Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Broomfield, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Broomfield Stands

As a local who’s watched Broomfield’s healthcare scene evolve, I can tell you the salary landscape for CNAs here is a classic Colorado story: it’s decent, but the cost of living is the real boss. Let's break it down with the hard numbers.

The median salary for a CNA in Broomfield is $36,350/year, which translates to about $17.48/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $35,760/year, a small but meaningful buffer. However, this isn't a single-number story. Your actual pay will hinge heavily on experience, shift differentials (nights and weekends pay more), and the type of facility you work in.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in this market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$33,000 - $37,000	Starting at large hospital systems (e.g., SCL Health) or major nursing home chains. You’ll likely begin on the night or weekend shift.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$37,000 - $42,000	Specialized roles (e.g., hospice, sub-acute rehab) offer better pay. Unionized positions (like at Broomfield Hospital) can provide structured wage increases.
Senior (8-15 years)	$42,000 - $48,000	Moves into charge CNA roles, clinical instructor positions, or specialized units (neuro, ortho). With shift differentials, this can push higher.
Expert (15+ years)	$48,000+	Typically involves leadership (Unit Secretary/CNA hybrid), corporate clinical educator roles, or moving into a CNA-to-RN bridge program with employer support.

How does this stack up against other Colorado cities?

• Denver Metro (Avg): Slightly higher, around $37,280/year, but the commute and parking costs eat into that.
• Fort Collins: Very similar, $36,500/year, but with a tighter job market (fewer major hospitals).
• Colorado Springs: Often lower, around $34,800/year, but with a significantly lower cost of living.
• Grand Junction: Lower, around $33,000/year, but one of the most affordable places in the state.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base hourly rate. Ask about shift differentials (often $2-$4 more per hour for nights/weekends), on-call pay, and differential for specific units (like ICU or L&D). These can add $3,000-$5,000 to your annual income.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally practical. Broomfield is part of the expensive Front Range corridor. The average 1-bedroom rent is $1,835/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 105.5 (100 is the US average). This means you’re paying 5.5% more than the national average for goods and services.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a CNA earning the median salary of $36,350/year (about $2,243/month after taxes, assuming a single filer with standard deductions).

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Pay (After Taxes)	$2,243	Estimate. Use a CO-specific paycheck calculator for precision.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,835	The biggest hurdle. This is 82% of your net income.
Utilities	$150	Xcel Energy (electric/gas) and Comcast/Quantum Fiber.
Groceries	$300	A modest budget for one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300	Essential in Broomfield. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$100	Varies widely by employer.
Gas	$150	Commuting to Denver or Boulder adds up.
Miscellaneous	$200	Toiletries, cell phone, etc.
Total Expenses	$3,035
Monthly Deficit	($792)	This is the core financial challenge.

Can they afford to buy a home? In short, not on a single CNA income. The median home price in Broomfield is over $500,000. A 20% down payment ($100,000) is out of reach for most, and a mortgage payment would be well over $2,500/month. This is why many local CNAs live with roommates, in older multi-bedroom apartments in neighboring Westminster, or commute from more affordable suburbs like Thornton or Northglenn. Insider Tip: Look for employer-sponsored housing assistance or programs like the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) first-time homebuyer programs, but know that a CNA salary alone will be a steep climb for homeownership here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally practical. Broomfield is part of the expensive Front Range corridor. The average 1-bedroom rent is $1,835/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 105.5 (100 is the US average). This means you’re paying 5.5% more than the national average for goods and services.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a CNA earning the median salary of $36,350/year (about $2,243/month after taxes, assuming a single filer with standard deductions).

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Pay (After Taxes)	$2,243	Estimate. Use a CO-specific paycheck calculator for precision.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,835	The biggest hurdle. This is 82% of your net income.
Utilities	$150	Xcel Energy (electric/gas) and Comcast/Quantum Fiber.
Groceries	$300	A modest budget for one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300	Essential in Broomfield. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$100	Varies widely by employer.
Gas	$150	Commuting to Denver or Boulder adds up.
Miscellaneous	$200	Toiletries, cell phone, etc.
Total Expenses	$3,035
Monthly Deficit	($792)	This is the core financial challenge.

Can they afford to buy a home? In short, not on a single CNA income. The median home price in Broomfield is over $500,000. A 20% down payment ($100,000) is out of reach for most, and a mortgage payment would be well over $2,500/month. This is why many local CNAs live with roommates, in older multi-bedroom apartments in neighboring Westminster, or commute from more affordable suburbs like Thornton or Northglenn. Insider Tip: Look for employer-sponsored housing assistance or programs like the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) first-time homebuyer programs, but know that a CNA salary alone will be a steep climb for homeownership here.

Where the Jobs Are: Broomfield's Major Employers

The job market for CNAs is stable, with 153 jobs in the metro area a 10-year job growth of 4%. This is modest growth, indicating a mature market where turnover drives openings more than new expansion. Here’s where the jobs are:

1. Broomfield Hospital (SCL Health/CommonSpirit): The city's largest employer. This is a full-service hospital with ER, med/surg, and rehab units. They hire CNAs for inpatient units and often have internal pathways to become a Patient Care Technician (PCT) with a higher pay grade. Hiring Trend: Steady, with seasonal bumps (spring/summer). They heavily favor candidates with BLS/CPR certification from day one.

2. Broomfield Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center: A major long-term care facility. This is a classic CNA environment with a high volume of patients. Pay is generally at the median, but you get experience fast. Hiring Trend: Constant. They almost always have openings for night and weekend shifts.

3. Sunrise Senior Living (Broomfield location): An upscale assisted living and memory care community. The pace is different from a hospital—more focus on daily living assistance and companionship. Pay can be slightly above median due to the private-pay model. Hiring Trend: Selective. They look for CNAs with excellent soft skills and experience in dementia care.

4. Synchrony Health (Broomfield): A smaller, specialized clinic network. They sometimes hire CNAs for their chronic disease management programs (e.g., diabetes, cardiology). It’s a great 9-to-5 option. Hiring Trend: Low volume but high quality. These jobs don’t open often but are coveted for the schedule.

5. Boulder Community Health (Broomfield Medical Center): While based in Boulder, their Broomfield location is a growing outpatient center. They hire CNAs for pre- and post-procedural care. Hiring Trend: Growing, aligned with the expansion of outpatient services.

6. Private Duty Agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurse Association, Home Instead): Serve the aging population in Broomfield’s master-planned communities like Anthem and Anthem Ranch. Work is one-on-one in the home. Hiring Trend: Very strong and flexible. If you have a reliable car and clean driving record, you can find work quickly.

Insider Tip: The best jobs are often not posted publicly. Join the Colorado Healthcare Association (CHCA) and network at their local events. Many facilities prefer to hire CNAs they’ve met through agency per-diem or temp-to-perm arrangements.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado’s licensing is straightforward but has a few key steps. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) oversees this.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 75 hours of classroom and clinical training. In Broomfield, reputable programs include Front Range Community College (Boulder County Campus) and private schools like Colorado Medical Training. Cost: $800 - $1,500. Financial aid and employer reimbursement are common—always ask!

2. Pass the Competency Exam: This is a two-part test (written and skills) from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Cost: ~$125.

3. Submit Application to DORA: Once you pass the exam, you apply for certification. Processing can take 2-4 weeks. Cost: $50 application fee.

4. Get Your BLS/CPR Card: Almost every employer requires a Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers card from the American Heart Association. Take this course after your CNA training. Cost: $75 - $100.

Total Estimated Startup Cost: $1,050 - $1,775.

Timeline: From enrollment to your first paycheck, expect 3 to 4 months if you take a full-time program.

Insider Tip: Some employers, like SCL Health, offer paid CNA training programs where you work as a trainee and get certified on the job. This is the most financially savvy route. Always check the "careers" page of major local hospitals first.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Living in Broomfield itself is expensive. Consider these neighboring areas for a better commute-to-rent ratio.

1. Westminster (North of I-76): The sweet spot. Older apartment complexes offer more square footage for less money. You’re a 10-15 minute drive from Broomfield Hospital. Rent Estimate (2BR): $1,600 - $1,800/month. Commute: Easy via US-36 or I-25.

2. Thornton (East of I-25): More affordable, with a growing hospital (North Suburban Medical) that also hires CNAs. Commute to Broomfield is 20-30 minutes via I-25, but traffic can be heavy. Rent Estimate (2BR): $1,500 - $1,700/month.

3. Superior (West of Broomfield): Extremely tight rental market, but if you find a shared housing situation, you’re minutes from Broomfield and Boulder. Lifestyle is more upscale. Rent Estimate (Room in Shared House): $1,000 - $1,300/month.

4. Broomfield West (Anthem/Anthem Ranch): This is Broomfield proper but is mostly single-family homes. Rent for apartments here is premium. Only consider if you have roommates or a partner with a second income. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,900 - $2,100/month.

5. Louisville (South of Broomfield): A charming, walkable town with its own small hospital (Avista Adventist). Rent is high here too, but the quality of life is excellent. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,800 - $2,000/month.

Insider Tip: Use a commute app (like Waze) during your interview process to test drive the route from a potential neighborhood to your workplace at 6:45 AM and 3:15 PM. The difference between a 15-minute and 45-minute commute is profound for night-shift workers.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for CNAs in Broomfield is stable but limited if you stay in the role. The 4% job growth is expected to keep pace with population aging, but advancement requires proactive planning.

Specialty Premiums:

• Hospice & Palliative Care: +$1-$2/hour. High emotional demand, but deeply rewarding.
• Psychiatric CNA: +$1.50-$3/hour. Requires additional training. In high demand at facilities like the Colorado Mental Health Institute in nearby Pueblo (a possible commute).
• Dialysis Technician (CNA + Certification): +$3-$5/hour. Requires 1-2 years of experience and a certification course. DaVita and Fresenius have clinics in the metro area.

Advancement Paths:

1. CNA to LPN/RN: This is the most common and lucrative path. Front Range Community College and the University of Colorado Anschutz have robust bridge programs. Many Broomfield employers offer tuition reimbursement. An RN in Colorado can earn $70,000+, a life-changing jump.
2. CNA to Unit Secretary/Health Unit Coordinator: Combines CNA skills with administrative duties. Pay is higher, and it’s a day-shift role.
3. CNA to Clinical Instructor: After years of experience, you can teach in a CNA program at a community college or vocational school.

Insider Tip: The moment you get your CNA license, start a "career ladder" conversation with your manager. Ask what certifications or experience are needed for the next pay grade. Facilities often have clear, written ladders.

The Verdict: Is Broomfield Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Multiple large employers and a growing senior population.	High Cost of Living: Rent will consume a huge portion of your income.
Proximity to Denver/Boulder: Easy access to bigger city amenities and more healthcare opportunities.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable vehicle; public transit is not practical for most commutes.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Easy access to mountains, trails, and parks for stress relief.	Limited "CNA-Only" Growth: Advancement requires further education (LPN/RN).
Good Employer Benefits: Large hospitals offer competitive health insurance, PTO, and tuition help.	Competitive Entry-Level Market: For the best jobs, you need to network or stand out.

Final Recommendation:
Broomfield is a good choice if you are a career-focused CNA with a plan to advance to LPN/RN. The presence of major employers and tuition reimbursement can make it a launchpad. However, if you are a CNA looking to live comfortably on a single income, the math is challenging. You will likely need a roommate, a commute from a more affordable suburb, or a second income. For experienced CNAs seeking specialty roles or a better work-life balance, it’s a solid, if expensive, place to build a resume.

FAQs

Q: Is it true that Broomfield hospitals only hire CNAs with experience?
A: Not exclusively, but it helps. New grads can get hired, especially for night/weekend shifts. However, for day shifts in desirable units, 1-2 years of experience is often preferred. Insider Tip: Start in a skilled nursing facility or with a home health agency to gain experience quickly, then apply to the hospitals.

Q: How do shift differentials work here?
A: They are standard. Expect an extra $2.00 - $4.00/hour for evening (e.g., 3 PM-11 PM) and night (11 PM-7 AM) shifts.