How much does a nursing assistant make in Des Moines?
$43,940a year
Median yearly pay for nursing assistants in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area. That is $21.13 an hour or $3,662 a month.
- Hourly
- $21.13
- Vs. national median
- +4%
- Rank among cities
- 115 of 385
- Jobs in the area
- 4,660
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $35,420Median: $43,940Highest 10%: $50,630
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $35,420 | $17.03 | |
| 25th | $37,280 | $17.92 | |
| Median | $43,940 | $21.13 | |
| 75th | $46,300 | $22.26 | |
| 90th | $50,630 | $24.34 |
Other cities in Iowa
Median yearly pay for nursing assistants.
| Ames, IA | $43,540 |
| Dubuque, IA | $41,580 |
| Omaha, NE | $40,020 |
| Iowa City, IA | $39,330 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $39,110 |
| Sioux City, IA | $38,940 |
| Waterloo, IA | $38,930 |
| Davenport, IA | $38,740 |
Related jobs in Des Moines
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Massage Therapist | $76,090 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $64,250 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $61,360 |
| Dental Assistant | $50,020 |
| Medical Assistant | $46,920 |
| Healthcare Support Worker | $46,310 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $45,020 |
| Phlebotomist | $38,490 |
| Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker | $37,560 |
| Orderly | $37,090 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a nursing assistant make an hour in Des Moines?
The median hourly pay in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $21.13 ($43,940 a year).
Do nursing assistants make more in Des Moines than the national average?
Yes: $43,940 against $42,260 nationally, 4% more.
How does Des Moines compare with the rest of Iowa?
The median in Iowa is $39,350, so Des Moines pays 12% more.
Where does Des Moines rank for nursing assistant pay?
115 of 385 metro areas with data.
How much does a nursing assistant make starting out in Des Moines?
The lowest-paid 10% make $35,420 or less a year; the top 10% make $50,630 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.