Entry-Level Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $34,333 (2026)
Quick Answer:New certified nursing assistants entering the Ottumwa, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,333 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-1131, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ottumwa's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,979 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,863) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For newly certified nursing assistants entering the job market in Ottumwa, Iowa, the starting pay is a vital consideration, especially when evaluating the entry level certified nursing assistant salary in Ottumwa. In 2026, candidates can expect a salary beginning at around $34,333, with realistic earning potential increasing to $35,863 at the 25th percentile. While this range is below the city's overall median annual salary of $38,863, the career trajectory appears promising, with opportunities to advance toward the median as skills and experience are gained. The projected 6.50% annual growth rate suggests that entry-level CNAs have a solid opportunity to enhance their earning potential over the first three to five years in this market, making Ottumwa an appealing place for new graduates seeking to establish their careers.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ottumwa
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 Ottumwa
Entry-level certified nursing assistants in Ottumwa, IA typically start between $34,333 and $35,863 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $10,832 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,863 — 13.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Iowa of $1,800 represents just 5.24% of the starting certified nursing assistant pay ($34,333/year) in Ottumwa. 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 Ottumwa
- 1Research the Ottumwa market: entry-level certified nursing assistant pay ranges from $34,333 to $35,863, 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 Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ottumwa'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 Ottumwa is $10,832 ( 31.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,333, experienced hygienists can earn up to $45,165.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,859
2025 BLS Actual
$32,238
2026 Current Est.
$34,333
2019–2027 Growth
+75.3%
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 | $20,859 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,609 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,682 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,624 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,515 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,459 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,238 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,333 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,565 | Projected |
Entry-level certified nursing assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Ottumwa, IA grew 54.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,859 in 2019 to $32,238 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,565. New graduates entering the Ottumwa job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
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.
Starting Your nursing Career in Ottumwa
Local employers in Ottumwa who are keen to hire new graduates include skilled nursing facilities that often offer paid training programs tailored for entry-level CNAs. While hospital systems generally prefer experienced candidates, they sometimes implement apprenticeship pipelines that can be beneficial for recent certifiers. Home health agencies also offer flexible scheduling, making them attractive options for newcomers. To maximize starting pay in Iowa, new CNAs should obtain their state certification by completing the minimum 75 hours of federally mandated training and passing the state exam. Additional credentials, such as CPR/BLS and optional medication aide certifications, can enhance job prospects and pay. Considering that the CNA workforce faced substantial turnover post-COVID and that nursing facility wages have risen significantly in many areas, securing a job as a new grad can lead to further opportunities, especially if one later transitions into more advanced nursing roles, such as LPN or RN.
More salary data for Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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