Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Des Moines, IA: $37,722 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Des Moines, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,722 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 91.7 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $41,136 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($46,796) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the certified nursing assistant (CNA) field in Des Moines, IA, the starting pay is projected at approximately $37,722 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary for the profession in the city, which stands at $46,796. However, for those willing to invest in their careers, entry-level salaries show an upward trajectory, with expectations to rise to about $39,703 at the 25th percentile over the next few years as CNAs gain experience. The market for newly certified nursing assistants in Des Moines is favorable, especially given the area's relatively low cost of living index of 91.701, coupled with a healthy growth rate of 6.50% in the CNA workforce, making it an encouraging environment for those looking to start their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
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 Des Moines
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Des Moines, IA typically start between $37,722 and $39,703 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $16,199 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $46,796 — 3.97% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Iowa of $1,800 represents just 4.77% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($37,722/year) in Des Moines. 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 Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $37,722 to $39,703, 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 Des Moines, 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 Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines'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 Des Moines is $16,199 ( 42.94%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,722, experienced hygienists can earn up to $53,921.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,260
2025 BLS Actual
$35,420
2026 Current Est.
$37,722
2019–2027 Growth
+53.0%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,260 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,240 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,690 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,420 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,722 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,174 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, IA grew 34.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,260 in 2019 to $35,420 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,174. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Employers in Des Moines are actively hiring new graduates, particularly skilled nursing facilities, which frequently offer paid training programs for fresh CNAs. While hospital systems often seek candidates with more experience, they do provide apprenticeship pathways that can help entry-level CNAs develop essential skills. Home health agencies also present opportunities for those with a flexible schedule. To enhance starting salaries, aspiring CNAs should consider pursuing additional credentials, such as CPR/BLS certification, or specialized training in areas like dementia care or hospice support. The initial years in this profession typically serve as a stepping stone to further advancement, often leading to licensed practical nursing (LPN) or registered nursing (RN) pathways. Given the recent staffing crisis, many nursing facilities have seen significant wage increases; thus, entry-level CNAs can anticipate gradual yet assured salary growth as they gain experience and potentially pursue further training in the first few years of their careers.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for certified nursing assistants in Des Moines in 2026?
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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 Des Moines. 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