Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Urbandale, IA: $19.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Urbandale, IA runs $19.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,909 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Urbandale's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,951 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Urbandale, Iowa, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $19.19 in 2026. This figure is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $21.64, reflecting the unique economic climate of the region. For part-time workers, such as those opting for a three-day workweek, this pay translates to about $1,825 per month, which is essential for budgeting around personal expenses or furthering education in healthcare. The hourly wage range for certified nursing assistants in Urbandale extends from approximately $16.25 for entry-level positions to $22.78 for experienced professionals. This pay structure is vital for professionals working in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies, as these environments often dictate different rates based on demand and location.
About the Urbandale 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) | $16.25 | $130.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.32 | $138.54 |
| Median (P50) | $19.19 | $153.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.17 | $169.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.78 | $182.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Urbandale
Based on $19.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.19/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Urbandale, IA can expect to earn approximately $39,918 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,030. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Urbandale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Urbandale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $767.65 | $3,326 | $39,918 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $460.59 | $1,996 | $23,951 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $307.06 | $1,331 | $15,967 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Urbandale) | $19.19 |
| 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 Urbandale, IA earn a median of $39,909 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.33% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $41,789.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.19/hr = $23,951/year (purchasing power: $26,494).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,918/year (purchasing power: $44,157).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Urbandale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Urbandale grew 42.5% from $12.65/hr (2019) to $18.02/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.44/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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale
Beyond the basic pay, the earning potential for certified nursing assistants can vary significantly based on employment arrangements and workplace environments. A part-time certified nursing assistant, working an average of 24 hours per week, would take home around $24,000 annually, which is less than a full-time counterpart. In contrast, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Urbandale can range from $22 to $32, particularly for those who work on weekends or take on agency roles, where premium pay exists in response to staff shortages. Different employer types also bring varied compensation packages; skilled nursing facilities may offer consistent hours but lower pay compared to travel contracts, which can yield between $1,000 and $1,800 per week. The choice between lower hourly rates with benefits and higher pay without them presents a common dilemma for CNAs. Effective negotiation strategies, particularly focused on benefits like health insurance against monetary compensation, can influence overall job satisfaction and retention in this crucial healthcare role.
More salary data for Urbandale, 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 Urbandale. 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 Urbandale 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