May 2025 BLS data
Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in Iowa
The median nursing assistant (cna) in Iowa earns $39,350/year ($18.92/hr) — 7% below the national median.
Median pay
$39,350/yr
Hourly median
$18.92/hr
State rank
#31 of 51
Employed
22,670
Nursing Assistant (CNA) pay percentiles in Iowa
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $17.13 | $35,620 |
| 25th percentile | $17.96 | $37,360 |
| Median (50th) | $18.92 | $39,350 |
| 75th percentile | $21.95 | $45,650 |
| 90th percentile | $23.07 | $47,980 |
The spread is large: top-decile nursing assistant (cna)s in Iowa out-earn the bottom decile by $5.94/hour — experience, certifications, and setting drive most of that gap.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
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What do people in your role actually earn?
Nursing Assistant (CNA)s in Iowa earn
$17.13–$23.07 /hour
Median $39,350/year · 22,670 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Nearby states compared
- Minnesota$46,680/yr
- Illinois$45,960/yr
- Wisconsin$45,130/yr
- Nebraska$40,000/yr
- South Dakota$38,800/yr
- Missouri$37,680/yr
Top-paying states for nursing assistant (cna)s
- 1. Oregon$49,830/yr
- 2. Washington$49,180/yr
- 3. New York$48,590/yr
- 4. New Hampshire$47,870/yr
- 5. District of Columbia$47,700/yr
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Nursing Assistant (CNA) salaries in every stateFrequently asked questions
How much does a nursing assistant (cna) make in Iowa?
The median nursing assistant (cna) in Iowa earns $39,350 per year, or $18.92 per hour, according to May 2025 BLS data. Most earn between $35,620 (10th percentile) and $47,980 (90th percentile).
What is a good nursing assistant (cna) salary in Iowa?
Top-quartile nursing assistant (cna)s in Iowa earn $45,650 or more per year ($21.95/hr). Reaching that range typically comes from experience, certifications, and higher-paying settings.
How does Iowa compare to other states for nursing assistant (cna)s?
Iowa ranks #31 of 51 states, with a median 7% below the national median of $42,260.
What do entry-level nursing assistant (cna)s earn in Iowa?
Entry-level pay typically falls near the 10th–25th percentile: $35,620–$37,360 per year ($17.13–$17.96/hr) in Iowa.