Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $45,165 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Ottumwa, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $45,165/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Ottumwa's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $49,961 in average-cost America. The 16% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ottumwa, experienced certified nursing assistants can expect to see substantial earning potential as they enter senior roles within the field. By 2026, the top certified nursing assistant salary in Ottumwa is projected to reach $45,165, positioning many local professionals within the 75th percentile of earners at $42,410. This creates a notable gap between the average annual salary of $38,863 and the top-tier earnings. To bridge this gap and achieve these higher salaries, certified nursing assistants often pursue specialized skills, seek positions in high-demand facilities, or take on leadership roles that leverage their experience gained over seven years or more.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ottumwa
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Ottumwa earn between $42,410 and $45,165 per year (2026 est.). This $10,832 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Ottumwa median of $38,863 sits 13.65% below the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Ottumwa | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $38,863 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,410 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $45,165 | $55,359 |
In Ottumwa, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 16.22% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Ottumwa
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $38,863 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Ottumwa employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Ottumwa command premium compensation, often reaching the $42,410–$45,165 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOttumwa ranks #24 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $45,165).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Ottumwa ($45,165) is 13.81% below the Iowa average P90 ($52,399).
2019 BLS Actual
$33,140
2025 BLS Actual
$42,408
2026 Current Est.
$45,165
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
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 | $33,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,356 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,093 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,480 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,797 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,282 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,408 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,165 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,100 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Ottumwa saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $33,140 in 2019 to $42,408 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 $48,100 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Certified Nursing Assistant Earnings in Ottumwa
Several factors influence the senior certified nursing assistant pay in IA, especially in Ottumwa. Specializations such as restorative aide, medication aide, and dementia care can command higher wages, particularly in skilled nursing facilities or hospitals where advanced competencies are essential. The type of employer also plays a critical role; those working in home health agencies or rehabilitation hospitals typically earn less than their counterparts in acute care settings or hospice environments. Advancement opportunities such as becoming a charge CNA, scaling up to a CNA-to-LPN or RN bridge, or stepping into administrative roles increase earning potential. Furthermore, non-salary compensation factors, including shift differentials and bonuses for weekend shifts, add to the overall package for experienced professionals in this field. With a projected 6.50% growth rate, the demand for senior-level certified nursing assistants in Ottumwa is likely to continue rising, encouraging many to pursue advanced certifications that enhance both skills and salary.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Ottumwa in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Ottumwa?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Ottumwa?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Ottumwa?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Ottumwa?
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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 $42,408 for certified nursing assistants in the Ottumwa 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 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