Des Moines vs Mason City: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Des Moines, IA and Mason City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Mason City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,796▲ | $39,546 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.50▲ | $19.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,722▲ | $32,959 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,703▲ | $35,261 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,310▲ | $43,195 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,921▲ | $46,369 |
| Total Employed | 4,660▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mason City.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Mason City is $7,250 (18.33%). Des Moines's median is +3.97% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $16,199,Mason City spans $13,410. Des Moines has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($51,031 effective) pays 16.65% more than Mason City ($43,746 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,796/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,921)
- ✓Larger job market (4,660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,031)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Mason City if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Des Moines grew 41.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.5% growth in Mason City over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$31,030 (2019) → $43,940 (2025)
Mason City, IA
$30,811 (2024) → $37,132 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Mason City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Des Moines or Mason City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Mason City?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Mason City as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Des Moines vs Mason City?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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