Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay in Ottumwa, IA: $18.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a certified nursing assistant working in Ottumwa, IA runs $18.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,863 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Weighted against Ottumwa's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,313 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, certified nursing assistants in Ottumwa, IA, can expect a median hourly rate of $18.68, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $21.64. This wage reflects the financial landscape for those working in various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities and home care. For part-time workers, this translates to approximately $448 a week for a 24-hour work schedule, which can be a viable option for those balancing multiple commitments or pursuing further education. The hourly pay ranges from $16.51 for entry-level positions up to $21.72 for those at the top end of the scale, making it essential for individuals entering the field to consider their expected earnings based on experience and the demands of their specific roles.
About the Ottumwa 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) | $16.51 | $132.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.24 | $137.94 |
| Median (P50) | $18.68 | $149.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.39 | $163.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.72 | $173.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ottumwa
Based on $18.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.68/hr, a certified nursing assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ottumwa, IA can expect to earn approximately $38,855 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,416. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ottumwa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ottumwa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $747.20 | $3,238 | $38,855 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $448.32 | $1,943 | $23,313 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $298.88 | $1,295 | $15,542 |
Compare CNA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (Ottumwa) | $18.68 |
| 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 Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $38,863 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.65% lower than the national median of $45,007 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $41,788.
Certified Nursing Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.68/hr = $23,313/year (purchasing power: $25,788).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,855/year (purchasing power: $42,981).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $12.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for certified nursing assistants in Ottumwa grew 42.5% from $12.31/hr (2019) to $17.54/hr (2025). At a 6.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.89/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 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.
Working as an Hourly Certified Nursing Assistant in Ottumwa
Opportunities for certified nursing assistants in Ottumwa vary widely, particularly for part-time and per diem positions, with agency CNAs often able to command hourly rates between $22 and $32. Weekend-only shifts may yield even higher premiums, reaching up to $45 an hour in shortage scenarios. This flexibility can be enticing for those who prefer not to commit to full-time roles; however, it’s crucial to consider benefits such as health insurance, which are sometimes sacrificed for higher hourly rates. Different employer types also influence pay; skilled nursing facilities and hospitals may offer varying wages compared to home health agencies and hospice care. For CNAs looking to maximize their earnings, being aware of negotiation tactics and potential shift differentials is invaluable in a competitive field like patient care, particularly as the workforce continues to recover from the post-COVID turnover.
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
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 Ottumwa. 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 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