Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Loveland, CO

Career Guide: Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Loveland, CO

As a career analyst who’s lived in Northern Colorado for over a decade, I’ve watched Loveland evolve from a quiet town to a healthcare hub with a distinct identity. It’s not Boulder’s tech scene or Denver’s sprawling metro—it’s a place where the cost of living is manageable, the job market is steady, and the mountains are a genuine part of daily life. If you’re considering moving here as a CNA, this guide is your blueprint. We’ll cut through the noise, look at the real numbers, and give you the local intel you need to decide if Loveland is your next career move.

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The Salary Picture: Where Loveland Stands

Let’s start with the most critical data. In Loveland, the median salary for a Nursing Assistant is $35,395/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.02/hour. It’s important to understand that this is the median—meaning half of CNAs in the area earn more, and half earn less. This figure is slightly below the national average of $35,760/year, but when you factor in Loveland’s cost of living, the purchasing power can be surprisingly comparable.

Here’s a breakdown of salary progression based on experience level in the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range (Loveland)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-1 year	$32,000 - $36,000	Basic ADLs (bathing, feeding), vitals, patient ambulation.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$36,000 - $40,000	Specialized care (dementia, rehab), mentoring new CNAs.
Senior	6-10 years	$40,000 - $44,000	Charge CNA duties, training, complex wound care assistance.
Expert	10+ years	$44,000+	Agency work, hospital float pool, clinical educator roles.

How does Loveland compare to other Colorado cities? The Front Range has a competitive market. Denver’s cost of living is significantly higher, and while salaries might be 10-15% higher on paper, the net gain is often minimal. Fort Collins, just 15 minutes north, has a slightly higher median salary (closer to $36,500) but also a tighter rental market. Grand Junction and Colorado Springs offer similar or lower pay with different lifestyle trade-offs. Loveland’s sweet spot is its balance: a stable job market with 158 current openings for CNAs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 4%, which is steady if not explosive.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base hourly rate. Many local facilities, especially skilled nursing homes and rehab centers, offer shift differentials ($2-$4/hour extra for nights, weekends, and holidays). A CNA working nights can easily push their effective hourly rate over $19, significantly impacting annual earnings.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $35,395 salary sounds like a starting point, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let’s run the numbers for a single person with no dependents.

• Gross Annual Salary: $35,395
• Approximate Monthly Gross: $2,949
• Estimated Take-Home Pay (after federal/state taxes, Social Security, Medicare): ~$2,350/month (using standard single filer deductions).

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (Avg. 1BR): $1,497
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $180
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $400 (Note: Loveland is car-dependent; public transit is limited)
• Groceries: $300
• Health Insurance (if not employer-paid): $150
• Misc/Entertainment/Savings: -$177

The Harsh Reality: On a single median salary, your budget is tight. The $1,497 rent for a one-bedroom apartment consumes over 63% of your take-home pay, which is above the recommended 30% threshold. This is the core financial challenge for a CNA in Loveland. Sharing a two-bedroom apartment (average rent ~$1,797) with a roommate can reduce your housing cost to under $900, making the budget much more sustainable.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a $35,395 salary, it’s extremely difficult. The median home price in Loveland is roughly $450,000. Lenders typically look for a debt-to-income ratio of 43% or less. To comfortably afford a home, you’d need a household income closer to $75,000-$85,000. As a single CNA, buying a home in Loveland on this salary alone is not a realistic short-term goal. A dual-income household or significant career advancement is necessary for homeownership here.

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Where the Jobs Are: Loveland's Major Employers

Loveland’s healthcare sector is anchored by a few major players. The 158 job openings in the metro are concentrated in these institutions. Here’s who’s hiring and what they’re like:

1. Banner Health Loveland Medical Center: This is the city’s largest acute-care hospital. As a CNA, you’d likely start in Med-Surg, Orthopedics, or the Emergency Department. Banner offers strong benefits, tuition reimbursement for LPN/RN programs, and opportunities to move into specialized roles. Hiring is consistent, but competition is higher here due to the prestige of a hospital position.

2. Thompson Valley Health (part of Banner): A critical access hospital in Loveland, offering a more community-focused environment. It often has openings in its skilled nursing unit and outpatient clinics. A great option for CNAs who prefer a smaller-scale hospital feel.

3. The Medical Center of the Rockies (MCR): Located just north in Loveland but part of the UCHealth system, MCR is a major regional trauma center. CNAs here often work in high-acuity units. The pay scale is competitive with Banner, and the UCHealth system offers excellent internal mobility. Commute from south Loveland is about 15-20 minutes.

4. North Shore Health & Rehabilitation: A large skilled nursing facility (SNF) in Berthoud (just south of Loveland). This is a prime employer for CNAs seeking experience in long-term care. They have a high volume of patients, which means fast-paced learning and often mandatory overtime opportunities for extra income.

5. Thompson Valley Rehabilitation: A premier rehab facility in Loveland specializing in post-acute care. This is a top choice for CNAs interested in rehabilitation services, working with patients recovering from surgery, stroke, or injury. The environment is dynamic and offers fantastic skill-building.

6. Sava Senior Care (Multiple Locations): Operates several SNFs in the region. They are consistently hiring and offer flexible schedules. It’s a good entry point for new CNAs to gain experience in various patient populations.

7. Larimer County Department of Health & Environment: While not a direct care employer, they often hire CNAs for public health programs, community clinics, and outreach. This is a less common but valuable path for those seeking a government role with regular hours.

Hiring Trend: There’s a noticeable shift toward home health and hospice agencies in Northern Colorado. Companies like HomeCare & Hospice of the Rockies are expanding. These roles offer more one-on-one patient interaction, greater autonomy, and often higher hourly pay (but fewer benefits). This is a growing niche for experienced CNAs.

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Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. You must have an active CNA certification to work.

Requirements & Costs:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: This is typically a 6-8 week course (75-100 hours). Tuition ranges from $600 to $1,200. Many community colleges, like Front Range Community College (just north in Fort Collins), offer excellent programs. Some employers, like Banner Health, may offer tuition assistance or even free training in exchange for a work commitment.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: The exam includes a written (or oral) test and a skills evaluation. The state exams are administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). The exam fee is approximately $125.
3. Apply for Colorado Certification: Upon passing, you apply through the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF). There’s a $15 application fee. Your name is then added to the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry.
4. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required, costing around $40-$50.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Enroll in Training: 1-3 months (waitlists for popular programs, especially FRCC, can be a few months long).
• Complete Training: 1-2 months.
• Schedule & Pass Exams: 2-4 weeks after training.
• Get Listed on Registry: 1-2 weeks after passing.
• Total Time: From enrollment to being job-ready: 3 to 6 months.

Insider Tip: Start your job search before you finish your certification. Many employers will hire you conditionally and allow you to start working (as a "CNA-in-training") while you wait for your registry number, provided you pass the exam quickly.

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Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CAs)

Where you live in Loveland will define your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a neighborhood breakdown tailored for a CNA’s schedule and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	CNA Applicant Notes
Downtown/ historic Loveland	Walkable, charming, artsy. Close to Banner Health Loveland Medical Center.	$1,550+	Best for those who want no commute to the main hospital. Older apartments, street parking.
Southwest Loveland (The Lakes)	Family-oriented, quiet, newer construction. Near Thompson Valley Health.	$1,600+	Safe, suburban feel. Commute to MCR/Banner main campus is 15-20 mins.
Eastside	Affordable, no-frills, older homes. Easy highway access to MCR & Berthoud.	$1,350+	Most budget-friendly. Commutes are straightforward via I-25. Less walkable.
Berthoud	Small-town charm, 20 mins south of Loveland. Home to North Shore Health & Rehab.	$1,400+	Ideal if you work at a facility in Berthoud. A quiet, tight-knit community.
Loveland’s West Side	Established, mid-century homes, very central. Near shopping and amenities.	$1,500+	Central to everything. Good mix of apartments and shared housing options.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Loveland is a fantastic launchpad, but the long-term salary ceiling is low. To increase your earnings, you need a plan.

Specialty Premiums & Advancements:

• LPN/RN Bridge Programs: This is the most common path. Front Range Community College’s program is a local gateway. An LPN in Loveland earns a median of ~$52,000; an RN earns ~$78,000. The investment in time and money pays off quickly.
• Specialized Certifications: While not always giving a direct premium, certifications in dementia care, palliative care, or restorative nursing make you a more attractive candidate for higher-paying roles in memory care or hospital float pools.
• Agency/Travel CNA Work: Once you have 1-2 years of experience, agencies like AMN Healthcare or local per-diem services can place you in assignments across Northern Colorado. While benefits are often limited, the hourly pay can be significantly higher ($20-$25/hour+), especially for last-minute shifts.
• Non-Clinical Paths: With experience, you can move into CNA education (teaching at a training program), care coordination, or administrative roles in a skilled nursing facility. These paths often require additional coursework but offer regular business hours.

10-Year Outlook (4% Growth): The 4% growth is steady but not booming. It’s driven by an aging population in Loveland and the surrounding rural areas. The demand will be for CNAs who are adaptable, tech-savvy (with electronic health records), and willing to work in less traditional settings like home health. The biggest growth will come from those who use the CNA as a stepping stone to nursing.

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The Verdict: Is Loveland Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market with 158 openings and 4% growth.	Tight Budget on a single median salary; housing costs are a significant burden.
Manageable Cost of Living (Index 96.6 vs. US 100).	Car Dependency makes transportation a fixed cost.
Access to Nature & Outdoors (Big Thompson River, Horsetooth Reservoir, Rocky Mountains).	Limited Public Transit to healthcare campuses.
Strong Pathways for Advancement into LPN/RN roles at local colleges.	Less Diverse than Denver; fewer niche medical facilities.
Sense of Community in neighborhoods and workplaces.	Weather can be harsh (dry, cold winters; hot summers).

Final Recommendation:
Loveland is an excellent fit for a career-minded CNA who is proactive about their finances and education. If you are willing to share housing for the first 2-3 years and have a clear plan to bridge into an LPN or RN program, Loveland offers a supportive community, a manageable cost of living, and a solid foundation for a lifelong healthcare career in Colorado.

It is not the best fit for a CNA seeking to live alone comfortably on a single median salary or for someone who is not interested in further education. The financial pressure is real, but with a roommate and a focus on advancement, it’s a place where you can build a stable and rewarding life.

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FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a CNA job in Loveland without experience?
Yes, especially in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and home health agencies. Hospitals like Banner and MCR often prefer 6-12 months of experience but do hire new CNAs for Med-Surg roles. Start your search with SNFs to get your foot in the door.

2. What’s the best way to find an apartment on a CNA salary?
Look for shared housing on Facebook Marketplace (search "Loveland Roommates") or consider living in the Eastside neighborhood or in neighboring communities like Berthoud or Johnstown for slightly lower rents. Be prepared with your work schedule and income info, as the rental market is competitive.

3. How does the cost of living in Loveland affect a CNA’s lifestyle?
It’s a trade-off. You won’t be dining out frequently or saving aggressively, but you can live a comfortable, active lifestyle if you budget carefully. Taking advantage of free outdoor activities (hiking, biking, community events) is key to balancing the budget.

4. Are there opportunities to work in multiple facilities?
Absolutely. Many CNAs work at a primary facility (e.g., a hospital) and pick up per-diem shifts at a local SNF or through an agency on their days off. This is a common strategy to boost income and gain diverse experience.

5. What’s the winter commute like?
It’s manageable but requires preparation. Snow and ice are common from November to March. A reliable vehicle with good tires is essential. Living close to your workplace or along a main bus route (like the MAX BRT in Fort Collins, which has a stop in Loveland) can reduce stress.

Sources: Sourced data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, Zillow rental data, and local job market analysis (Indeed, LinkedIn) as of 2023-2024.