Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Marion, IA: $19.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Marion, IA runs $19.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,072 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Marion's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,642 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Marion, Iowa, certified nursing assistants can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $19.75 in 2026, which is lower than the national median hourly rate of $21.64. This wage presents a practical option for part-time workers, such as those taking on 3-day workweeks, wherein they would earn approximately $945 per week (ignoring taxes and deductions). Those in per-diem roles benefit from flexibility, catering to staffing needs in various settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health situations. The hourly earnings for entry-level CNAs range from $16.04 to $19.75, while seasoned professionals can command rates as high as $23.32, allowing for diverse earning potential based on experience and the specific demands of their roles in assisted living, hospice, or dialysis centers.
About the Marion 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) | $16.04 | $128.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.31 | $138.45 |
| Median (P50) | $19.75 | $157.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.72 | $173.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.32 | $186.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Marion
Based on $19.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.75/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Marion, IA can expect to earn approximately $41,070 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,694. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Marion.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Marion
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $789.80 | $3,422 | $41,070 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $473.88 | $2,053 | $24,642 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $315.92 | $1,369 | $16,428 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Marion) | $19.75 |
| 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 Marion, IA earn a median of $41,072 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.74% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 1.70% below the Iowa state average of $41,782.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.75/hr = $24,642/year (purchasing power: $27,259).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,070/year (purchasing power: $45,431).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Marion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Marion grew 42.5% from $13.01/hr (2019) to $18.54/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.03/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 Marion 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 Marion
Looking at the specifics of part-time earnings, a certified nursing assistant working 24 hours a week would bring home around $26,472 annually, a stark contrast to the full-time potential. Many CNAs find per diem work appealing, especially when agency roles can yield rates between $22 to $32 hourly and premium weekend shifts reach $30 to $45, reflecting the ongoing demand for skilled staff. The variety among employers in Marion—from skilled nursing facilities to hospitals and home health agencies—often translates into differing pay scales. Benefits, like health insurance, can compel some CNAs to accept lower hourly wages despite the allure of higher pay without benefits. When negotiating hourly rates, emphasizing flexibility in availability and willingness to handle weekend shifts can be beneficial strategies for CNAs in Marion.
More salary data for Marion, 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 Marion. 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 Marion 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