Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Des Moines, IA: $22.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Des Moines, IA runs $22.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,796 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,084 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, certified nursing assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $22.50, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $21.64. This competitive rate offers a promising opportunity for both part-time and per diem workers who often find themselves on the front lines of patient care in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health care environments. The entry-level hourly wage typically starts at around $18.14, while the most experienced professionals can earn up to $25.92. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data underscores not only the demand for CNAs in this locality but also the vital role they play in enhancing patient outcomes across diverse healthcare environments.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.14 | $145.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.08 | $152.68 |
| Median (P50) | $22.50 | $180.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.71 | $189.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.92 | $207.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $22.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.50/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $46,807 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,004. With a cost-of-living index of 91.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $900.14 | $3,901 | $46,807 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $540.08 | $2,340 | $28,084 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $360.06 | $1,560 | $18,723 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Des Moines) | $22.50 |
| 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 Des Moines, IA earn a median of $46,796 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.97% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 12.00% above the Iowa state average of $41,782.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.50/hr = $28,084/year (purchasing power: $30,626).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,807/year (purchasing power: $51,043).
CoL index: 91.701 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+60.6%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Des Moines grew 41.6% from $14.92/hr (2019) to $21.13/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.97/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 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.
Working as an Hourly Certified Nursing Assistant in Des Moines
For those considering part-time work at 24 hours a week, the annual earnings for a certified nursing assistant in Des Moines amount to around $27,720, significantly less than full-time income yet still providing a viable option for many. Opportunities for per diem roles in the area often present possibilities for higher income, as agency CNAs can charge between $22 and $32 per hour, and those accepting weekend-only positions might see rates soar to $30 to $45 per hour. The variety of employment types in Des Moines creates a nuanced wage landscape; for instance, hospitals and rehabilitation centers may offer different rates compared to home health agencies and assisted living facilities. Health benefits can play a crucial role in compensation decisions—some CNAs opt for lower hourly wages that come with insurance, versus higher pay in settings without benefits. Those looking to maximize their hourly pay might consider honing negotiation skills, emphasizing their unique qualifications and willingness to work flexible schedules to attract competitive offers.
More salary data for Des Moines, 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 Des Moines. 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