Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $46,998 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Marshalltown, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $46,998/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Marshalltown's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $51,989 in average-cost America. The 18% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Marshalltown, IA, senior certified nursing assistants can look forward to attractive earning potentials, with projections for 2026 indicating a top-tier salary of $46,998. This figure represents the 90th percentile (P90) for experienced professionals, showcasing a significant opportunity for those who attain mastery in their roles. With a median annual salary for this level at $39,782, the gap between general compensation and top earners reveals the potential for further specialization and skill development. Reaching this peak requires not only extensive experience—over seven years—but also a commitment to pursuing advanced certifications and skills that set candidates apart in a competitive, evolving healthcare market.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Marshalltown earn between $43,789 and $46,998 per year (2026 est.). This $13,459 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Marshalltown median of $39,782 sits 11.61% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Marshalltown | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $39,782 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $43,789 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $46,998 | $55,359 |
In Marshalltown, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 18.14% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Marshalltown
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $39,782 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Marshalltown employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Marshalltown command premium compensation, often reaching the $43,789–$46,998 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Marshalltown metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced certified nursing assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured certified nursing assistants in Marshalltown with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Certified Nursing Assistants in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Certified Nursing Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Marshalltown
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMarshalltown ranks #17 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $46,998).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Marshalltown ($46,998) is 10.31% below the Iowa average P90 ($52,399).
2019 BLS Actual
$34,486
2025 BLS Actual
$44,130
2026 Current Est.
$46,998
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
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 | $34,486 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,751 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,559 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,002 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,413 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,773 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,998 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,053 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Marshalltown saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $34,486 in 2019 to $44,130 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 6.50% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $50,053 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Certified Nursing Assistant Earnings in Marshalltown
Senior certified nursing assistants in Marshalltown can enhance their earnings through targeted specializations, such as restorative aide or medication aide roles, particularly in states that offer such certifications. Facilities like skilled nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies provide varying compensation structures, with skilled nursing facilities often offering more competitive pay and better shifts. Opportunities abound for leadership roles, such as charge CNA or CNA-to-LPN/RN bridge transitions, allowing for career advancement accompanied by increased pay rates. Advanced credentials, including BLS/CPR and dementia care certifications, also play a vital role in elevating potential compensation. It’s crucial for experienced professionals to consider non-salary compensation as well, including shift differentials, premium pay during staffing shortages, and weekend work incentives, all of which can enhance overall earnings in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Marshalltown in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Marshalltown?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Marshalltown?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Marshalltown?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Marshalltown?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $44,130 for certified nursing assistants in the Marshalltown metro area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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