Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Des Moines, WA: $24.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Des Moines, WA runs $24.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,711 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,424 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Moines, Washington, the certified nursing assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $24.38, which is significantly higher than the national median of $21.64. This attractive hourly rate opens up various opportunities for part-time and per diem workers in settings ranging from skilled nursing facilities to home health visits. For CNAs working three days a week, the hourly pay translates into a reliable income that supports a flexible work schedule while addressing the needs of the healthcare facilities. With an hourly range from $20.03 for entry-level positions to $29.23 for experienced professionals, it reflects the growth in demand and better salary offerings in a post-COVID environment where nursing staff turnover has been considerable.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.03 | $160.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.60 | $172.79 |
| Median (P50) | $24.38 | $195.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.02 | $216.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.23 | $233.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $24.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.38/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, WA can expect to earn approximately $50,706 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,253. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $975.11 | $4,225 | $50,706 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $585.07 | $2,535 | $30,424 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $390.05 | $1,690 | $20,282 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Des Moines) | $24.38 |
| 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 Des Moines, WA earn a median of $50,711 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.67% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $51,172.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.38/hr = $30,424/year (purchasing power: $28,327).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,706/year (purchasing power: $47,212).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Des Moines grew 42.5% from $16.07/hr (2019) to $22.89/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.96/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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines
The earning potential of certified nursing assistants in a part-time capacity can provide a substantial income, especially when working 24 hours a week. In this scenario, a CNA could take home approximately $38,192 annually, enabling a decent lifestyle without the commitment of full-time hours. In contrast, per diem certified nursing assistant pay in Des Moines can vary between $22 and $32 per hour, with weekend-only assignments sometimes providing rates up to $45 per hour. Different employer types also influence pay scales; skilled nursing facilities and hospitals may offer varying compensation compared to home health agencies or assisted living communities. While some CNAs may prefer higher hourly wages without benefits, others may opt for slightly lower pay in exchange for health insurance and stable work hours. For those negotiating their hourly rates, emphasizing skills and availability can strengthen their position, particularly in tight labor markets.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time certified nursing assistants make in Des Moines?
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Do certified nursing assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Des Moines?
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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 Des Moines. 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 Des Moines 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