Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Fort Dodge, IA: $18.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Fort Dodge, IA runs $18.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,341 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Fort Dodge's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,007 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Dodge, Iowa, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to be $18.44 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $21.64. This pay level represents a valuable opportunity for part-time and per-diem workers in various healthcare settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. For those working three days a week, a schedule of 24 hours can result in a steady income that fulfills basic financial needs. Entry-level CNAs in Fort Dodge can expect to earn around $15.85 per hour, while top earners may reach $20.92, providing a measurable difference in earnings based on experience and related skill sets. Given the cost of living index of 90.4, these figures represent a decent earning opportunity for many in the local market.
About the Fort Dodge Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.85 | $126.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.71 | $133.68 |
| Median (P50) | $18.44 | $147.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.23 | $161.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $20.92 | $167.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Dodge
Based on $18.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.44/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Dodge, IA can expect to earn approximately $38,345 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,122. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Dodge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Dodge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $737.41 | $3,195 | $38,345 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $442.44 | $1,917 | $23,007 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $294.96 | $1,278 | $15,338 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Fort Dodge) | $18.44 |
| 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 Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $38,341 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.81% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $41,766.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.44/hr = $23,007/year (purchasing power: $25,450).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,345/year (purchasing power: $42,417).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Fort Dodge grew 42.5% from $12.15/hr (2019) to $17.31/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.63/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 Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge
Evaluating the potential annual income for part-time certified nursing assistants working 24 hours a week reveals noteworthy contrasts with full-time earnings. At an hourly rate of $18.44, part-time CNAs can take home approximately $28,540 annually, a more modest figure compared to those working full-time. Conversely, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Fort Dodge can be quite lucrative, with agency CNAs often billing between $22 and $32 per hour, particularly during high-demand periods like weekends, when rates can soar to $30-$45. The variety of employer types in the area—from hospitals to rehabilitation centers—further influences pay rates, often reflecting the urgent need for CNAs in these markets. While many professionals may choose lower hourly wages for the accompanying health benefits, others may prioritize higher pay, even without insurance. When negotiating, CNAs should highlight their flexibility to work weekends or holidays, which may help leverage better hourly rates in Fort Dodge.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, 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 Fort Dodge. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fort Dodge is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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