Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $39,782 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Marshalltown, IA earns a median $39,782/year (≈ $19.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Marshalltown's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $44,007 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Marshalltown is projected to reach $39,782, reflecting a notable difference compared to the national median of $45,007. Local salaries range from $33,539 for entry-level positions to $46,998 for those with more experience or specialized skills. Estimations derive from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price levels, indicating that wage growth opportunities exist within this central Iowa city. However, job seekers should be aware that the pay landscape may vary significantly between employment settings, such as skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, which often offer differing compensation structures based on specific roles and responsibilities.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,539 | $16.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,871 | $16.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,782 | $19.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,789 | $21.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,998 | $22.60 |
Median Salary Position
11.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
In Marshalltown, IA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,459 (2026 est.). At $39,782, the local median is 11.61% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Marshalltown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Marshalltown Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Marshalltown median: $39,782/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Marshalltown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $41,788 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -11.61% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Marshalltown, IA earn a median of $39,782 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.61% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.80% below the Iowa state average of $41,788.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Marshalltown 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.
Marshalltown, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $39,782 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,007 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,217
2025 BLS Actual
$37,354
2026 Current Est.
$39,782
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Marshalltown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,217 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,269 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,791 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,609 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,765 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,996 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,354 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,782 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,368 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Marshalltown metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,217 (2019) to $37,354 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,368 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,151 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown 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) | $33,539 – $34,871 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,871 – $39,782 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,782 – $43,789 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,789 – $46,998 |
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 Marshalltown
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Marshalltown currently employs about eight individuals, highlighting a modest demand for this occupation. The cost-of-living index sits at 90.4, suggesting that while salaries are relatively lower than the national average, living expenses are also reduced, which impacts overall purchasing power. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer more competitive pay compared to home health agencies or assisted living communities. Factors such as shift differentials, which can provide an additional $2 to $4 per hour for night or weekend shifts, also contribute to the pay hierarchy. Those looking to enhance their earnings may explore weekend-only roles or seek positions in high-acuity settings, where compensation reflects the demands of the job. Additionally, pursuing certified medication aide (CMA) certification or transitioning to LPN or RN roles can provide pathways to higher pay in this evolving healthcare market.
More salary data for Marshalltown, 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 $37,354 for certified nursing assistantsin the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown 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