Senior Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Des Moines, WA: $60,799 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of certified nursing assistants working in Des Moines, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $60,799/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-1131. Strip back Des Moines's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $56,610 in average-cost America. The 20% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Moines, WA, experienced certified nursing assistants can anticipate a median annual salary of $50,711 in 2026, but those at the zenith of their profession can earn significantly more. The top earners in this market—the 90th percentile—are projected to pull in $60,799, showcasing a lucrative career path for seasoned professionals with over seven years of experience. This gap between the median wage and peak pay underscores the financial benefits of advancing one’s career through specialized skills and certifications. Achieving such a salary is not solely dependent on tenure; it also often involves pursuing advanced training, gaining certifications in specialized fields like hospice or dementia care, and positioning oneself within high-demand healthcare settings.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Experienced certified nursing assistants at the top of the pay scale in Des Moines earn between $56,206 and $60,799 per year (2026 est.). This $19,136 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Moines median of $50,711 sits 12.67% above the US median.
Top CNA Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Moines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $50,711 | $45,007 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,206 | $50,289 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $60,799 | $55,359 |
In Des Moines, experienced certified nursing assistants (P90) earn 19.89% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Certified Nursing Assistant Pay in Des Moines
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA certified nursing assistants with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $50,711 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Moines employers.
Specialty Focus
Certified Nursing Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Des Moines command premium compensation, often reaching the $56,206–$60,799 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Washington 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 Des Moines
Clinical Certified Nursing Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant
5-10 yearsCertified Nursing Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Moines ranks #33 of 50 Washington cities for top earner certified nursing assistant salary (90th percentile: $60,799).
Top 10% certified nursing assistant compensation in Des Moines ($60,799) is 10.11% below the Washington average P90 ($67,640).
2019 BLS Actual
$44,612
2025 BLS Actual
$57,088
2026 Current Est.
$60,799
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,612 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,248 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,587 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,454 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,574 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,876 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,088 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,799 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,751 | Projected |
Top-earning certified nursing assistants (90th percentile) in Des Moines saw their compensation grow 28.0% from $44,612 in 2019 to $57,088 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 $64,751 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the 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.
Maximizing Your Certified Nursing Assistant Earnings in Des Moines
When considering the various avenues for boosting compensation, it’s apparent that certain specializations command higher salaries in Des Moines. Positions like restorative aide, medication aide, and dialysis technician tend to be compensated on the higher end of the spectrum, particularly within reputable facilities. Furthermore, compensation varies significantly across different employer types; skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer competitive wages compared to home health agencies and assisted living communities. For senior-level CNAs, opportunities for advancement include roles such as charge CNA, scheduler, or training coordinator. Earning advanced credentials like CPR/BLS certifications or a medication aide credential can further enhance earning potential. Additionally, shift differentials, particularly for night and weekend shifts, combined with premiums during staffing shortages, add another layer to the comprehensive compensation package often enjoyed by seasoned professionals in the field.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced certified nursing assistants make in Des Moines in 2026?
What drives higher certified nursing assistant pay in Des Moines?
What certifications boost certified nursing assistant salary in Des Moines?
Can experienced certified nursing assistants make six figures in Des Moines?
How much does certified nursing assistant salary increase over time in Des Moines?
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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 $57,088 for certified nursing assistants in the Des Moines 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 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