Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Greeley, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Greeley Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. As a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Greeley, you're looking at a median salary of $35,330/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.99/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, but that comparison needs context. The cost of living in Greeley (index of 96.0) is lower than the US average (100), meaning your dollar goes further here than in many parts of the country.

However, the Colorado healthcare market is competitive. While Greeley's pay is tight, it's important to look at the experience ladder. To give you a realistic picture, here’s how salaries typically break down based on experience and certification level in the Northern Colorado region:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Greeley/Northern CO)	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$32,000 - $36,000	This is where the median $35,330 sits. New CNAs often start here, especially in nursing homes or home health.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$36,000 - $40,000	With solid experience, you can negotiate higher. Hospital roles (Northridge Medical Center) often start in this range.
Senior	5-10 years	$40,000 - $45,000	Specialties (like dialysis or geriatric psych) and shift differentials (nights/weekends) push pay up.
Expert/Specialist	10+ years	$45,000+	Leads to Charge CNA roles, agency work, or specializing in areas like hospice. Requires additional certs.

How does this compare to other Colorado cities?
Greeley's salary is lower than the Denver metro and Fort Collins. For example, CNAs in Denver often see starting salaries closer to $39,000, but the rent in Greeley ($1,190 for a 1BR) is significantly lower than Denver's ($1,600+). Boulder pays more but is prohibitively expensive for most entry-level CNAs. Greeley offers a balanced cost-of-living-to-salary ratio, especially if you're willing to commute from a more affordable neighborhood.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base pay. Ask about shift differentials. Working nights or weekends at a facility like the Greeley Veteran's Home can add $2-$4 per hour, which can boost your annual income by several thousand dollars.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's run a realistic monthly budget for a CNA earning the median $35,330/year. We'll use Colorado's state income tax (4.4%) and federal tax estimates for a single filer with the standard deduction.

Monthly Take-Home Pay Calculation:

• Gross Pay: $35,330 / 12 = $2,944/month
• Estimated Deductions: (Federal, State, FICA, Medicare) ≈ 22-24%
• Net Take-Home Pay: ≈ $2,240 - $2,290/month

Sample Monthly Budget:

• Rent (1BR Avg): $1,190
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $200
• Groceries: $350
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $350 (Essential in Greeley; public transit is limited)
• Health Insurance (if not provided by employer): $150 (Employer plans are common)
• Miscellaneous (Phone, Personal Care): $150
• Total Expenses: $2,390

Analysis: The numbers are tight. After major expenses, there's very little room for savings or discretionary spending, especially if your employer doesn't cover health insurance. This budget assumes no major debt (student loans, credit cards). If you have car payments or student loans, your margin for error disappears.

Can you afford to buy a home?
With a $2,240 monthly take-home and a median home price in Greeley around $400,000, it's extremely challenging for a single-income CNA. A 20% down payment is $80,000, and a mortgage would be over $2,000/month (PITI), which is impossible on this budget. Homeownership is a long-term goal for CNAs in Greeley, often requiring dual-income households or significant career advancement (like becoming an LPN or RN). Your best path to building equity is likely through an FHA loan with a low down payment, but you'd need to be on the higher end of the mid-level pay scale.

Where the Jobs Are: Greeley's Major Employers

Greeley's healthcare ecosystem is anchored by two major hospital systems and a robust network of long-term care facilities. The job market for CNAs is stable, with 225 jobs listed in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of 4%, which is slower than the national average. This means steady demand but not explosive growth; locals often fill openings.

Here are the key employers to target:

1. Northridge Medical Center (Banner Health): The largest hospital in Greeley and a primary employer. They hire CNAs for Med-Surg, Orthopedics, and the Emergency Department. Banner promotes internally, so starting as a CNA here is a solid path to an LPN or RN role. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with more openings for experienced CNAs.
2. Greeley Veteran's Home (Colorado State Veterans Home): A state-run facility serving older veterans. Offers stable state employment, good benefits, and a pension. Work is focused on geriatric care. Hiring Trend: Moderate but steady; they value reliability and VA background checks.
3. Northern Colorado Living (Various Locations): This company operates multiple long-term care and assisted living facilities in Greeley and Windsor. They are one of the largest regional employers for CNAs. Hiring Trend: High volume—they often have multiple openings across their campuses and offer flexible schedules.
4. Sava Senior Care (Greeley Care Center): A skilled nursing facility (SNF) specializing in rehab and long-term care. It's a classic CNA workplace with a focus on post-acute recovery. Hiring Trend: Constant need due to high patient turnover in rehab.
5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., AccentCare, LHC Group): These companies serve patients at home. Schedules are more flexible but less predictable. Great for CNAs seeking non-traditional hours. Hiring Trend: Growing demand due to an aging population preferring in-home care.
6. University of Northern Colorado (UNC): UNC's nursing program sometimes hires CNAs for clinical support or as student aides. Not a primary employer, but a networking opportunity for those in school. Hiring Trend: Tied to academic semesters.

Insider Tip: Many CNAs in Greeley "play the board." They work full-time at a hospital for benefits and pick up 1-2 shifts a week at a nursing home for higher per-hour rates. This maximizes income and builds diverse experience.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado has a clear path to becoming a CNA. You must complete an approved training program and pass the competency exam. Here’s the step-by-step, data-driven process.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training (16 hours in a clinical setting). In Greeley, programs are offered at:

   • Aims Community College: The most reputable and affordable local option. Cost is approximately $600-$900.
   • Private Schools (e.g., CNA Training School of Greeley): Often more expensive ($1,200-$1,800) but may offer faster start dates or weekend classes.
   • Total Timeline: 4-8 weeks for a full-time program; 10-12 weeks for part-time/evening classes.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, administered by Pearson VUE. This includes a written/oral test and a skills evaluation.

   • Exam Cost: ~$115 (non-refundable).
   • Timeline: Schedule within 2 years of program completion. Results are often immediate for the written portion; skills results take a few weeks.

3. Get Listed on the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry: Upon passing the exam, your name is added to the official registry. This is your license to work. You must renew it every 24 months by working at least 8 hours for pay in a qualifying setting.

Total Estimated Cost (Training + Exam): $715 - $1,915
Time from Start to First Job: 6-10 weeks

Important: Colorado accepts out-of-state licenses via reciprocity if you're active and in good standing. You'll need to submit an application to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Living in Greeley means balancing commute, affordability, and lifestyle. The city is spread out, and while public bus routes (Greeley-Evans Transit) exist, driving is the norm. Here are top neighborhoods for CNAs, ranked by rent and commute.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute (to Northridge Hospital)	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for CNAs
Central Greeley (& Downtown)	Walkable, historic, near restaurants & UNC. 5-10 min drive to hospitals.	$1,100 - $1,300	Shortest commute. Socially vibrant. Older buildings, so check quality.
East Greeley (near 6th St.)	Residential, family-oriented, established. 10-15 min drive.	$1,050 - $1,200	More space, quieter. Good balance of affordability and convenience.
West Greeley (near 10th St.)	Mixed, with some newer apartments near the mall. 10-15 min drive.	$1,150 - $1,350	Close to shopping, newer complexes with amenities. Slightly pricier.
South Greeley (near 23rd St.)	Suburban, newer developments, close to Aims CC. 15-20 min drive.	$1,200 - $1,400	Modern apartments, but farther from the hospital core. Best if you work at Aims or live a carpool.
Greeley Suburbs (e.g., Evans, Windsor)	Separate towns but part of the metro. Evans is very affordable. 15-25 min drive.	$900 - $1,200	Evans offers significantly lower rent. Commute is manageable on major roads (I-25/US-34).

Insider Tip: If you work night shift (11 pm-7 am), your commute is almost always under 15 minutes, regardless of neighborhood. Traffic is negligible. Prioritize safety and parking over walkability—most shifts start before sunrise.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Greeley is a fantastic entry point, but most use it as a stepping stone. The 10-year outlook for CNAs is stable but limited in pay; advancement is key.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse): The most common next step. Requires 12-18 months of school. In Greeley, an LPN salary starts around $48,000-$52,000, a ~40% increase. Aims Community College has a strong LPN program.
• RN (Registered Nurse): Requires an Associate's (2 years) or Bachelor's (4 years) degree. Starting RNs in Greeley make $65,000-$75,000, a near-doubling of the CNA median salary. UNC offers BSN programs, and Aims has an ADN pathway.
• Specialized Certifications: Adding certifications can boost pay within the CNA role.
  • Dialysis CNA: Works in clinics for kidney patients. Pay can hit $19-$21/hr.
  • CNA in Geriatric Psych: Trained for behavioral health. Requires specific experience and pays a premium.
  • Hospice CNA: End-of-life care. Emotionally demanding but offers deeper patient relationships and slightly higher pay.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth indicates that while demand for CNAs is steady, the field itself won't see massive wage inflation. The real growth is in moving out of the CNA role. Within 10 years, a motivated CNA in Greeley can be an experienced RN, a charge nurse, or a healthcare manager. The local healthcare network is tight-knit; building a good reputation at Northridge or the Veteran's Home can lead to tuition reimbursement for your next degree.

The Verdict: Is Greeley Right for You?

Greeley is a pragmatic choice for a nursing assistant. It's not glamorous, and the salary is modest, but it's a realistic place to launch a healthcare career without drowning in debt. Here’s the final breakdown.

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living: Rent and housing are significantly cheaper than Denver/Boulder.	Lower Wages: Salaries are below the national average and the state's major metros.
Strong Job Stability: Major hospitals and long-term care facilities provide steady employment.	Slower Career Growth: The 4% job growth is modest. You'll need to upskill to advance.
Pathway to Advanced Degrees: Aims Community College and UNC offer affordable pathways to LPN/RN.	Car-Dependent City: Limited public transit; a reliable vehicle is a necessity.
Manageable Commute: Short drives to work, even from the cheapest neighborhoods.	Limited Social Scene: It's a family-oriented, working town. Fewer amenities than a big city.
Dual-Income Potential for Homebuying: While a single CNA struggles, a dual-income household can afford a home here.	Weather: High plains climate means hot summers, cold winters, and wind.

Final Recommendation:
Greeley is a "Launchpad City" for CNAs. If your primary goal is to become an LPN or RN while keeping living costs manageable, it's an excellent choice. You can afford to save for school, gain solid clinical experience at reputable facilities, and build a network. However, if you want to earn a high CNA salary, advance quickly in your current role, or have a vibrant urban lifestyle, you'll find better opportunities in Denver or Fort Collins, albeit at a much higher cost. For the pragmatic, career-focused CNA, Greeley offers a clear, affordable path forward.

FAQs

Q: Can I work as a CNA in Greeley with an out-of-state license?
A: Yes, through Colorado's reciprocity process. You must submit an application to the Colorado CDPHE, provide proof of your current certification and good standing, and pay a fee (approx. $50). It typically takes 2-4 weeks to process.

Q: How competitive are CNA jobs at Northridge Medical Center?
A: Moderately competitive. They prefer candidates with at least 6 months of experience. New graduates should apply, but be prepared to start at a nursing home or home health agency first. Networking with current employees on LinkedIn can help.

Q: Is it worth it to get a CNA certification if I plan to go to school for LPN/RN?
A: Absolutely. It's the fastest way to get hands-on experience, understand the healthcare system, and start earning money in the field. Many schools require CNA experience for their nursing programs, and it looks strong on applications.

Q: What's the best schedule for a CNA with a family in Greeley?
A: Many facilities offer 12-hour shifts (7 am-7 pm or 7 pm-7 am). Working three 12-hour days can provide four days off, which is ideal for scheduling around family needs. Day shifts are more competitive; night and weekend shifts often have the most openings.

Q: Do I need a car as a CNA in Greeley?
A: Yes. Greeley is not walkable, and hospital/healthcare shifts often start early (early morning) or end late (night), when public transit is limited. A reliable car is a non-negotiable tool for this profession here. Carpooling with coworkers is common.