Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Des Moines, IA: $46,796 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Des Moines, IA earns a median $46,796/year (≈ $22.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.7), that paycheck buys what $51,031 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.0% above the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, those working as certified nursing assistants in Des Moines, Iowa, can expect a median annual salary of $46,796, reflecting a competitive edge compared to the national median of $45,007. The salary spectrum ranges from $37,722 at the 10th percentile to as high as $53,921 at the 90th percentile. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, demonstrates that while skilled nursing facilities often offer lower starting salaries, roles within hospitals and more specialized environments tend to yield higher compensation. The local job market continues to strengthen, which is crucial as the demand for these essential professionals endures amid ongoing healthcare challenges.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,722 | $18.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,703 | $19.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,796 | $22.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,310 | $23.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,921 | $25.92 |
Median Salary Position
3.97% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, IA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,199 (2026 est.). At $46,796, the local median is 3.97% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be above the median
How Des Moines Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $46,796/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $41,782 | +12.00% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +3.97% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $46,796 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.97% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 12.00% above the Iowa state average of $41,782.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 8.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 91.701 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $46,796 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,031 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,030
2025 BLS Actual
$43,940
2026 Current Est.
$46,796
2019–2027 Growth
+60.6%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,030 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,600 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,770 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,560 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,000 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,790 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,796 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,838 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 41.6% from $31,030 (2019) to $43,940 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,838 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,808 (60.61%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $37,722 – $39,703 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,703 – $46,796 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,796 – $49,310 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,310 – $53,921 |
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 Des Moines
With approximately 4,660 certified nursing assistants currently employed in Des Moines, the local job market is robust, providing ample opportunities despite the lower cost of living index at 91.701. This favorable index can enhance take-home purchasing power, counteracting some compensation disparities. Among the highest-paying employers, hospitals offering specialized care and home health agencies typically provide premium pay. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to various factors, including shift differentials that can boost hourly wages by $2-4 for night shifts and $1-3 on weekends, as well as CNA certifications that command stipends. For aspiring CNAs, engaging in weekend-only roles or seeking positions in environments with higher patient acuity may maximize earnings in this Des Moines market. Establishing a career path that includes bridging into LPN or RN roles is another strategic move for enhancing long-term salary potential.
More salary data for Des Moines, 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 $43,940 for certified nursing assistantsin the Des Moines 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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