Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in West Des Moines, IA: $46,191 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in West Des Moines, IA earns a median $46,191/year (≈ $22.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in West Des Moines's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $51,096 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.6% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for certified nursing assistants in West Des Moines, Iowa, is expected to reach $46,191. This figure indicates a competitive position relative to the national median of $45,007, reflecting a 2.63% increase. The salary range for this role spans from $38,159 at the 10th percentile up to $56,738 at the 90th percentile, suggesting significant variability based on experience, setting, and specific employer practices. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living factors, which is notably lower in West Des Moines, indicating a healthier financial outlook for residents working in this field compared to many other U.S. markets still recovering from the effects of the pandemic staffing crisis.
About the West Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,159 | $18.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,165 | $19.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,191 | $22.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,912 | $24.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,738 | $27.27 |
Median Salary Position
2.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Des Moines
In West Des Moines, IA, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,579 (2026 est.). At $46,191, the local median is 2.63% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in West Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Des Moines Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
West Des Moines median: $46,191/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $41,764 | +10.60% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +2.63% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in West Des Moines, IA earn a median of $46,191 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.63% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 10.60% above the Iowa state average of $41,764.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Des Moines 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.
West Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A certified nursing assistant earning $46,191 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,096 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,440
2025 BLS Actual
$43,372
2026 Current Est.
$46,191
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in West Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,440 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,662 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,108 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,701 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,205 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,802 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,372 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,191 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,194 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Des Moines metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $30,440 (2019) to $43,372 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,194 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,754 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Des Moines 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) | $38,159 – $40,165 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,165 – $46,191 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,191 – $51,912 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,912 – $56,738 |
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 West Des Moines
As the local job market shows demand with 16 certified nursing assistants currently employed in West Des Moines, prospective CNAs should consider various strategies to enhance their earning potential. Although the cost of living index stands at 90.4, which is below the national average, it influences the purchasing power of salaries in this area. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, particularly in intensive care units, may offer higher wages due to the increased levels of acuity in patient care. Pay differentials can be influenced by factors such as weekend shifts, with premiums of $1-3, and night shifts potentially providing an additional $2-4 per hour. Additionally, obtaining further certification or choosing shifts during staff shortages can yield significantly higher pay. For those looking to maximize their earnings, exploring opportunities in agency work, understanding specific pay structures, and networking within the community will be essential in navigating the evolving landscape of certified nursing assistant pay in West Des Moines, IA.
More salary data for West Des Moines, 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 $43,372 for certified nursing assistantsin the West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines 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