Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Cedar Rapids, IA: $20.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Cedar Rapids, IA runs $20.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,652 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Cedar Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.0, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,987 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, certified nursing assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $20.02, slightly below the national median of $21.64. This pay structure reflects both the demand for skilled professionals in various care settings—such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies—and the cost of living in the area, which is lower than the national average. With an hourly range spanning from $18.09 for entry-level positions to $25.51 for experienced top earners, both part-time and per-diem opportunities remain viable options. Working three 8-hour shifts each week could enable workers to supplement their income effectively, particularly as per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Cedar Rapids often varies depending on the facility and demand.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.09 | $144.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.49 | $147.91 |
| Median (P50) | $20.02 | $160.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.48 | $187.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.51 | $204.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cedar Rapids
Based on $20.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.02/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cedar Rapids, IA can expect to earn approximately $41,646 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,026. With a cost-of-living index of 88.96 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cedar Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cedar Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $800.88 | $3,470 | $41,646 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $480.53 | $2,082 | $24,987 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $320.35 | $1,388 | $16,658 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Cedar Rapids) | $20.02 |
| 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 Cedar Rapids, IA earn a median of $41,652 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.45% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 0.30% below the Iowa state average of $41,777.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.02/hr = $24,987/year (purchasing power: $28,087).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,646/year (purchasing power: $46,812).
CoL index: 88.963 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Cedar Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Cedar Rapids grew 33.2% from $14.11/hr (2019) to $18.80/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.32/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 Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids
For those considering part-time work, a certified nursing assistant employed three days a week at 24 hours could take home approximately $24,215 annually, primarily due to the hourly rates in Cedar Rapids. Many CNAs opt for per-diem routes, with agency workers often earning $22 to $32 per hour; furthermore, contracts for weekend shifts can offer premiums ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, especially in areas with staffing shortages. Hourly rates can differ significantly based on employer type, with hospitals and rehabilitation centers typically offering higher rates compared to assisted living communities and home health agencies. The decision to accept a lower hourly rate may be influenced by the availability of health insurance benefits, whereas roles with higher pay might not include such perks. For those negotiating their pay rates, understanding industry standards and being aware of premium pay opportunities can be crucial for setting expectations and achieving fair compensation in the Cedar Rapids market.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, 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
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 Cedar Rapids. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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