Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Dubuque, IA: $21.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Dubuque, IA runs $21.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,283 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Dubuque's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.3, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,569 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dubuque, Iowa, certified nursing assistants earn a median hourly pay of $21.29 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $21.64. This competitive rate makes part-time positions appealing, allowing CNAs working three days a week to balance their professional commitments and personal life. Typically employed in various healthcare settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health care, these part-time roles offer a range of hourly pay from $18.87 at the entry level to $25.83 for those with greater experience and specialization. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that this hourly data is relevant for those considering per diem work in the field, further highlighting the flexibility and choice available in the profession.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.87 | $150.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.24 | $153.96 |
| Median (P50) | $21.29 | $170.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.93 | $183.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.83 | $206.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dubuque
Based on $21.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.29/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dubuque, IA can expect to earn approximately $44,282 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,547. With a cost-of-living index of 87.33 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dubuque.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dubuque
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $851.57 | $3,690 | $44,282 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $510.94 | $2,214 | $26,569 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $340.63 | $1,476 | $17,713 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Dubuque) | $21.29 |
| 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 Dubuque, IA earn a median of $44,283 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.61% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 6.00% above the Iowa state average of $41,776.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.29/hr = $26,569/year (purchasing power: $30,425).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,282/year (purchasing power: $50,708).
CoL index: 87.328 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+68.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Dubuque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Dubuque grew 48.5% from $13.46/hr (2019) to $19.99/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.67/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 Dubuque 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 Dubuque
Part-time certified nursing assistants working a 24-hour week in Dubuque can take home approximately $26,708 annually, which allows for a reasonable lifestyle in a city where the cost of living index is below the national average. For those in per diem roles, certified nursing assistant pay in Dubuque can vary, with agency positions billing anywhere from $22 to $32 per hour. Weekend-only shifts may offer even higher premiums, reaching $30 to $45, particularly in areas experiencing staffing shortages. It's essential to consider how hourly rates differ based on employer type, with skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies each offering varying pay scales. The trade-off for higher hourly wages often involves the absence of benefits like health insurance, which some CNAs may find crucial. Those seeking to negotiate their hourly pay should emphasize their skills and experience while being aware of the ever-changing dynamics in the local job market.
More salary data for Dubuque, 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 Dubuque. 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