Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Ankeny, IA: $40,592 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Ankeny, IA earns a median $40,592/year (≈ $19.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Ankeny's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $44,903 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The landscape for certified nursing assistant salaries in Ankeny, Iowa has seen a reset following the post-COVID wage adjustments, with the projected median salary for 2026 sitting at $40,592. This reflects a crucial shift, as it positions local earnings at approximately 9.81% below the anticipated national median of $45,007 for the same year. Within the broader salary range, figures vary from $33,180 at the 10th percentile to $50,900 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the potential earnings gap for CNAs with differing experiences and specializations. These salary estimations are rooted in 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations, revealing the economic factors at play in Ankeny's job market.
About the Ankeny Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,180 | $15.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,920 | $17.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,592 | $19.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,243 | $22.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,900 | $24.47 |
Median Salary Position
9.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ankeny
In Ankeny, IA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,720 (2026 est.). At $40,592, the local median is 9.81% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Ankeny: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ankeny Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Ankeny median: $40,592/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ankeny Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $41,762 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -9.81% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Ankeny, IA earn a median of $40,592 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.81% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 2.80% below the Iowa state average of $41,762.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ankeny has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ankeny, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $40,592 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,903 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,751
2025 BLS Actual
$38,115
2026 Current Est.
$40,592
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Ankeny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,751 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,824 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,337 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,253 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,453 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,627 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,115 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,592 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,231 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ankeny metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,751 (2019) to $38,115 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,231 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,480 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ankeny 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $33,180 – $35,920 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,920 – $40,592 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,592 – $46,243 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,243 – $50,900 |
CNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual certified nursing assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in Ankeny
In Ankeny, the job market is relatively stable, with 16 certified nursing assistants currently employed. Notably, the area's cost of living index stands at 90.4, suggesting that take-home pay retains more purchasing power compared to higher-cost regions. Among the local employers, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and assisted living communities tend to offer the most competitive salaries, particularly for positions requiring specialized skills such as caring for patients in specialized units. Variations in pay can be influenced by several factors, including shift differentials for nights and weekends, agency pay premiums during staffing shortages, and additional stipends for CNAs with CMA certification. To maximize earnings in Ankeny, aspiring CNAs should consider seeking positions that offer night shifts or weekend opportunities, which can pay an extra $2 to $4 per hour. Additionally, pursuing further training and certifications can lead to enhanced pay scales and bridge opportunities into LPN and RN roles, which are vital in a market that appreciates progressive career paths in healthcare.
More salary data for Ankeny, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $38,115 for certified nursing assistantsin the Ankeny metropolitan area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ankeny 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