Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Waukee, IA: $19.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Waukee, IA runs $19.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,962 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Waukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,977 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukee, Iowa, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $19.21, making it slightly lower than the national median of $21.64. This rate can impact those working part-time or in per-diem roles, especially in settings such as skilled nursing facilities or assisted living apartments, where shifts can vary significantly. A part-time worker committing to three 8-hour shifts per week could expect to earn approximately $537.60 weekly. The hourly pay range for certified nursing assistants in Waukee varies from $16.17 at the lower end to $21.53 for those with more experience or specific expertise, reflecting the varied nature of the roles that CNAs play in the healthcare system.
About the Waukee 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) | $16.17 | $129.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.21 | $137.68 |
| Median (P50) | $19.21 | $153.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.48 | $163.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.53 | $172.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukee
Based on $19.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.21/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukee, IA can expect to earn approximately $39,962 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,055. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $768.50 | $3,330 | $39,962 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $461.10 | $1,998 | $23,977 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $307.40 | $1,332 | $15,985 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Waukee) | $19.21 |
| 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 Waukee, IA earn a median of $39,962 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.21% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.30% below the Iowa state average of $41,758.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.21/hr = $23,977/year (purchasing power: $26,524).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,962/year (purchasing power: $44,206).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Waukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Waukee grew 42.5% from $12.66/hr (2019) to $18.04/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.46/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 Waukee 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 Waukee
Examining the economics of being a certified nursing assistant, a three-day work week translates into a straightforward path for those seeking a steady income without full-time commitments. Part-time CNAs, earning at the projected median, would take home around $28,000 annually, considerably lower than full-time counterparts. Per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Waukee can be more lucrative, with agency positions billing anywhere from $22 to $32 per hour and specialized weekend contracts reaching $30 to $45 per hour. However, working in different hospital units or skilled nursing facilities may yield varied rates, influenced by location and demand. Numerous CNAs grapple with the choice between potential higher hourly pay without benefits versus lower pay with health insurance. For those negotiating pay, highlighting experience with shift differentials or availability on weekends can enhance earning potential in Waukee's competitive job market.
More salary data for Waukee, 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 Waukee. 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 Waukee 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