Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Johnston, IA: $18.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Johnston, IA runs $18.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,768 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Johnston's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,260 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Johnston, Iowa, certified nursing assistants earn a median hourly pay of $18.64, which falls below the national median rate of $21.64. This disparity highlights the financial consideration for part-time and per diem workers, who typically engage in flexible work settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home healthcare. For those working three days a week, the hourly pay translates to approximately $447.36 a week, which reflects the earning potential when balancing shifts across various environments. Entry-level CNAs can expect to start at around $16.39 per hour, while more experienced professionals may reach up to $22.17 per hour. The hourly rates in Johnston are derived from annual salary data, indicating both the demand for CNAs and the financial realities within the region.
About the Johnston 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) | $16.39 | $131.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.15 | $137.17 |
| Median (P50) | $18.64 | $149.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.71 | $165.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.17 | $177.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Johnston
Based on $18.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.64/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Johnston, IA can expect to earn approximately $38,766 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,365. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Johnston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Johnston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $745.50 | $3,231 | $38,766 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $447.30 | $1,938 | $23,260 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $298.20 | $1,292 | $15,506 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Johnston) | $18.64 |
| 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 Johnston, IA earn a median of $38,768 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.86% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 7.20% below the Iowa state average of $41,776.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.64/hr = $23,260/year (purchasing power: $25,730).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,766/year (purchasing power: $42,883).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Johnston grew 42.5% from $12.28/hr (2019) to $17.50/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.85/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 Johnston 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 Johnston
Exploiting part-time opportunities represents a viable path for many CNAs in Johnston. For instance, a certified nursing assistant working 24 hours a week can expect a take-home of approximately $19,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. The per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Johnston can vary widely, with agency work sometimes commanding rates between $22 and $32 per hour. Weekend-only shifts may offer premium contracts ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, especially in markets grappling with staffing shortages. Different employers such as hospitals or assisted living communities tend to offer varied pay scales. Additionally, some CNAs may opt for positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Therefore, approaching wage negotiations with a clear understanding of both hourly benefits and potential trade-offs could provide a significant advantage in the local job market.
More salary data for Johnston, 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 Johnston. 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 Johnston 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