Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Davenport, IA: $38,447 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Davenport, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,447 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Davenport's local price level (BEA RPP 89.1 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,161 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($41,258) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field of nursing in Davenport, Iowa, expectations for an entry-level certified nursing assistant salary in 2026 fluctuate from a projected $38,447 at the lower end to approximately $41,258 at the median. This gap highlights the growth potential that can be realized within the first few years of employment. As new CNAs transition from entry-level positions to more experienced roles, salaries can climb steadily through the $39,288 mark and closer to the median, suggesting that the market offers a reasonable trajectory for salary increases. Furthermore, Davenport is shaping up to be a favorable location for aspiring CNAs due to its ongoing demand for healthcare workers, particularly given the challenges posed by post-COVID staffing shortages in the region.
Career Earnings Timeline in Davenport
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davenport
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Davenport, IA typically start between $38,447 and $39,288 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $11,406 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $41,258 — 8.33% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Iowa of $1,800 represents just 4.68% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($38,447/year) in Davenport. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state nurse aide registry-approved CNA training programs meeting federal CMS requirements. Tuition varies widely between free employer-sponsored programs, community college courses, and private training schools.
CNA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Davenport
- 1Research the Davenport market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $38,447 to $39,288, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Davenport, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Davenport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Davenport's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Certified Nursing Assistant Compensation Range
The certified nursing assistant wage spread in Davenport is $11,406 ( 29.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,447, experienced hygienists can earn up to $49,853.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,190
2025 BLS Actual
$36,100
2026 Current Est.
$38,447
2019–2027 Growth
+84.5%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Davenport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,190 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,620 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,570 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,447 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,946 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Davenport, IA grew 62.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,190 in 2019 to $36,100 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,946. New graduates entering the Davenport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davenport 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.
Starting Your nursing Career in Davenport
In Davenport, various employers are keen to bring on new graduates as certified nursing assistants. Skilled nursing facilities tend to adopt paid training programs tailored for recent hires, while larger hospital systems may offer apprenticeship pathways that cater to candidates with experience. Home health agencies are on the lookout for individuals seeking flexible scheduling options, aligning well with the lifestyles of many recent graduates. To enhance earning potential, certifications such as CPR/BLS and optional medication aide (CMA) training can prove invaluable. The first few years in this role are crucial, especially after the staffing crisis seen during the pandemic, leading to significant wage increases in many markets. Many CNAs aim to transition into licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) roles after accruing the requisite experience—often bridging from a minimum of 75 to 120-180 hours of training. As a result, entry-level CNAs in Davenport can realistically expect to see steady increases in their salaries as they build experience and credentials.
More salary data for Davenport, IA:
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Davenport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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