Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Thornton, CO: $23.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Thornton, CO runs $23.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,889 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Thornton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,932 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thornton, Colorado, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $23.98, positioning it above the national average of $21.64. This advantage not only reflects local demand for skilled care providers but also influences the working conditions for part-time and per-diem employees gathered in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health environments. For those working part-time, typically around three days a week, the hourly rate allows for a competitive income potential that can support a decent lifestyle. The hourly range extends from $18.24 for entry-level positions to as high as $30.96 for the top earners in the field, showcasing a robust market where experienced CNAs can significantly increase their earnings.
About the Thornton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.24 | $145.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.28 | $162.22 |
| Median (P50) | $23.98 | $191.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.76 | $222.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.96 | $247.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thornton
Based on $23.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.98/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thornton, CO can expect to earn approximately $49,886 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,781. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thornton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thornton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $959.35 | $4,157 | $49,886 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $575.61 | $2,494 | $29,932 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $383.74 | $1,663 | $19,955 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Thornton) | $23.98 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Psychiatric Aide (National Avg) | $18.50 |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Thornton, CO earn a median of $49,889 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.85% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $49,103.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.98/hr = $29,932/year (purchasing power: $28,506).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,886/year (purchasing power: $47,511).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Thornton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Thornton grew 42.5% from $15.81/hr (2019) to $22.52/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.54/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem certified nursing assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Thornton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Certified Nursing Assistant in Thornton
For part-time certified nursing assistants, working approximately 24 hours weekly translates to an annual income of roughly $29,798, considerably lower than full-timers but still viable in a city with a cost of living index of 105. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Thornton can vary widely, especially within agency contracts, with rates typically between $22 and $32 per hour, while weekend shifts can command premium rates of $30–$45 in high-demand scenarios. Types of employers also affect pay, with hospitals and rehabilitation facilities often providing higher wages than assisted living communities. While some CNAs may choose to accept lower hourly rates for the benefit of health insurance, others pursue higher pay without benefits, giving them flexibility but potentially less security. Understanding the value of their skills and knowing how to negotiate effectively can make a significant difference in a CNA's final compensation package in Thornton's healthcare market.
More salary data for Thornton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for certified nursing assistants in Thornton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Thornton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for certified nursing assistants (SOC 31-1131).
Compiled and verified by Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov