The Complete Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Centennial, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Centennial Stands

As a local career analyst, the first thing I need to tell you is that the financial picture for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Centennial is a tale of two realities. On one hand, you're in a high-demand healthcare hub with proximity to Denver's major medical centers. On the other, the cost of living here bites. Let's get straight to the data.

The median salary for a CNA in Centennial is $36,350 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $17.48. This figure sits slightly above the national average of $35,760. It’s not a dramatic premium, but it’s a start. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%, which aligns with the steady, reliable demand for healthcare support staff nationwide. The metro area has 213 jobs currently listed for the role, indicating a stable but not explosive market.

To understand where you fit, let's break down salary by experience level. This is a realistic approximation based on local job postings and industry data.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-1 years	$31,000 - $34,000
Mid-Level	2-4 years	$36,000 - $40,000
Senior	5-9 years	$41,000 - $46,000
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$46,000 - $52,000+

Insider Tip: You can push to the higher end of these ranges by specializing. A CNA with experience in geriatrics or post-surgical care in a high-volume facility like Centennial Medical Center (part of HealthONE) often commands a premium. Also, look for shift differentials. Night, weekend, and holiday shifts can add $1.50 - $3.00 per hour to your base rate.

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities

How does Centennial stack up? It’s important to know the landscape.

City	Median Salary	Key Factor
Centennial	$36,350	Proximity to Denver hospitals, moderate cost of living
Denver	~$38,200	Higher pay but significantly higher rent (+20-30%)
Colorado Springs	~$35,100	Lower cost of living, but fewer large hospital networks
Fort Collins	~$36,800	Higher pay with a strong university hospital (Banner)

Centennial offers a strategic middle ground. You’re not paying Denver’s premium rent, but you have easy access to its job market via I-25 and C-470. The commute to major Denver hospitals (like UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital or Denver Health) is typically 20-30 minutes, a trade-off many locals make for more affordable housing.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s do the math. A $36,350 annual salary breaks down to approximately $3,029 per month pre-tax. After Colorado state income tax (4.4%), federal income tax, and FICA (7.65%), your take-home pay will be closer to $2,550 - $2,650 per month, depending on deductions.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single CNA in Centennial:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,635	Average 1BR Rent in Centennial
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electric, gas, water, internet
Groceries	$300 - $400	Basic, no eating out
Car Payment/Insurance	$350 - $500	Essential; public transit is limited
Fuel	$100 - $150	Based on a 20-mile daily commute
Health Insurance	$150 - $250	If not covered by employer
Misc./Savings	$100 - $200	Phone, personal care, emergency fund
Total	~$2,785 - $3,335

The bottom line: On a median salary, your budget is tight. You will likely need a roommate to make the numbers work comfortably, or you must secure a position that offers significant shift differentials or overtime.

Can they afford to buy a home? Let's look at the numbers. The median home price in Centennial is approximately $510,000. A 20% down payment is $102,000. With a $36,350 salary, your annual income is $3,029/month. A mortgage lender typically allows a debt-to-income ratio of 36-43%. Your maximum monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $1,300. For a $408,000 loan (after a $102k down payment) at a current 7% interest rate, the monthly payment is over $2,700. The answer is no, not on a single CNA's median salary. Homeownership in Centennial on this income is not feasible without a dual income, substantial savings, or a significant career advancement.

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Where the Jobs Are: Centennial's Major Employers

Centennial is a key suburb in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area, home to several major healthcare employers. Here’s a targeted list of where to apply:

1. Centennial Medical Center (HealthONE): This is your primary anchor. Located on Arapahoe Road, it’s a full-service hospital with a robust skilled nursing facility. They consistently hire CNAs for med-surg, orthopedics, and post-surgical units. Hiring Trend: Stable, with a preference for candidates with BLS certification.

2. UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (Aurora): A 20-minute drive east on I-225. As a top-ranked academic medical center, it offers cutting-edge care and higher pay. They have a large long-term care unit and numerous sub-acute rehab positions. Hiring Trend: Competitive; they often require experience and may offer tuition assistance for LPN/RN programs.

3. Littleton Adventist Hospital (Centura Health): Located just south of Centennial in Littleton. Similar to Centennial Medical Center, it’s a community hospital with a strong focus on family care and senior services. Hiring Trend: Growing need in their geriatric and palliative care units.

4. Sunrise Senior Living (Greenwood Village): An upscale assisted living community on the border of Centennial and Greenwood Village. Focuses on dementia and memory care. Hiring Trend: High demand for CNAs with patience and a passion for geriatrics. Pay is often at the higher end for the area.

5. The Suites at Creekside (Assisted Living, Centennial): A locally known facility with a reputation for good staffing ratios. A great place to gain experience in a less acute setting. Hiring Trend: Steady turnover, good for entry-level candidates.

6. Home Health Agencies (Visit us at Home, BrightStar Care, etc.): Don’t overlook home health. With an aging population, in-home care is booming. This offers more flexible schedules but requires a driver's license and a reliable vehicle. Hiring Trend: Rapid growth, especially for weekend and overnight shifts.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers participate in the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s Workforce Program. Check their website for potential subsidization of training costs if you’re a recent graduate or changing careers.

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Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado’s licensing process is clear but requires attention to detail. Here’s your roadmap.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training, which includes both classroom and clinical hours. In Centennial, reputable programs are offered at:

   • Arapahoe Community College (ACC): Located in Littleton, just minutes from Centennial. Their CNA program is affordable and well-regarded.
   • Pikes Peak Community College (PPCC) - Centennial Campus: Offers flexible schedules.
   • Private Schools: Search for "Colorado CNA schools" near your zip code. Costs range from $800 - $1,500.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: Colorado uses the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). This consists of a written (or oral) exam and a skills demonstration. The exam fee is typically $115 - $125. Your school will help you register.

3. Apply for Your CNA Certification: Once you pass the NNAAP, you apply through the Colorado Board of Nursing. The application fee is $50. Your name will be added to the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Enrollment to Certification: 6-10 weeks total.
• **Fastest Path:**报名 a program that offers a 4-week intensive course. You could be job-ready in about two months.
• State Licensing Board: Colorado Board of Nursing (www.nursingboard.dora.state.co.us). Bookmark this site for renewals (every 2 years, with 10 hours of continuing education).

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Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Choosing where to live in Centennial impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four neighborhoods to consider:

1. Central Centennial (80112): This is the heart of the city. You’re a 5-10 minute drive from Centennial Medical Center and major shopping centers. It’s a mix of older, affordable apartments and single-family homes.

   • Commute: Excellent to local hospitals.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,750 for a 1BR apartment.
   • Vibe: Convenient, suburban, family-oriented.

2. South Centennial / Lone Tree (80124): North of the I-25 and C-470 interchange. This area is newer, with modern apartment complexes and higher-end amenities. It’s a short drive to UCHealth in Aurora.

   • Commute: Good to all major employers, 20-25 minutes to Denver hospitals.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,750 - $2,100 for a 1BR apartment.
   • Vibe: Upscale, quiet, more professional.

3. West Centennial / Inverness (80111): Close to the Arapahoe/Damascus area. Older housing stock, more affordable rents, and great access to the High Line Canal trail for walking or biking.

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to Centennial Medical Center, 25+ to Denver.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,650 for a 1BR apartment.
   • Vibe: Established, quiet, good value.

4. Nearby Aurora (80015): Just east of Centennial. Rents can be lower, and you have direct access to the I-225 corridor for UCHealth. The area is more diverse and urban.

   • Commute: Excellent to UCHealth (10 mins), 20-25 mins to Centennial Medical Center.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,600 for a 1BR apartment.
   • Vibe: Urban, diverse, more affordable.

Insider Tip: When apartment hunting, ask about "nurse discounts." Some complexes near hospital corridors offer them as an incentive for healthcare workers, especially for night-shift staff.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA in Centennial isn’t a dead-end job; it’s a launchpad. Here’s how to level up:

• Specialty Certifications (Premium Wages):

  • Gero-Certification: Specializing in geriatrics can add $1-$2/hour.
  • Hospice CNA: Requires additional training but pays a premium and offers profound purpose.
  • Restorative Nursing: Working with PT/OT to help patients regain mobility is a valued skill.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Lead CNA/Monitor Technician: Supervise others, train new hires. Pay can hit $42,000-$48,000.
  2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Requires 12-18 months of school. In Centennial, LPNs can earn $50,000 - $65,000. This is a common and wise next step.
  3. Registered Nurse (RN): The ultimate goal for many. With an ADN or BSN, salaries start at $70,000+ in the Denver metro. Many hospitals (like Centennial Medical Center) offer tuition reimbursement.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is steady, not flashy. However, with Colorado’s aging population (over 65 is the fastest-growing demographic), the demand for CNAs in home health, assisted living, and long-term care will remain strong. The key to growth is specialization and credentialing. Your local experience at a Centennial hospital will be a gold star on any future nursing school application.

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The Verdict: Is Centennial Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market with 213+ jobs and major employers.	High Cost of Living. Rent is 105.5% of the national average, and the median salary won't stretch far.
Strategic Location. Easy highway access to Denver's top hospitals for better pay opportunities.	Car Dependency. You need a reliable car for most commutes; public transit is inadequate.
Family-Friendly & Safe. Centennial has excellent schools and low crime rates, making it ideal if you have or plan a family.	Competitive Housing Market. Finding affordable rent requires a roommate or a compromise on space/amenities.
Career Launchpad. Perfect for gaining experience in acute care to transition to nursing.	Median Salary Limitations. Homeownership is likely out of reach on a single CNA income.

Final Recommendation:
Centennial is an excellent choice for a CNA who is career-focused and willing to live with roommates or on a strict budget. It’s ideal for those who see the role as a stepping stone to LPN or RN school, leveraging the proximity to top healthcare employers for experience and tuition reimbursement. It’s a less ideal choice for someone seeking a single, comfortable lifestyle on a CNA salary or for those who prefer a walkable, car-free urban environment. If you’re ambitious, practical, and love the Colorado climate, Centennial provides a solid foundation for a long-term healthcare career.

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FAQs

1. How does the cost of living in Centennial compare to the national average?
Centennial’s Cost of Living Index is 105.5, meaning it’s 5.5% more expensive than the U.S. average. The biggest driver is housing. Your salary will go further here than in downtown Denver but less than in cities like Colorado Springs.

2. What’s the typical hiring process for a CNA in Centennial?
Expect a two-week process. You’ll apply online, likely get a phone screening, then an in-person interview (often with a skills check). Background checks and TB tests are standard. The best time to apply is during winter (Jan-Feb) when post-holiday turnover happens, and in late spring (May-Jun) before summer vacation season.

3. Is Colorado a "right-to-work" state for CNAs?
No, Colorado is a "collective bargaining" state. This means some hospitals (like UCHealth) have unionized workers. As a CNA, you may have protections and benefits negotiated by the union, which can include better pay scales and working conditions. Research if a potential employer is unionized.

4. What’s the best way to find a roommate in Centennial to manage costs?
Use Facebook Groups like "Denver Metro Roommates" or "Centennial, CO Housing & Rentals." Also, check with your training program or new employer—many have bulletin boards for incoming staff looking to share housing. Proximity to light rail stops (like the Arapahoe at I-25 station) can be a great selling point for a roommate situation.

5. Will my out-of-state CNA license transfer to Colorado?
Maybe. Colorado has reciprocity with many states, but not all. You must have held an active license in good standing and have worked as a CNA for at least 100 hours in the past 24 months. If you don’t qualify, you’ll need to take the NNAAP exam here. Always check the Colorado Board of Nursing website for the most current reciprocity list.