salary$43,940 a year$21 an hour · median pay in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$35,420per year
Top pay (top 10%)$50,630per year
Jobs in the area4,660people work this job
Can a nursing assistant afford Des Moines?
Expensive. Rent of $1,266 a month takes 34.6% of the median nursing assistant salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Nursing Assistant pay in similar cities
Other jobs in Des Moines
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a nursing assistant make in Des Moines, IA?
The median pay for a nursing assistant in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area is $43,940 a year ($21 an hour). Most earn between $35,420 and $50,630.
Can a nursing assistant afford to live in Des Moines?
Typical rent of $1,266 a month takes 34.6% of the median nursing assistant salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area.