Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Waukee, IA: $39,962 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Waukee, IA earns a median $39,962/year (≈ $19.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Waukee's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $44,206 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the certified nursing assistant salary in Waukee, Iowa, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $39,962. This position is experiencing a resurgence post-COVID, establishing a new wage floor driven by demand for healthcare services, reflected in a salary range from $33,634 to $44,789. These estimates derive from comprehensive BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, indicating that while local wages align with the needs of the market, they still trail the national median, which sits at $45,007. Job seekers will find that the evolving conditions in Waukee create opportunities for those entering or advancing within the healthcare field, especially as local facilities rebuild their teams after significant turnover.
About the Waukee Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,634 | $16.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,789 | $17.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,962 | $19.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,587 | $20.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44,789 | $21.53 |
Median Salary Position
11.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukee
In Waukee, IA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $11,155 (2026 est.). At $39,962, the local median is 11.21% below the national median of $45,007.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waukee: You'd be above the median
How Waukee Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Waukee median: $39,962/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $41,758 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $45,007 | -11.21% less |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Waukee, IA earn a median of $39,962 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.21% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 4.30% below the Iowa state average of $41,758.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukee 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.
Waukee, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $39,962 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,206 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,335
2025 BLS Actual
$37,523
2026 Current Est.
$39,962
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Waukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,335 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,392 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,912 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,752 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,918 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,136 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,523 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,962 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,560 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukee metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $26,335 (2019) to $37,523 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,560 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,225 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukee 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) | $33,634 – $35,789 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,789 – $39,962 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,962 – $42,587 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,587 – $44,789 |
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 Waukee
The local job market shows only four certified nursing assistants actively employed in Waukee, suggesting a tight-knit community where opportunities can be limited yet competitive. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, the purchasing power for certified nursing assistant pay in Waukee IA is relatively favorable compared to many urban markets. Facilities like skilled nursing homes and rehabilitation hospitals tend to offer the most attractive salaries, often supplemented by shift differentials, which can see night shifts earning an extra $2-4 per hour. Factors driving the salary spread include the acuity of patients and staffing needs, particularly during peak hours and weekends, where additional premiums are provided. Consequently, those looking to maximize their pay might consider embracing flexible hours, aiming for roles in high-demand settings, or pursuing certification as a medication aide, which can open up further financial incentives.
More salary data for Waukee, 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 $37,523 for certified nursing assistantsin the Waukee 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 Waukee 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