Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Lakewood, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

If you're considering moving to Lakewood or starting your CNA career here, the first thing to understand is the financial reality. Lakewood sits in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area, and while it's not the most expensive part of Colorado, it's certainly not cheap. The data tells a clear story: $36,350/year is the median salary for a CNA here, which breaks down to $17.48/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $35,760/year, but the cost of living index of 105.5 (US = 100) eats into that advantage.

Lakewood's healthcare market is mature and competitive. With a metro population of 155,973, the demand for CNAs is steady but not explosive—there are 311 jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth projection is 4%. This isn't a boomtown for healthcare, but it's a stable, reliable market with consistent need, especially in long-term care and home health.

Here’s how experience level impacts your earnings in Lakewood:

Experience Level	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$30,000 - $33,000	$14.42 - $15.87	Often starts in nursing homes or large hospital systems. Shift differentials add ~$2-$3/hour for nights/weekends.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$35,000 - $40,000	$16.83 - $19.23	Specialized units (ER, rehab, hospice) start to open up. Benefits packages improve.
Senior-Level (5-10 years)	$40,000 - $45,000	$19.23 - $21.63	Often leads to charge CNA roles, trainer positions, or agency work. Overtime can push earnings higher.
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$45,000+	$21.63+	Typically requires additional certifications (e.g., CMA, CNA II) or moves into management/supervision.

How Lakewood Compares to Other CO Cities:

• Denver: Median salary is similar (~$37,000), but rent is 20-30% higher. The job market is larger but more competitive.
• Colorado Springs: Slightly lower median (~$34,500), with a lower cost of living and a strong military/veteran hospital presence.
• Fort Collins: Median is comparable (~$36,000), but the market is smaller and dominated by hospital systems like Banner Health.
• Grand Junction: Lower median (~$32,000) and a smaller healthcare network, but much lower cost of living.

Insider Tip: The shift differential at major Lakewood hospitals (like St. Anthony Hospital) can add $2-$4/hour for evening, night, and weekend shifts. For a CNA working three 12-hour night shifts per week, this can bump your annual earnings by $5,000-$8,000. This is a key strategy for making the math work in Lakewood.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally practical. A CNA earning the median of $36,350/year in Lakewood faces a tough budget. After federal taxes, Colorado state taxes, and FICA (Medicare/Social Security), your monthly take-home pay is approximately $2,350. This assumes you're filing single with no dependents.

Your single largest expense will be rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Lakewood costs $1,835/month. This leaves you with just $515 per month for all other expenses (utilities, food, transportation, insurance, savings). This is extremely tight.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a CNA Earning $36,350/year:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Monthly Take-Home Pay	$2,350	After taxes (based on single filer)
Avg. 1BR Rent	$1,835	Lakewood metro average
Remaining for Everything Else	$515	This is the critical challenge
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	~$150	Varies by season; winter heating costs are high.
Groceries	~$300	Tight budget; meal planning is essential.
Car Payment/Insurance	~$250	Assumes a used car; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (if not employer)	~$200+	Employer plans are better; CO marketplace can be costly.
Student Loans/Other Debt	Varies
Savings/Emergency Fund	~$50	Very difficult to save on this budget.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
No. On a median CNA salary, buying a home in Lakewood is not feasible without a significant second income or substantial savings. The median home price in Lakewood is over $500,000. A 20% down payment is $100,000. Even with a low down payment FHA loan, the monthly mortgage payment, taxes, and insurance would likely exceed $2,800/month, which is more than the entire take-home pay. Homeownership for a single CNA in Lakewood is a long-term goal that requires career advancement, dual-income households, or moving to a more affordable suburb like Sheridan or parts of Adams County.

Insider Tip: Many CNAs in Lakewood live with roommates or partners to split rent. Consider looking for apartments in older complexes or basement suites in neighborhoods like Green Mountain or Lakewood Heights, where you might find a 1BR for $1,600-$1,700. This small saving of $135-$235/month makes a huge difference in your budget.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood's healthcare landscape is dominated by a mix of large hospital systems and specialized care facilities. Here’s a breakdown of the key players and their hiring trends:

1. St. Anthony Hospital (Centura Health): Located in the Lakewood/Golden area, this is a major Level II Trauma Center. They hire CNAs for med-surg, orthopedics, and the emergency department. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a preference for candidates with acute care experience. They offer a $2-$3/hour shift differential for nights and weekends. Benefits are comprehensive, including tuition assistance.

2. Lakewood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (Genesis HealthCare): A large long-term care facility in the Applewood area. This is a classic CNA employer. Hiring Trend: Very high turnover means constant openings, especially for new graduates. Pay is at the lower end of the scale, but it's a great place to gain experience in geriatric care.

3. National Jewish Health (Albert B. Sabin Campus): Located near the Belmar district, this is a world-renowned respiratory hospital. CNAs work in specialized outpatient clinics and inpatient units. Hiring Trend: Competitive; they seek CNAs with strong patient interaction skills and an interest in respiratory health. Benefits and work environment are top-tier.

4. Banner Health (North of Lakewood): While their main hospital is in north Denver, Banner operates numerous clinics and a behavioral health facility near Lakewood. Hiring Trend: Growing demand in behavioral health and outpatient surgery centers. Good for those seeking a 9-to-5 schedule.

5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurse Association, BrightStar Care): These agencies have offices in Lakewood and serve the entire metro area. Hiring Trend: Growing due to an aging population. Offers more autonomy but requires reliable transportation. Pay can be $18-$22/hour due to travel, but you must factor in vehicle costs.

6. Sunrise Senior Living (locations in Golden/Lakewood): High-end assisted living facilities. Hiring Trend: Focus on customer service and hospitality. Often pays slightly above median and offers benefits for full-time staff. Less medical intensity than nursing homes.

7. Jefferson County School District: Hires CNAs to work as health aides in school nurse offices. Hiring Trend: Steady with school year cycles. Offers predictable hours, summers off, and great benefits. Competitive to get in.

Insider Tip: The Centura Health and Banner Health systems have "float pool" positions. As a CNA, you can work in multiple departments across their network. This provides variety, prevents burnout, and often comes with a higher hourly rate ($1-$2 more). It's an excellent path for mid-career CNAs.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado requires CNAs to be listed on the state registry. If you're new to the field or moving from another state, here’s the process.

For New CNAs (Never Certified):

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: Programs in Lakewood range from $800 to $1,500. Community colleges like Community College of Denver (West Campus) offer affordable options. Private schools like Pima Medical Institute are more expensive but faster.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: The exam (written and skills) costs $135 (as of 2023). You must pass both parts within three attempts.
3. Apply for State Registry: Once you pass, you submit an application to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). There is a $44 fee. Processing takes 2-4 weeks.

For CNAs Moving from Another State (Reciprocity):

• If you're in good standing on another state's registry, you can apply for endorsement in Colorado. The fee is $44.
• Requirement: You must have worked for pay for at least 8 hours in the past 24 months as a CNA. This is a critical step—don't let your certification lapse before moving.
• Timeline: The Colorado CDPHE processes reciprocity applications in 2-3 weeks.

Total Estimated Cost (New CNA): $879 - $1,579 (training + exam + fees).
Timeline: 4-8 weeks from starting training to being on the registry.

Insider Tip: Many Lakewood employers, especially nursing homes, will hire you as a CNA trainee. They pay for your training in exchange for a 6-12 month work commitment. This is the best financial path if you're switching careers and can't afford upfront tuition. Check with Genesis HealthCare and Sunrise Senior Living for these programs.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Your neighborhood choice in Lakewood directly impacts your budget and commute. Here are 4-5 areas to consider, balancing affordability, safety, and access to major employers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Green Mountain	Suburban, family-friendly. 10-15 min to St. Anthony Hospital. Safe, with great parks. Commute to Denver can be 20-30 min via I-70.	$1,700 - $1,900	CNAs with families or those who want a quiet, established area. Good for hospital jobs.
Lakewood Heights	Older, more affordable, mix of apartments and single-family homes. 5-10 min to downtown Lakewood and St. Anthony. More diverse and walkable.	$1,500 - $1,750	Budget-conscious CNAs, new graduates. Closer to city amenities and bus lines.
Applewood	Central, middle-class. Close to Lakewood Nursing Home, several clinics, and Belmar shopping. Easy access to I-70 and 6th Ave.	$1,650 - $1,850	CNAs working in long-term care or outpatient clinics. Very practical location.
Belmar	Modern, urban-suburban mix. High-density apartments near shopping/dining. Walkable, but rents are higher. Commute to hospitals is 10-15 min.	$1,900 - $2,100	Younger CNAs who want a vibrant social scene and don't mind a higher rent.
Sheridan (just south)	Not technically Lakewood, but a key affordability option. A working-class suburb with a strong community. 1BR rents can be $1,400 - $1,600. 15 min to most Lakewood employers.	$1,400 - $1,600	CNAs prioritizing maximum budget savings. A realistic alternative to Lakewood proper.

Insider Tip: Traffic on Colfax Avenue and 6th Avenue can be brutal during rush hour. If you work at St. Anthony Hospital, living in Green Mountain or Lakewood Heights gives you a reverse commute (you're driving away from downtown Denver in the morning), which cuts your travel time significantly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Lakewood can be a stable career, but to increase your income and satisfaction, you need a plan.

Specialty Premiums:

• Hospice & Palliative Care: CNAs in this specialty often earn $1-$2 more per hour due to the specialized training in end-of-life care and emotional support. Agencies like UCHealth Hospice have teams covering Lakewood.
• Behavioral Health: With training in de-escalation, CNAs in mental health units (like at Banner or National Jewish) can command a 10-15% premium over the base rate.
• CNA II/Advanced CNA: Colorado has an "Advanced CNA" designation that allows for more complex tasks (wound care, phlebotomy) with additional training. This can increase pay by $2-$3/hour.

Advancement Paths:

1. Medication Aide (CMA): A 6-8 week course allows you to pass medications in long-term care facilities. This is the most direct path to a pay bump ($2-$4/hour) and more responsibility.
2. LPN Bridge Programs: Many local employers (St. Anthony, Community College of Denver) offer tuition reimbursement for CNA-to-LPN programs. This is a 12-18 month commitment but can double your salary (LPN median in CO is ~$55,000).
3. Supervisory/Charge CNA: With 3-5 years of experience, you can lead a team on a unit. This role pays $40,000-$48,000 and involves training new CNAs and managing assignments.

10-Year Outlook (4% Growth):
The job market will grow slowly but steadily. The aging population ensures demand, but automation and telehealth may reduce some routine tasks. The most secure CNAs will be those in specialties (hospice, behavioral health) and those who pursue advanced certifications (CMA, CNA II). The path to higher earnings in Lakewood is through specialization and, ultimately, a bridge to LPN or RN.

Insider Tip: The Colorado Center for Nursing offers free career counseling and resources for CNAs. They maintain a database of all approved bridge programs in the state. This is an invaluable resource for planning your next step.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: With major hospitals and a growing elderly population, jobs are steady.	High Cost of Living: The rent-to-income ratio (1.835 / ~$2,350) is unsustainable for a single person on a median salary.
Career Growth Potential: Clear paths to CMA, LPN, and specialty roles with employer support.	Traffic & Commute: Denver metro traffic is a daily reality; living close to work is key.
Access to Nature: Proximity to the foothills and mountains offers great off-duty recreation.	Competitive Housing Market: Finding affordable, safe housing requires research and often compromise.
Diverse Employer Mix: Options from large hospitals to home health and schools.	4% Growth is Modest: Not a high-growth field; advancement requires proactive effort.
State Support for Advancement: Good public college options for bridge programs.	Winters are Long and Dark: Can affect mental health and commute safety.

Final Recommendation:
Lakewood is a "workable" but "tight" market for CNAs. It is not recommended for a single CNA on the median salary without a roommate, a second income, or a plan for quick advancement. It is a good fit for:

1. CNAs with a partner or family to share housing costs.
2. Those who can secure a position with a sign-on bonus or tuition assistance for an advanced degree.
3. Professionals who value stability over high growth and appreciate access to Colorado's outdoor lifestyle.
4. CNAs willing to live in nearby suburbs (like Sheridan or parts of Aurora) to lower costs.

If you are a new CNA, Lakewood offers a good training ground, but you must have a clear 2-3 year plan to increase your income. The city is a solid choice for the disciplined, career