The Complete Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Colorado Springs, CO

As a career analyst who has lived in Colorado Springs for over a decade, I’ve watched the healthcare sector evolve alongside the city’s steady growth. For Nursing Assistants (CNAs), this is a market with clear opportunities but also distinct challenges, particularly around affordability. This guide is built on local data, from the specific rent in Old Colorado City to the hiring cycles at Penrose Hospital. We’ll cut through the promotion and give you the straight facts you need to decide if the Springs is your next career stop.

The Salary Picture: Where Colorado Springs Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers, because they tell a critical story. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the Colorado Springs metropolitan statistical area, the environment for CNAs is defined by the following benchmarks.

Median Salary: $35,481/year
Hourly Rate: $17.06/hour
National Average: $35,760/year
Jobs in Metro: 977
10-Year Job Growth: 4%

The key takeaway here is that Colorado Springs pays slightly below the national average for CNAs, but the 10-year job growth of 4% is robust for a certified role, indicating stable demand. The 977 open jobs in the metro area (which includes Teller and El Paso counties) suggests a healthy turnover rate and opportunities for immediate placement.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a useful starting point, your actual earnings will hinge on experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local employer data and market trends.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$31,000 - $33,500	$14.90 - $16.10/hr	Common for new hires in nursing homes or home health agencies. Look for sign-on bonuses.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$35,000 - $38,000	$16.83 - $18.27/hr	This is near the median. CNAs with specialties (e.g., dementia care) or in acute care (hospital) settings hit this range.
Senior-Level (5-10 yrs)	$38,500 - $42,000	$18.51 - $20.19/hr	Often requires additional certifications (CPR, phlebotomy) or a lead CNA role. Common in major hospital systems.
Expert/Specialist (10+ yrs)	$42,500+	$20.43+/hr	Typically involves supervisory duties, patient care tech roles, or niche specialties. Limited availability.

Insider Tip: Salaries at major hospitals like UCHealth and Penrose-St. Francis Health Services often start higher for entry-level CNAs than at long-term care facilities. They also offer better benefits packages, which can effectively increase your total compensation by 10-15%.

Comparison to Other Colorado Cities

Colorado Springs is more affordable than Denver but less lucrative. Here’s how it stacks up:

City	Median Annual Salary (CNA)	Avg. 1BR Rent	Rent as % of Monthly Income*
Colorado Springs	$35,481	$1,408	48%
Denver Metro	~$38,000	~$1,750	55%
Ft. Collins	~$36,500	~$1,450	48%
Grand Junction	~$34,000	~$1,200	42%

*Based on pre-tax monthly income. Colorado Springs offers a balance, though housing cost is a significant burden.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Earning $35,481 annually breaks down to $2,957 per month before taxes. After federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare taxes (est. ~20% combined), your take-home pay is approximately $2,365 per month.

With the average 1BR rent at $1,408, that leaves you with $957 per month for all other expenses: utilities, groceries, gas, insurance, and savings. In a city where a gallon of milk can cost $3.50 and a monthly bus pass is $99, this budget is tight.

Can they afford to buy a home? On this salary alone, it’s extremely challenging. The median home price in Colorado Springs is over $400,000. A 20% down payment would be $80,000. Even with a lower down payment, the monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance would far exceed $2,000, making it unfeasible on a single CNA income. Homeownership typically requires dual incomes or a significant career advancement (e.g., becoming an LPN or RN) first.

Where the Jobs Are: Colorado Springs's Major Employers

The healthcare sector here is dominated by two major systems and several key facilities. Hiring is consistent, but competition is higher at the hospitals.

1. UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central: The region’s largest Level II Trauma Center. They hire CNAs as Patient Care Technicians (PCTs). Expect fast-paced, acute care experience. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a slight surge in late fall/winter (flu season readiness).
2. Penrose-St. Francis Health Services (CommonSpirit Health): A dual-campus system with a strong community reputation. Their CNA roles often emphasize holistic care. Insider Insight: Penrose tends to have a slightly lower turnover rate, suggesting a better workplace culture.
3. UCHealth Pikes Peak Regional Hospital: Located in Woodland Park, serving the western fringe of the metro. A smaller, community-focused facility with less competition for jobs.
4. Veterans Affairs (VA) Eastern Colorado Health Care System: The VA clinic in Colorado Springs is a major employer. Federal jobs offer superior benefits and union protection. Hiring Hurdle: The application process is lengthy (often 3-6 months).
5. Sapphire at St. Francis (formerly St. Francis Medical Center): A long-term acute care hospital. This is a niche employer for CNAs seeking experience with complex, long-term patient cases.
6. Major Long-Term Care Facilities: Providers like Springs Living (with locations in northern Colorado Springs) and BeeHive Homes (assisted living) are consistently hiring. They often offer more flexible schedules but lower pay.
7. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) and AccentCare serve the sprawling suburban neighborhoods. This offers independence but can be isolating and requires reliable transportation.

Hiring Trend: The market is stable. The 4% growth is reflected in the constant need to fill roles created by retirement and turnover. The best time to apply is typically January (post-holidays) and August (pre-winter).

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado does not require a separate state CNA exam if you are already certified in another state with a substantially equivalent program. However, you must register your out-of-state certification with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Process for New CNAs:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: Colorado requires a minimum of 80 hours of training (classroom and clinical). Local programs are offered at Pikes Peak State College (downtown campus) and Integrity Healthcare College (south side). Cost ranges from $800 - $1,500.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: This consists of a written (or oral) test and a skills demonstration. The exam fee is approximately $150.
3. Submit Application to DORA: Once you pass, you apply for your Colorado Nurse Aide Registry listing. The application fee is $46.50.
4. Timeline: From start to certified and listed, expect 2-4 months. Accelerated programs can shorten this.

For Out-of-State CNAs: You must submit a verification form from your home state’s registry. The process can take 4-8 weeks. Pro Tip: Start this process before you move, as you cannot work as a CNA in Colorado until you are on the registry.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live will directly impact your commute and budget. Colorado Springs is geographically spread out.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown / Old Colorado City	Walkable, historic, artsy. Easy commute to Penrose-St. Francis. Can be pricey for parking.	$1,550+	Those who want city life and don’t mind a smaller living space.
Northgate / Academy	Rapidly growing, military-adjacent (near AFA). New apartments, easy access to I-25. Commute to Memorial Central is 15-20 mins.	$1,450 - $1,600	Young professionals, those working at the VA clinic or northern hospitals.
Southeast (Powers Blvd Corridor)	Suburban, family-oriented, more affordable. Home to many clinics and senior living facilities. Commute can be heavy on Powers.	$1,250 - $1,400	Budget-conscious CNAs, those working in home health or long-term care.
Westside / Manitou Springs	Unique, mountain-adjacent, artistic. A longer, scenic commute to hospitals. Higher rents for the views.	$1,500 - $1,700	Those who prioritize lifestyle and nature over a short commute.
Fountain / Security-Widefield	Very affordable, quiet suburban feel. Commute is 25-35 mins to central hospitals. Strong military family presence.	$1,100 - $1,300	The best option for maximizing savings on a CNA salary.

Insider Tip: If you work at Memorial Central, living on the westside or in Manitou can be a poor choice due to I-25 traffic during shift changes. For that hospital, Northgate or Downtown is ideal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The career path for a CNA in Colorado Springs typically leads to formal nursing roles. The 10-year outlook of 4% growth is positive but modest, meaning most advancement requires additional education.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs with additional certifications (e.g., CPR/BLS, Phlebotomy, Gerontology) can often command $1-2 more per hour. Experience with dementia care or dialysis is highly valued in local nursing homes and clinics.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse): The most common next step. Programs at Pikes Peak State College take about 12-18 months. Starting LPN salary in COS is typically $48,000 - $52,000.
  2. RN (Registered Nurse): Requires an Associate's (ADN) or Bachelor's (BSN) degree. This is a significant pay jump to $65,000 - $80,000+. ADN programs are 2 years; BSN is 4.
  3. Medical Assistant (MA): Some CNAs transition to MA roles for more clinical variety and slightly higher pay (~$40,000), though the role is different (more administrative/clinical).

10-Year Outlook: While growth is steady, the real opportunity is in the transition to higher licensure. The healthcare system in Colorado Springs is increasingly seeking nurses with BSNs, so starting as a CNA here is an excellent way to gain experience while pursuing further education locally.

The Verdict: Is Colorado Springs Right for You?

Colorado Springs offers a rewarding career in a stable market, but it comes with significant financial trade-offs.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: 977 jobs and 4% growth provide security.	Low Pay Relative to Living Costs: Rent consumes nearly half of take-home pay.
Outdoor Access: Unbeatable for hikers, skiers, and nature lovers.	Car Dependency: Nearly impossible to live without a reliable vehicle.
Major Employers: Diverse settings from hospitals to home health.	Homeownership Barrier: Very difficult on a single CNA salary.
Lower Cost than Denver: More affordable housing than the front range hub.	Limited Public Transit: Ramps up commute times and costs.
Community Feel: Smaller city vibe than Denver, with strong military ties.	Seasonal Weather: Winters can be long and dry; summer wildfire smoke can affect air quality.

Final Recommendation: Colorado Springs is an excellent choice for CNAs who plan to use the role as a stepping stone. It’s ideal if you are a new graduate, a career-changer, or a CNA planning to enter an LPN or RN program locally. The experience you gain at major hospitals is valuable. However, if your primary goal is immediate homeownership or maximum savings on a single income, you may find the math too challenging. Bring a roommate, a budget, and a clear plan for advancement.

FAQs

1. Will my out-of-state CNA license work in Colorado Springs?
Yes, but you must apply for reciprocity through the Colorado DORA before you can work. Start the process 2-3 months before your move.

2. Are there sign-on bonuses for CNAs here?
Yes, especially at long-term care facilities and during high-demand seasons (winter). Bonuses can range from $1,000 - $3,000, often paid out over 6-12 months of employment.

3. How is the job market for night or weekend shifts?
Very strong. Hospitals and 24/7 facilities like the VA and nursing homes have high demand for non-traditional hours. Shift differentials can add $2-3/hour to your base pay.

4. Is Colorado Springs a good place for a family on a CNA salary?
It’s challenging. With a median salary of $35,481, supporting a family on one income is difficult in the current housing market. It’s more feasible with a partner’s income or on a dual-income household.

5. What’s the best path to higher pay quickly?
Specialize. Get certified in geriatrics, dialysis, or palliative care. Pursue additional credentials like phlebotomy. Then, apply to the highest-paying settings: UCHealth, Penrose, or the VA. And most importantly, enroll in an LPN program as soon as you can—this is the fastest route to a significant salary increase.