Ames vs Des Moines: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Ames, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,370 | $46,796▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.29 | $22.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,416▲ | $37,722 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,024▲ | $39,703 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,183▲ | $49,310 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,100 | $53,921▲ |
| Total Employed | 770 | 4,660▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ames.
The salary gap between Ames and Des Moines is $426 (0.92%). Des Moines's median is +3.97% 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,Des Moines spans $16,199. Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced certified nursing assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ames ($52,201 effective) pays 2.29% more than Des Moines ($51,031 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,201)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,796/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,921)
- ✓Larger job market (4,660 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 41.6% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Ames, IA
$29,280 (2019) → $43,540 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$31,030 (2019) → $43,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Ames or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Ames to Des Moines as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Ames vs Des Moines?
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