Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Pueblo, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Pueblo Stands

Living in Pueblo as a Nursing Assistant (CNA) means understanding the local wage landscape. The median salary here is $34,944/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.8/hour. This places you slightly below the national average for CNAs, which sits at $35,760/year. The metro area supports about 222 CNA jobs, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's stable, reflecting a consistent demand for healthcare support staff in a city with an aging population and several major medical facilities.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Pueblo market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,000 - $33,000	$14.90 - $15.87	Often starts at the lower end of the scale, with most new hires in this range.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$34,000 - $37,000	$16.35 - $17.79	This is near the median salary of $34,944. Gaining experience and certifications here is key.
Senior-Level (5-10 years)	$37,000 - $40,000	$17.79 - $19.23	Often involves shift lead roles, mentoring, or specialty unit experience.
Expert/Specialized (10+ years)	$40,000+	$19.23+	Top earners may work in specialized units, home health, or take on supervisory duties.

How Pueblo Compares to Other Colorado Cities:
Pueblo's cost of living is its main advantage. While the median salary of $34,944 is lower than in Denver or Colorado Springs, your money goes much further. For context, a CNA in Denver might earn closer to $40,000-$42,000, but average rents there are often double what you'll find in Pueblo. Colorado Springs offers a middle ground, with slightly higher wages ($36,000-$38,000) but also a higher cost of living than Pueblo. For a CNA prioritizing affordability and a stable job market, Pueblo presents a compelling balance.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. With a median salary of $34,944/year, your monthly take-home pay before taxes is approximately $2,912. After federal, state, and local taxes (estimate ~20-25% for this bracket), your net monthly income likely falls between $2,200 and $2,400.

The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Pueblo is $881/month. This is a critical factor. Let's break down a monthly budget for a CNA earning the median wage:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Take-Home Pay	$2,300	A conservative estimate after taxes.
Rent (1BR Avg)	$881	Finding a place slightly under this average is possible, especially in Southside or Bessemer.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electricity, water, gas, and internet. Pueblo's climate means seasonal heating/cooling costs.
Groceries	$300 - $350	For a single person. Pueblo has several affordable grocery options (Albertsons, Safeway, Walmart, and local markets).
Transportation	$200 - $300	Includes gas and car maintenance. Pueblo is car-dependent; public transit (Pueblo Transit) is limited.
Healthcare & Incidentals	$100 - $200	Co-pays, over-the-counter meds, personal items.
Savings/Debt	$200 - $300	Highly variable based on personal situation.
Remaining Buffer	$70 - $170	This is your discretionary or emergency fund.

Can they afford to buy a home? It's challenging but not impossible, especially with a partner or dual income. The median home price in Pueblo hovers around $250,000 - $280,000. With a $34,944 salary, a standard 20% down payment ($50,000+) is a significant hurdle. However, programs like FHA loans (3.5% down) and Colorado-specific first-time homebuyer assistance programs can make it more accessible. A single CNA would likely need to be at the senior or expert level ($40,000+) and have minimal other debt to comfortably qualify for a mortgage on a modest home. Realistically, many CNAs in Pueblo are part of dual-income households, making homeownership a more achievable goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Pueblo's Major Employers

Pueblo's healthcare employment is concentrated around a few key players. Competition for positions can be moderate, and knowing where to look is half the battle.

1. St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center (Centura Health): This is the city's largest hospital and a primary employer for CNAs. It's a Level II Trauma Center and home to the renowned St. Mary-Corwin Cancer Center. They have a wide range of units (ER, Med/Surg, ICU, Oncology) and often have openings. Hiring trends are steady; they value experience but also train new graduates. Insider Tip: Apply directly on their careers page. They host regular job fairs, often advertised on their Facebook page.

2. Parkview Medical Center: The other major hospital in town, Parkview is also a significant employer. It's a Level II Trauma Center with a strong focus on cardiac and stroke care. They have a reputation for a slightly faster-paced environment. Insider Tip: Parkview is part of the larger Banner Health system, which can offer internal mobility opportunities to other Banner facilities in Colorado.

3. University Park Care Center / Pueblo Rehabilitation and Nursing: These are two of the larger skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in the area. They offer consistent hours and a chance to build deep experience in long-term care. Demand is high in this sector due to the aging population. Insider Tip: SNFs often have weekend and night shift differentials, which can boost your hourly rate by $2-$4/hour.

4. Life Care Center of Pueblo: Another major SNF operator. Facilities like this are the backbone of CNA employment, offering stable, full-time positions with benefits. Hiring is often year-round.

5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Home Instead, Interim HealthCare): For those seeking more autonomy and varied schedules, home health is a growing field in Pueblo. You'll work one-on-one with clients in their homes. Pay can be similar to facility work, but mileage reimbursement is a key benefit. Insider Tip: You often need 1-2 years of facility experience before agencies will hire you for home health.

6. Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU Pueblo): The university's nursing program and campus health services sometimes hire CNAs for student clinic support or as teaching assistants for CNA certification programs. It's a less common but valuable pathway.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado has a clear pathway for CNA licensure, managed by the Colorado Board of Nursing. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 75 hours of training, which includes both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice. Numerous community colleges and private schools in Pueblo offer these programs. The cost typically ranges from $800 to $1,500. Pueblo Community College (PCC) is a reputable local option, offering a Nurse Aide Certificate program that meets state requirements.

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam. This consists of a written/oral exam and a skills demonstration. The exam fee is approximately $125.

3. Apply for State Certification: Once you pass the exam, you apply for listing on the Colorado Nurse Aide Registry. There is a $50 state application fee. Your name will be added to the registry, which is what employers check.

4. Background Check: A criminal background check is required, which costs about $39.50 (fees can change). Certain convictions may disqualify you.

Timeline: From start to finish, you can expect the process to take 3 to 6 months. This includes finding a program, completing the required hours (often over 4-8 weeks), scheduling the exam, and waiting for your certificate. A full-time student can sometimes accelerate this timeline.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Pueblo's neighborhoods vary in character, cost, and commute. Here’s a breakdown for a working CNA:

1. Southside (Pueblo's Most Populous Neighborhood):

   • Vibe: A mix of older, affordable homes and some newer developments. It's close to both major hospitals (St. Mary-Corwin is on the southern edge, Parkview is central).
   • Commute: Excellent. Easy access to both hospitals and most major roads.
   • Rent (1BR): $800 - $950/month. You can find well-maintained older apartments here for near the city average.
   • Best For: Those prioritizing a short, reliable commute and a true local feel.

2. Bessemer:

   • Vibe: An industrial neighborhood with a strong, working-class identity. It's undergoing some revitalization. Housing is very affordable.
   • Commute: Very good to St. Mary-Corwin and the industrial areas. About a 10-15 minute drive to Parkview.
   • Rent (1BR): $700 - $850/month. This is one of the most budget-friendly areas in the city.
   • Best For: CNAs on a tight budget who don't mind an older, no-frills environment.

3. Downtown Pueblo:

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, and artsy. Features the Riverwalk, restaurants, and the Union Depot. More apartments and loft-style living.
   • Commute: Central to everything. Easy drive to either hospital (5-10 minutes).
   • Rent (1BR): $900 - $1,100/month. You pay a premium for location and character.
   • Best For: Those who want a vibrant urban scene and don't mind higher rent for a walkable lifestyle.

4. Northside:

   • Vibe: Established residential area with a mix of mid-century homes and apartment complexes. Generally quiet and family-oriented.
   • Commute: Good access to I-25 and Highway 50. About a 12-18 minute drive to both hospitals.
   • Rent (1BR): $850 - $1,000/month. Slightly above the city average but offers more space and greenery.
   • Best For: Those seeking a balance between affordability and a quieter, residential setting.

5. El Camino:

   • Vibe: A newer, master-planned community on the far east side. Modern homes, parks, and shopping centers.
   • Commute: Further from the hospitals (15-20 minutes). You'll rely on major arteries like I-25 and Highway 50.
   • Rent (1BR): $950 - $1,100+. Newer construction comes at a cost.
   • Best For: CNAs who prefer modern amenities and newer apartments and are willing to accept a longer commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the 10-year job growth is 4%, indicating a stable but not booming market, individual career growth is very possible with the right strategy.

• Specialty Premiums: In Pueblo, you won't see massive pay jumps for specialties like you might in larger metros. However, gaining experience in high-acuity units like the ER at St. Mary-Corwin or Parkview or in oncology can make you a more competitive candidate for senior roles and can come with small shift differentials. The real value is in the experience, which is a direct pipeline to higher-paying adjacent roles.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Certified Medication Aide (CMA): With additional training (about 60 hours), you can pass medications in long-term care facilities. This typically comes with a pay increase of $1-$2/hour.
  2. LPN Bridge Programs: Many CNAs in Pueblo advance to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Pueblo Community College and private schools offer bridge programs. An LPN in Pueblo can earn $45,000 - $55,000+, a significant jump.
  3. Home Health & Private Duty: With experience, you can move into home health, which often offers more schedule flexibility and a slightly higher hourly rate ($18-$20/hour plus mileage).
  4. Supervisory Roles: In SNFs and hospitals, experienced CNAs can become shift leads or unit secretaries, which involve more responsibility and a modest pay increase.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is one of steady demand. The 4% growth will be filled by retiring CNAs and the needs of two major hospitals and numerous long-term care facilities. The key to advancement isn't waiting for growth but actively pursuing education and certifications. A CNA who becomes an LPN within 5-7 years will see their earning potential nearly double.

The Verdict: Is Pueblo Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Affordable Cost of Living: Your $34,944 salary stretches much further here than in Denver or Colorado Springs. Rent at $881/month is manageable.	Lower Starting Wages: The median $16.8/hour is below the national average. Career advancement requires proactive effort.
Stable Job Market: With two major hospitals and multiple SNFs, there are 222 steady CNA jobs. You'll find work.	Limited Public Transit: Pueblo is a car-centric city. You'll need a reliable vehicle, adding to monthly expenses.
Two Major Healthcare Systems: The competition between St. Mary-Corwin (Centura) and Parkview (Banner) creates opportunities and variety in workplace culture.	Slower Pace of Life: If you crave a bustling, 24/7 metropolis with endless entertainment, Pueblo may feel quiet or limited.
Gateway to the Outdoors: Cheap access to outdoor recreation in the nearby Wet Mountains, San Isabel National Forest, and Lake Pueblo State Park.	Limited Higher Education: For those looking to advance to RN (BSN), options are more limited locally compared to Front Range cities.

Final Recommendation:
Pueblo is an excellent choice for a Nursing Assistant who values affordability, stability, and a true community feel over high starting wages and a fast-paced urban environment. If you are a recent graduate looking to gain experience without being crushed by rent, or an experienced CNA seeking a lower-stress lifestyle with good job security, Pueblo is a strong contender. It's a place where you can build a stable career and a comfortable life on a CNA's salary. However, if your primary goal is to maximize your income as quickly as possible and you're willing to tackle a high cost of living, a Front Range city might be a better fit.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a CNA job in Pueblo?
With 222 jobs in the metro and a 4% growth rate, the market is stable. Competition exists, especially for hospital day shifts, but turnover in long-term care is consistent. Applying to multiple facilities (hospitals and SNFs) increases your chances significantly.

2. What's the real cost of living vs. the data?
The Cost of Living Index of 92.4 is accurate. Groceries and utilities are close to the national average, but housing and transportation are where you save. Your biggest variable will be your car—payment, insurance, and gas. A reliable used car is a smart investment here.

3. Do I need a car in Pueblo?
Yes, absolutely. While the downtown is walkable, your job and most amenities are spread out. The bus system (Pueblo Transit) runs on limited routes and schedules. Rideshare services exist but are less reliable than in bigger cities.

4. How does the 10-year job growth of 4% affect me?
It signals stability, not scarcity. Don't let the modest percentage deter you. With the retirement of older CNAs and the constant need in healthcare, those 222 jobs will continue to be filled. Your best job security is your own skill and willingness to adapt.

5. Can I live outside Pueblo and commute?
Yes, and some do. Commutable towns include Pueblo West (15-20 mins), Boone (25 mins), and even Rye (30 mins). Pueblo West has slightly higher housing costs but a more suburban feel. Commuting from further out (like Colorado Springs) is possible but adds significant time and fuel costs, often negating the wage advantage. For the best balance, living