Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $33,539 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Marshalltown, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,539 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marshalltown's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,101 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($39,782) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those entering the role of certified nursing assistant in Marshalltown can expect a starting certified nursing assistant salary of around $33,539. This figure represents the lower end of the salary scale (P10) for entry-level positions, with the potential to increase as new graduates gain experience. Compared to the city’s median annual salary of $39,782, there is a noticeable gap that reflects the typical earnings progression. Over the first few years, CNAs often move from entry-level pay to the P25 mark of $34,871, and eventually reach the median as they build their skills and familiarity in the role. With a growth trajectory of 6.50% annually, Marshalltown currently presents a viable market for new graduates, particularly due to the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals in the region.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Marshalltown
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Marshalltown, IA typically start between $33,539 and $34,871 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,459 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $39,782 — 11.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Iowa of $1,800 represents just 5.37% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($33,539/year) in Marshalltown. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state nurse aide registry-approved CNA training programs meeting federal CMS requirements. Tuition varies widely between free employer-sponsored programs, community college courses, and private training schools.
CNA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Marshalltown
- 1Research the Marshalltown market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $33,539 to $34,871, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Marshalltown, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Marshalltown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Marshalltown's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Certified Nursing Assistant Compensation Range
The certified nursing assistant wage spread in Marshalltown is $13,459 ( 40.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,539, experienced hygienists can earn up to $46,998.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,376
2025 BLS Actual
$31,492
2026 Current Est.
$33,539
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
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 | $20,376 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,109 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,158 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,008 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,855 | Actual |
| 2024 | $25,843 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,492 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,539 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,719 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Marshalltown, IA grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,376 in 2019 to $31,492 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,719. New graduates entering the Marshalltown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
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.
Starting Your nursing Career in Marshalltown
New nursing assistants in Marshalltown will find several employers actively seeking entry-level candidates. Skilled nursing facilities represent the primary source of jobs, frequently offering paid training programs to help new hires transition into their roles. Meanwhile, hospital systems often prefer experienced candidates but provide apprenticeship opportunities for those willing to gain hands-on experience. Home health agencies offer flexible scheduling options, catering to individuals seeking work-life balance. To enhance starting pay in Iowa, new graduates should prioritize obtaining their state CNA certification, which requires a minimum of 75 hours of federal training and passing a state exam. Additional certifications, such as CPR/BLS or medication aide (CMA), can further boost earning potential. Given the recent shift in the workforce post-COVID, many nursing facilities have increased wages significantly, making this an opportunistic time for entry-level CNAs. In the first few years, salary growth can be realistic, with potential increases as facilities work to retain talent in a competitive market.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Marshalltown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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