Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Muscatine, IA: $18.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Muscatine, IA runs $18.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,010 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Muscatine's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,406 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Muscatine, Iowa, certified nursing assistants earn a median hourly pay of $18.75, which is notably lower than the national median of $21.64. This rate reflects the local labor market, where CNAs often report for shifts in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. A typical part-time schedule, for instance, working three days a week, allows CNAs to make about $18,500 annually based on a 24-hour workweek. Meanwhile, entry-level positions usually start around $16.67 per hour, while experienced CNAs can reach the upper end of the scale at $21.89. Even with these wage estimates derived from annual salary data, the hourly pay in Muscatine may influence choices for per diem certified nursing assistant pay, potentially impacting how workers pursue part-time roles or temporary assignments in various healthcare environments.
About the Muscatine Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.67 | $133.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.39 | $139.13 |
| Median (P50) | $18.75 | $150.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.57 | $164.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.89 | $175.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muscatine
Based on $18.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.75/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muscatine, IA can expect to earn approximately $39,010 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,506. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muscatine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muscatine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $750.19 | $3,251 | $39,010 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $450.11 | $1,950 | $23,406 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $300.07 | $1,300 | $15,604 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Muscatine) | $18.75 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Psychiatric Aide (National Avg) | $18.50 |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Muscatine, IA earn a median of $39,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.32% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $41,766.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.75/hr = $23,406/year (purchasing power: $25,891).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,010/year (purchasing power: $43,152).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Muscatine grew 42.5% from $12.36/hr (2019) to $17.61/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.97/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem certified nursing assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muscatine 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.
Working as an Hourly Certified Nursing Assistant in Muscatine
With the rise in demand for CNAs, the earning potential for part-time workers and those opting for per diem or agency roles can vary significantly. A certified nursing assistant working 24 hours a week at the median rate could take home roughly $18,750 annually, while full-time employment can yield over $39,010 per year. Per diem CNAs working for agencies often command higher rates, typically billing between $22 and $32 per hour, especially in high-demand areas. Weekend shifts or critical contract opportunities may offer premiums ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, especially in regions experiencing staffing shortages. Healthcare settings in Muscatine can also influence pay structures; skilled nursing facilities and hospitals may provide different compensation packages, sometimes including benefits that can sway a CNA's decision between a slightly lower hourly rate and guaranteed health insurance coverage. Lastly, negotiation skills play an essential role; being informed about current pay rates within Muscatine and understanding the value of critical demand can empower CNAs to negotiate better compensation based on their experience and the specific demands of their role.
More salary data for Muscatine, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Muscatine in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for certified nursing assistants in Muscatine. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Muscatine 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