The Ultimate Career Guide for Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in Denver, CO

So, you're thinking about packing your bags for the Mile High City. As a local who’s watched the healthcare scene here for over a decade, I can tell you it’s a market with real potential—but it’s not without its challenges. Denver isn't a cheap place to live, and the competition for the best jobs can be fierce. This guide is designed to cut through the noise and give you the unvarnished, data-driven reality of being a CNA in Denver. We’ll talk numbers, neighborhoods, and the nitty-gritty of Colorado’s licensing process. Let’s get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Denver Stands

First, the bottom line. According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for a Nursing Assistant in Denver is $36,350 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.48. This is just slightly above the national average of $35,760, but that small margin doesn’t tell the full story. The cost of living in Denver is significantly higher than the national average, which we’ll dissect later.

Your earning potential here is heavily influenced by experience, the type of facility you work in, and your shift differentials. Here’s a realistic breakdown of the salary progression you can expect:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-1 year)	$32,000 - $36,000	Often starts in long-term care or hospital per-diem roles. Base pay is closer to the lower end.
Mid-Career (2-5 years)	$36,350 - $42,000	You may land a staff position at a major hospital, gaining shift differentials (often $2-$4/hour extra for nights/weekends).
Senior (5-10 years)	$42,000 - $48,000	Specialized roles (e.g., dialysis, hospice) or taking on mentor/lead CNA positions.
Expert (10+ years)	$48,000+	Often involves moving into education, management, or high-demand specialties like home health agency coordination.

How does Denver compare to other Colorado cities? It’s firmly in the middle. You might make a few thousand less in a smaller city like Fort Collins, but the job density is far lower. Colorado Springs can be slightly competitive, but Denver’s large hospital systems (UCHealth, SCL Health, Denver Health) offer more specialty opportunities. The 10-year job growth for the metro area is projected at 4%, which is steady but not explosive, mirroring national trends. This means you’ll need to be proactive and strategic in your job hunt. With 1,433 jobs in the metro area, competition is real but not insurmountable.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally honest about your budget. On a median salary of $36,350, your monthly take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA, and Colorado state income tax (which starts at 4.4%) is approximately $2,350. Now, let’s factor in Denver’s housing market, where the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,835/month. The Cost of Living Index for Denver is 105.5 (US average = 100), making it 5.5% more expensive than the national average.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single CNA earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,350	After taxes on $36,350.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,835	This is the citywide average. You may find cheaper in suburbs.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200	Varies by season; winter heating can spike.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300	Essential in Denver; public transit isn't always reliable for all shifts.
Groceries	$300	A modest but realistic budget.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$150	Employer plans are common but may have premiums.
Remaining for Everything Else	-$435	This includes gas, savings, debt, entertainment, and emergencies.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single $36,350 income, it’s nearly impossible. The median home price in the Denver metro area is well over $500,000. A 20% down payment would be $100,000, and a mortgage payment would be unsustainable with your take-home pay. Dual-income households or significant career advancement are prerequisites for homeownership here. Your first financial goal should be building a robust emergency fund and managing debt, not buying property.

Where the Jobs Are: Denver's Major Employers

Denver’s healthcare system is robust and dominated by a few major players. Here’s where the majority of CNA jobs are concentrated:

1. UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (Aurora): The flagship hospital on the Anschutz Medical Campus. It’s a major teaching and Level I trauma center. They have a constant need for CNAs in med-surg, ICU, and specialty units. Hiring is competitive; they often post positions on their internal career site first.
2. Denver Health: A safety-net hospital system integrated with the city. They serve a diverse patient population and are a great place to gain experience in high-acuity, urban medicine. Look for jobs in their main hospital or community health centers.
3. SCL Health (now part of Intermountain Healthcare): Operates multiple facilities in the area, including St. Joseph Hospital in downtown Denver and Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette. They emphasize a faith-based mission, which can attract a specific type of employee. Their growth strategy is aggressive, creating job openings.
4. Centura Health: Runs St. Anthony Hospital (Lakewood) and St. Francis Medical Center (Colorado Springs) with a strong presence in the western suburbs. Their network is large, offering chances to move between facilities.
5. Major Long-Term Care Facilities: Companies like Bloomfield Healthcare & Rehabilitation (Denver) and Sommerset Memory Care (multiple locations) are always hiring. These are often the fastest path to a full-time, benefits-eligible position and offer consistent shifts.
6. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Interim HealthCare and Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) Colorado offer flexibility but typically less stability and lower pay than hospital roles. A good option for per-diem work or if you need a non-traditional schedule.

Insider Tip: Many hospitals use a “float pool” or “resource pool” for CNAs. These positions cover shortages across multiple units. They often pay a higher hourly rate or offer shift differentials but require flexibility. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door and see which unit you like best.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado requires a state-approved CNA training program and passing both a competency exam (skills and written) to be listed on the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

• Training: You must complete a state-approved program, which typically consists of 75-120 hours of classroom and clinical instruction. Costs range from $800 to $1,500. Many community colleges (like Community College of Denver) offer affordable programs, and some employers (especially long-term care facilities) offer on-the-job training or tuition reimbursement if you commit to working for them for a set period.
• Exams: After training, you must schedule the competency exam through Credentia, the state’s testing provider. The fee is approximately $150 for the full exam (skills and written). You must pass both parts to be listed on the registry.
• Timeline: From start to finish, expect it to take 2 to 4 months. This includes finding a training program, completing the hours, and scheduling the exam. Once you pass, your name is added to the registry, and you are officially a CNA in Colorado.
• Important Note: Colorado has a temporary permit process for those who have completed their training but not yet taken the exam. This allows you to work as a CNA for a limited time (typically 120 days) under the supervision of a licensed nurse. This is a critical bridge for getting hired quickly.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Your choice of neighborhood will directly impact your commute, rent, and quality of life. Here are four areas that balance affordability and accessibility to major healthcare employers:

• Aurora (Near Anschutz Medical Campus):

  • Commute: 10-minute drive to UCHealth and Children's Hospital Colorado. Easily accessible via I-225.
  • Lifestyle: A diverse, suburban area with a wide range of amenities. Less expensive than central Denver.
  • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,700/month for a 1BR. You get more square footage for your money here.
  • Best For: CNA's who land a job at the Anschutz Medical Campus and want a short, affordable commute.

• Wheat Ridge / Lakewood (West Denver):

  • Commute: 15-25 minutes to St. Anthony Hospital (Centura) and easy access to I-70 for downtown hospitals.
  • Lifestyle: A mix of older, established neighborhoods and newer developments. More green space and a quieter, residential feel.
  • Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,800/month for a 1BR.
  • Best For: Those working at western suburbs hospitals or who prefer a less dense, more suburban environment.

• Central Denver (Capitol Hill, Uptown):

  • Commute: 10-15 minutes by car or bus to Denver Health and SCL Health St. Joseph’s. Good public transit options.
  • Lifestyle: Walkable, vibrant, with endless restaurants, bars, and parks. The urban core in action.
  • Rent Estimate: $1,900 - $2,200+ for a 1BR. You pay a premium for location.
  • Best For: CNAs who prioritize lifestyle and want to be in the heart of the city. Best for those without a car or who work at downtown hospitals.

• Thornton / Northglenn (North Metro):

  • Commute: 20-30 minutes to major hospitals; good highway access (I-25, I-76).
  • Lifestyle: Family-oriented suburbs with newer housing stock, good schools, and major shopping centers.
  • Rent Estimate: $1,550 - $1,750/month for a 1BR.
  • Best For: CNAs seeking a quieter, more affordable suburban lifestyle and a manageable commute to multiple hospital systems.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the median salary of $36,350 may seem low, the CNA role in Denver is a critical launchpad. The real value is in the experience and the pathways it unlocks.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs with experience in high-demand areas can command higher pay or better positions.

  • Dialysis: CNAs in dialysis clinics often earn $2-$4 more per hour than the median.
  • Hospice & Palliative Care: Requires specific training and empathy, offering a different pace and profound patient relationships.
  • Surgical/Procedure Units: Working in pre-op or post-anesthesia care (PACU) can lead to higher pay due to the specialized skill set.

• Advancement Paths from a CNA Role:

  1. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Accelerated programs are available. Denver has multiple LPN programs (e.g., at Emily Griffith Technical College). This can boost your salary to the $50,000 - $60,000 range.
  2. Registered Nurse (RN): An Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor’s (BSN) is the next step. Denver is a hub for nursing education, with programs at Regis University, University of Colorado Anschutz, and community colleges. An RN in Denver can earn a median salary of $85,000 or more, dramatically changing the financial equation.
  3. CNA Instructor: With experience and additional certification (often an RN license), you can train the next generation of CNAs at local colleges or training programs.

10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth and an aging population, demand for CNAs will remain steady. However, the most secure and highest-paid futures belong to those who use the CNA role as a stepping stone. The healthcare landscape in Denver is shifting towards team-based care, and skilled CNAs are integral to that model.

The Verdict: Is Denver Right for You?

Here’s a final, tangible breakdown to help you decide.

Pros	Cons
Robust Job Market: 1,433 jobs in a city with world-class healthcare systems.	High Cost of Living: Rent at $1,835/month on a $36,350 salary leaves little room for error.
Career Advancement: Unparalleled access to nursing schools and specialty certifications.	Competitive Entry: Landing the best jobs at top hospitals requires persistence and may start with per-diem or night shifts.
Outdoor Lifestyle: World-class hiking, skiing, and sunshine are within reach, an excellent benefit for healthcare workers needing work-life balance.	Traffic & Commutes: Denver's traffic is notorious. Your commute can quickly eat into your free time and budget for gas.
Diverse Patient Population: You’ll see a wide range of cases, especially in urban centers like Denver Health.	Weather Extremes: Winters are mild but snowy; summers are hot and dry. You need a reliable vehicle for all seasons.

Final Recommendation: Denver is not the place for a fresh CNA to get rich quickly. It is, however, an excellent place for a CNA who is serious about a long-term healthcare career. If you are willing to live modestly, perhaps with a roommate, and invest in further education, Denver offers a path that many smaller cities cannot. The financial strain is real, but the professional payoff at the end of the tunnel—moving into an LPN or RN role in a thriving metro—is significant.

FAQs

1. Can I get a job as a CNA in Denver before I move?
It’s challenging but possible. Most employers prefer local candidates for interviews and immediate start dates. Your best bet is to apply for positions 4-6 weeks before your planned move date, be transparent about your timeline, and secure a Colorado CNA license or temporary permit first.

2. Do hospitals or long-term care facilities in Denver pay for my CNA training?
Yes, many long-term care facilities and some home health agencies offer on-the-job training programs. You typically sign a contract to work for them for 6-12 months after completion. Hospitals are less likely to pay for initial CNA training but often offer tuition reimbursement for advancing to LPN/RN.

3. Is it worth it to work the night shift in Denver?
Financially, yes. Night shift differentials can add $2 to $4 per hour, which on a $17.48 base rate is a significant boost. However, consider the impact on your sleep schedule and social life. The Denver winter commute on icy roads during night shift is also a safety factor to weigh.

4. How do I stand out in the Denver CNA job market?
Specialize. Get experience in high-acuity units like med-surg, telemetry, or ICU. Obtain additional certifications like BLS (required), but also consider ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) or PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) if your employer offers them. Fluency in Spanish is a massive asset given Denver’s demographics.

5. What’s the biggest mistake new CNAs make when moving to Denver?
Underestimating the cost of living and overestimating their starting salary. Many arrive expecting to live alone in a trendy neighborhood on a CNA salary, only to find their budget strained. The reality is that living with roommates or in the suburbs is common and often necessary. Plan your finances accordingly.