Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Johnston, IA: $38,768 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Johnston, IA earns a median $38,768/year (≈ $18.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Johnston's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $42,885 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Johnston, Iowa are projected to earn a median annual salary of $38,768, reflecting a local market that lags behind the national average of $45,007. The salary range for CNAs spans from $34,092 at the 10th percentile to $46,116 at the 90th percentile, indicating varied compensation based on experience, specific roles, and the type of healthcare facility. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, underscore the differences between skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, where pay may differ significantly. Employers in Johnston face the challenge of attracting and retaining staff in a market that has seen wage increases to combat the staffing crisis exacerbated by the pandemic.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,092 | $16.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,660 | $17.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,768 | $18.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,079 | $20.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,116 | $22.17 |
Median Salary Position
13.86% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnston
In Johnston, IA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,024 (2026 est.). At $38,768, the local median is 13.86% below the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Johnston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnston Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Johnston median: $38,768/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $41,776 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -13.86% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Johnston, IA earn a median of $38,768 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.86% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 7.20% below the Iowa state average of $41,776.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnston 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.
Johnston, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $38,768 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,885 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,549
2025 BLS Actual
$36,402
2026 Current Est.
$38,768
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,549 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,574 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,108 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,803 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,905 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,206 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,402 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,768 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,288 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnston metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $25,549 (2019) to $36,402 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,288 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,739 (61.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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) | $34,092 – $35,660 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,660 – $38,768 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,768 – $43,079 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,079 – $46,116 |
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 Johnston
The local job market for certified nursing assistants in Johnston holds steady with only four professionals employed in this field, illustrating potential opportunities for growth in terms of demand. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, CNAs may find their salaries stretch further in Johnston compared to higher-cost areas. Among the various employers, skilled nursing facilities often offer competitive pay, although hospital roles, especially in high-acuity settings like ICUs, can provide a premium. Factors such as shift differentials for nights and weekends, agency pay during labor shortages, and additional stipends for specific certifications can significantly affect earnings. For those looking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Johnston, pursuing evening shifts or weekend roles can enhance hourly rates, and considering further certifications may provide advantages in this evolving workforce.
More salary data for Johnston, 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 $36,402 for certified nursing assistantsin the Johnston 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 Johnston 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