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CNA Certification ROI › Iowa

CNA Certification Cost in Iowa 2026: $34K Salary, 2.2-Month Payback

CNA in Iowa: certified professionals earn $33,685/year at state-adjusted rates. Total cost $1,140. Payback: 2.2 months.

CNA in Iowa — Key Numbers

$34K
Avg Salary w/ Cert
+$6K
Annual Salary Boost
$1,140
Total Cost
2.2 mo
Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS state estimates 2024. State multiplier: 93% of national average.

CNA Cost Breakdown

Exam fee $140
Study materials $1,000
Total upfront cost $1,140
Salary without cert (Iowa) $27,435/yr
Salary with CNA (Iowa) $33,685/yr
5-year net ROI $30K

CNA Job Market in Iowa

Iowa CNA wages sit near the national median at $34K ($16.19/hr). Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies are the main employers. Demand is steady — BLS projects nursing assistant openings will remain high through 2032 due to turnover and an aging population. Community college CNA programs in Iowa typically cost $800–$1,200 for tuition. The NNAAP exam runs $120–$175. Most hospitals in Iowa prefer CNA experience for patient care technician hiring, which pays $2–$4/hr above standard CNA rates. If you're planning to go LPN or RN, CNA work experience counts toward clinical hour requirements at most Iowa nursing programs.

Iowa Payback Calculator

Related Certifications in Iowa

CDL License → HVAC Cert →
← Back to full CNA guide
All certifications in Iowa · Payback period by state
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