius) can command a $2-$4/hour premium over standard CNA pay.
• Medication Aide (CMA): After experience, you can get certified to administer medications in long-term care (through a state-approved course). This adds a $1-$2/hour differential and more responsibility.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English): In Aurora’s diverse community, this skill is a significant advantage, opening doors in home health, hospice, and community clinics. It can translate to $0.50-$1.00/hour more.

Advancement Paths:

1. Stay as CNA, Maximize Pay: Work hospital night shifts, gain certifications (BLS, CPI, Phlebotomy), and become a Lead CNA. Realistic long-term ceiling: $45,000-$50,000.
2. Bridge to LPN/RN: This is the most common and lucrative path. Colorado has many LPN bridge programs (1 year) and ADN (RN) programs (2 years). A licensed practical nurse (LPN) in Aurora earns a median of $55,000+, and an RN earns $78,000+. Many hospitals (UCHealth, Centura) offer robust tuition assistance for this path.
3. Move into Healthcare Administration: With 5+ years of experience, some CNAs move into roles like unit coordinator or patient registrar, which can offer better hours and a similar pay range.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth means competition for the best jobs will remain. The real growth is in career mobility. The CNAs who thrive in Aurora are those who use the role as a stepping stone. The local healthcare ecosystem is designed to support this, with strong employer partnerships with community colleges.

The Verdict: Is Aurora Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: 789 jobs with steady demand.	High Rent Burden: $1,835 average rent on a $36,350 salary is a tight squeeze.
Pathway to Advancement: Clear bridge to LPN/RN with employer support.	Car Dependent: Public transit (RTD) is improving but not reliable for all shifts.
Competitive Pay vs. Cost: Slightly above national average in a manageable (for CO) cost area.	Low Homeownership Potential: On a single CNA income, buying a home is a distant goal.
Diverse Community: Large Spanish-speaking population, which is an asset in healthcare.	Modest Raises: Annual merit increases in healthcare are often 2-3%, keeping pace with inflation but not drastically increasing wealth.
Quality of Life: Access to outdoor recreation (Mountains), cultural diversity, and urban amenities.	Traffic: Commutes can be long, especially during rush hour on I-225 and I-70.

Final Recommendation:
Aurora is a strong "Tier 2" choice for a CNA. It’s not the highest-paying city, nor the cheapest. However, its robust healthcare infrastructure, especially UCHealth and Centura, makes it an excellent launchpad for building experience and pursuing further education.

Choose Aurora if: You value a stable job market and are serious about advancing to LPN or RN within 3-5 years. You’re willing to start with a roommate or a modest apartment to make your budget work. You want a diverse, urban community with easy access to mountains and city life.

Consider another city if: Your primary goal is immediate homeownership on a CNA salary (unlikely in any major CO city) or you prefer a more suburban, low-traffic environment. If you’re not willing to pursue further education, your long-term earnings growth in Aurora will be capped.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a job as a CNA in Aurora?
Yes, with a valid CO license. The market is competitive for the best hospital jobs, but there is constant turnover in long-term care and home health, making entry fairly accessible.

2. Do I need a car to work as a CNA in Aurora?
Almost certainly, yes. While some home health jobs may be clustered, most facility jobs require a personal vehicle for reliable commute, especially for night shifts when public transit is limited.

3. What’s the best way to get my CNA license in Aurora?
The most cost-effective route is to find a paid training program through an employer. If unavailable, Arapahoe Community College offers a reputable, affordable program. Avoid unaccredited "diploma mills."

4. Can I live in Denver and commute to Aurora for a CNA job?
Yes, and many do. From neighborhoods like Montbello or Green Valley Ranch, your commute to Aurora hospitals is often 15-25 minutes. This might open up more affordable housing options while keeping you in the metro area.

5. What certifications should I get to increase my salary in Aurora?
Prioritize BLS (CPR/AED) certification—it’s often required. After getting hired, ask about employer-sponsored Medication Aide or Phlebotomy training. For long-term growth, enroll in an LPN bridge program; community college is the most affordable path.

Data Sources:

• Salary & Job Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Metro Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO, and Colorado Department of Labor & Employment.
• Licensing: Colorado Department