Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $38,863 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Ottumwa, IA earns a median $38,863/year (≈ $18.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Ottumwa's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $42,990 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Ottumwa, Iowa, stands at a median of $38,863, reflecting the local economic conditions and healthcare demands. The salary range extends from $34,333 at the 10th percentile to $45,165 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic factors. Despite being nearly 13.65% lower than the national median of $45,007, the local market for certified nursing assistants still presents opportunities for growth, particularly given the anticipated 6.50% annual increase. For those considering the transition from certified nursing assistant to licensed practical nurse (LPN), investing in further education can significantly enhance earning potential and job security within the dynamic healthcare environment of Ottumwa.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,333 | $16.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,863 | $17.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,863 | $18.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,410 | $20.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45,165 | $21.72 |
Median Salary Position
13.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ottumwa
In Ottumwa, IA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $10,832 (2026 est.). At $38,863, the local median is 13.65% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ottumwa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ottumwa Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Ottumwa median: $38,863/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ottumwa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $41,788 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -13.65% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $38,863 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.65% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $41,788.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ottumwa 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.
Ottumwa, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $38,863 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,990 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$25,611
2025 BLS Actual
$36,491
2026 Current Est.
$38,863
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,611 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,639 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,172 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,878 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,985 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,279 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,491 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,863 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,389 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ottumwa metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $25,611 (2019) to $36,491 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,389 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,778 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ottumwa 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) | $34,333 – $35,863 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,863 – $38,863 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,863 – $42,410 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,410 – $45,165 |
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 Ottumwa
With only five certified nursing assistants currently employed in Ottumwa, the local job market is quite competitive, yet it reflects a realistic gauge of demand amidst historical turnover challenges in the healthcare sector. The cost-of-living index in Ottumwa is 90.4, indicating that residents can stretch their salaries further compared to national averages. Those seeking to maximize their certified nursing assistant pay in Ottumwa, IA, should focus on seeking employment opportunities in skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, where compensation can be more favorable. Pay differentials arise from factors like night shifts often earning an additional $2-4 per hour, along with weekend premiums, which can further enhance earnings during crucial staffing periods. Additionally, obtaining specialized certifications such as CMA can lead to stipends that boost overall pay, making it essential to weigh these factors carefully when planning a career path in this field.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $36,491 for certified nursing assistantsin the Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa 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