Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Iowa City, IA: $41,886 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Iowa City, IA earns a median $41,886/year (≈ $20.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Iowa City's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $45,773 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, a certified nursing assistant salary in Iowa City is projected to reach a median of $41,886, which reflects a notable gap when compared nationally, as the expected median is $45,007. The salary range for CNAs in this area varies between $37,339 at the 10th percentile to $53,921 at the 90th percentile, indicating a clear disparity based on experience and specialization. These figures, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, paint a comprehensive picture of the earning potential for CNAs in Iowa City, IA. For many seeking to advance their careers, these figures highlight the financial incentives that come with pursuing further credentials, such as transitioning to licensed practical nurse (LPN) roles, which can significantly increase earnings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,339 | $17.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,873 | $18.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,886 | $20.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,725 | $23.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,921 | $25.92 |
Median Salary Position
6.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Iowa City
In Iowa City, IA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $16,582 (2026 est.). At $41,886, the local median is 6.93% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Iowa City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Iowa City Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Iowa City median: $41,886/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Iowa City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $41,761 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | -6.93% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Iowa City, IA earn a median of $41,886 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.93% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 0.30% above the Iowa state average of $41,761.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Iowa City has a cost of living 8.49% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Iowa City, IA has a cost-of-living index of 91.509 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $41,886 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,773 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.28% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,040
2025 BLS Actual
$39,330
2026 Current Est.
$41,886
2019–2027 Growth
+39.2%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Iowa City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,040 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,060 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,170 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,740 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,330 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,886 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,609 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Iowa City metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 22.8% from $32,040 (2019) to $39,330 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,609 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,569 (39.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Iowa City 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) | $37,339 – $38,873 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,873 – $41,886 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,886 – $49,725 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,725 – $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 Iowa City
Looking at the local job market, there are currently 1,310 certified nursing assistants working within Iowa City, ensuring a steady demand for this essential role. The cost of living in the area is lower than the national average, with a cost-of-living index of 91.509, which enhances the take-home purchasing power for CNAs. Among the top employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer the highest pay, often complemented by shift differentials: night shifts may provide an additional $2 to $4 per hour, while weekends may add $1 to $3. This variance in pay often reflects the acuity of patient care required and can be influenced by the availability of agency staffing during peak shortages. To maximize certified nursing assistant pay in Iowa City IA, individuals should consider seeking roles that offer weekend premiums and additional certifications, as these strategies can significantly boost overall compensation.
More salary data for Iowa City, 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 $39,330 for certified nursing assistantsin the Iowa City 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