Ames vs Davenport: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Ames, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Davenport, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,370▲ | $41,258 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.29▲ | $19.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,416▲ | $38,447 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,024▲ | $39,288 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,183▲ | $48,276 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,100▲ | $49,853 |
| Total Employed | 770 | 2,220▲ |
Verdict
Ames, IA offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.
The salary gap between Ames and Davenport is $5,112 (12.39%). Ames's median is +3.03% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $12,684,Davenport spans $11,406. Ames has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ames ($52,201 effective) pays 12.71% more than Davenport ($46,316 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,370/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,100)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,201)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Ames grew 48.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.1% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Ames, IA
$29,280 (2019) → $43,540 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$27,450 (2019) → $38,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Ames or Davenport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Davenport?
Should I relocate from Ames to Davenport as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Ames vs Davenport?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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