The Complete Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Ames, Iowa

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking labor markets in Midwest college towns, I can tell you Ames is a unique beast. It’s not a sprawling metro, and it’s not a sleepy farm town—it’s a university hub with a deeply rooted healthcare system that’s hungry for skilled CNAs. If you’re considering a move here, you’re likely weighing the stability of a university-anchored market against the complexities of living in a place where the population swells and contracts with the academic calendar. Let’s cut through the noise and look at the real numbers, the real employers, and the real day-to-day life of a nursing assistant in Ames.

This guide is built on hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Iowa Board of Nursing, and local market analysis, all filtered through the lens of someone who knows where to find the best coffee on a 6 a.m. shift change and which neighborhoods will keep your commute under 10 minutes.

The Salary Picture: Where Ames Stands

You’re not coming to Ames to get rich. You’re coming for a stable, respectable wage in a community with a low cost of living. The numbers bear this out. For a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Ames, the median salary is $34,837/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $16.75/hour. It’s important to note this is slightly below the national average for CNAs, which sits at $35,760/year. The difference is modest, but it’s a reflection of the regional economy, which prioritizes stability and public-sector employment over high-salary corporate roles.

The demand is solid but not explosive. There are 131 jobs in the metro area for this role, with a 10-year job growth of 4%. This isn’t the rapid growth you’d see in a sun-belt state, but it’s steady. In a town of 65,676 people, anchored by a major university and a major hospital system, 131 open positions indicate consistent turnover and opportunity, especially for those who are reliable and certified.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how salary typically progresses in the Ames market. This data is an aggregate of local job postings and BLS regional adjustments.

Experience Level	Typical Ames Salary Range	Key Local Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$30,000 - $33,000	McFarland Clinic, nursing homes, assisted living facilities
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$34,000 - $38,000	Mary Greeley Medical Center, Story County nursing homes
Senior (8-15 years)	$38,000 - $42,000	Specialized units (geriatrics, rehab), shift lead roles
Expert (15+ years)	$42,000 - $46,000+	Case management, education/training roles, private duty

Comparison to Other Iowa Cities

Ames sits in the middle of the pack for Iowa CNA salaries. It’s a step above smaller rural towns but trails the state’s larger metros.

City	Median CNA Salary (Iowa)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)
Ames	$34,837	91.4
Des Moines Metro	$36,200	91.6
Cedar Rapids	$35,900	89.7
Iowa City	$34,500	93.1
Davenport	$34,100	85.2

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the salary number. Des Moines might pay a few hundred dollars more, but the commute times and parking costs in a larger city can eat into that. Ames offers a unique advantage: your dollar goes further, and your stress levels are often lower. The Cost of Living Index of 91.4 means you’re paying about 8.6% less than the national average for everyday goods and services.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. The median salary of $34,837 breaks down to about $2,903 per month before taxes. After federal, state (Iowa’s is progressive, maxing at 6.5%), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay is likely in the $2,400 to $2,500 range. Let’s use $2,450/month for our budget.

The average 1BR rent in Ames is $918/month. This is a key figure. It means housing costs will consume about 37% of your take-home pay, which is on the higher end of what’s considered affordable (the standard guideline is 30%). However, this average includes newer luxury apartments near campus. You can find more affordable options if you look carefully.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a CNA in Ames

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$918	Average; can range from $750-$1,200
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Internet)	$150	Varies by season; Ames has cold winters
Groceries	$250	For one person; budget-friendly stores are Aldi and Hy-Vee
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Ames is car-dependent; public transit is limited
Gas	$100	Average commute is under 10 miles
Health Insurance (if not employer)	$200	Varies widely; many employers offer good plans
Miscellaneous	$200	Toiletries, clothes, modest entertainment
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,168
Remaining (Savings/Debt)	$282	Tight, but manageable with careful budgeting

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single CNA salary, it’s a stretch but not impossible. The median home price in Ames is around $250,000. With a $282/month savings rate, a 20% down payment ($50,000) would take over 14 years. However, Iowa has excellent first-time homebuyer programs (like the FirstHome Advantage) that can lower down payment requirements to 3-5%. With a partner or roommate, homeownership becomes much more realistic. Many healthcare workers in Ames do own homes, but they often start with a condo or a smaller starter home in neighborhoods like Fernald or College Grove.

Where the Jobs Are: Ames's Major Employers

Ames’s healthcare job market is dominated by a few major players, with the university and a large medical center at the core. Hiring is consistent, with peaks during summer (preparing for the fall semester influx) and winter (holiday coverage).

1. Mary Greeley Medical Center (MGMC): This is the largest employer in the region and your most likely target. It’s a 200-bed, not-for-profit hospital with a Level III Trauma Center and a wide range of services. They hire CNAs for Med-Surg, Rehab, Skilled Nursing, and the Emergency Department. Hiring Trend: MGMC is consistently expanding its outpatient services and senior care, creating steady demand for CNAs in non-hospital settings. They offer tuition reimbursement, which is a huge perk for CNAs looking to advance to LPN or RN.

2. McFarland Clinic: A massive multi-specialty physician-owned clinic that’s the backbone of community healthcare in Central Iowa. They have a large primary care network and several specialty clinics. They hire Medical Assistants and CNAs for clinical roles, often in geriatrics or family medicine. Hiring Trend: McFarland is aggressively hiring to support its expanding specialty services (like cardiology and oncology) and its new facilities. They value long-term employees and have low turnover.

3. Story County Medical Center (SCMC): Located in nearby Nevada (a 15-minute drive from Ames), this critical access hospital is a major employer for CNAs looking for a smaller, community-focused environment. They offer a close-knit team and opportunities to work across multiple departments. Hiring Trend: As rural healthcare faces pressure, SCMC often hires to maintain staffing levels, offering competitive wages to attract talent from Ames.

4. Northcrest Community (Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing): A premier life plan community in Ames with a skilled nursing facility, assisted living, and independent living. They hire CNAs for direct care roles. Hiring Trend: With an aging population, Northcrest and similar facilities are in a perpetual state of hiring. They offer a different pace than a hospital, with more focus on long-term resident relationships.

5. Ames Retirement Village & Bethany Life (in Story City): These are other major skilled nursing facilities in the area. They are often the first stop for new CNAs getting their foot in the door and provide solid experience in long-term care. Hiring Trend: They frequently advertise for weekend and evening shifts, which often come with a pay differential.

6. Iowa State University: While not a traditional healthcare employer, ISU’s Student Wellness Center and Veterinary Teaching Hospital (which has a large animal nursing component) occasionally hire CNAs for administrative or support roles related to student and staff health. The Veterinary Med side is unique and may appeal to those with an interest in animals.

Insider Tip: The most direct path to a job is to apply online at the MGMC or McFarland Clinic career portals. However, for facilities like Northcrest or the nursing homes, a phone call or an in-person visit to the HR office can sometimes yield better results, as they may not always post every opening online.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

Iowa’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Iowa Board of Nursing (IBON) oversees the certification.

1. Complete an Approved Training Program: You must complete a state-approved CNA training program. These are offered at Iowa State University’s Continuing Education and Professional Development program, Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in neighboring Ankeny, and several private career schools in the region. The program typically includes 75 hours of classroom and supervised clinical training.

   • Cost: $500 - $1,200. ISU’s program is on the higher end but is highly respected. DMACC is a more budget-friendly option.
   • Timeline: Programs can be completed in 4-8 weeks, depending on the schedule (full-time vs. part-time/evening).

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the state competency evaluation, which includes a written multiple-choice test and a skills demonstration.

   • Cost: The exam fee is approximately $100 - $150.
   • Timeline: You can schedule your exam immediately after completing your training.

3. Submit Application to the IBON: Once you pass the exam, you apply for your certification through the Iowa Board of Nursing. There is a background check involved.

   • Cost: The application fee is $85 (as of 2023; always verify current fees on the IBON website).
   • Timeline: Processing can take 2-4 weeks.

Total Estimated Cost & Timeline: From start to finish, expect to invest $700 - $1,500 and 2-3 months to become a certified CNA in Iowa if starting from scratch. Many employers, especially MGMC, will reimburse tuition costs after you’ve been employed for a set period (often 6-12 months), making it a great investment.

Insider Tip: If you are already a CNA from another state, Iowa has reciprocity. You’ll need to submit your current certification and may need to complete a shorter Iowa-specific training module. Contact the IBON directly for the most current requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CAs)

Commute time is critical for shift workers. Ames is compact, but traffic can be snarled during ISU move-in/move-out and football games. Here’s a breakdown by lifestyle and commute to the major employers (MGMC and McFarland are both in central Ames).

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For
Campustown (North of ISU)	Energetic, young, student-heavy. 5-10 min drive to hospitals. Walkable to bars/restaurants.	$900 - $1,200	The young professional who wants nightlife and doesn’t mind noise.
Fernald (West of MGMC)	Quiet, residential, family-oriented. 5-10 min walk/bike to MGMC. Older homes, some duplexes.	$750 - $950	The CNA who wants a short, walkable commute and a quiet home life.
College Grove (Central Ames)	Established, mature, tree-lined. 10-15 min drive to hospitals. Mix of single-family homes and apartments.	$800 - $1,000	Those seeking a balance of quiet residential life with easy access to amenities.
Somerset (East Ames)	Newer developments, modern apartments. 10-15 min drive to hospitals. More car-dependent.	$950 - $1,150	The CNA who prefers modern amenities, new appliances, and doesn’t mind a short drive.
Nevada (10-15 min drive)	Small-town feel, significantly cheaper. Commute to Story County Medical or MGMC is easy via Highway 30.	$650 - $850	The budget-conscious CNA willing to trade a slightly longer commute for major savings.

Insider Tip: If you work nights or weekends, traffic is a non-issue. Fernald becomes the prime neighborhood for its walkability and quiet, as you’ll be commuting against the flow of student traffic. For a new arrival, renting a 1BR in Fernald or College Grove gives you the best balance of cost, commute, and community.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Ames offers a clear, structured path for advancement if you’re motivated. The 10-year job growth of 4% indicates stability, not explosive opportunity, so career growth often comes from specialization and further education.

• Specialty Premiums: While not always a formal pay bump, working in high-acuity units like the Emergency Department at MGMC or a Skilled Nursing Facility can lead to faster skill development and better shift differentials (often $1.50-$2.00/hour for nights/weekends). Experience in rehabilitation or oncology makes you a more valuable candidate for future roles.

• Advancement Paths in Ames:

  1. CNA to LPN: Many local employers (MGMC, McFarland) partner with DMACC or ISU for LPN bridge programs. Tuition reimbursement is common. This move typically increases pay by $5-$10/hour.
  2. CNA to RN: The gold standard. ISU and DMACC offer excellent ADN and BSN programs. MGMC’s tuition reimbursement is a game-changer here. An RN in Ames can earn $60,000 - $75,000+, fundamentally changing your financial outlook.
  3. Specialized Certifications: Pursue certifications in geriatrics or palliative care. The Iowa Gerontological Society offers resources and networking. This can lead to roles in case management or education.
  4. Private Duty/Home Health: With an aging population, home health agencies are always seeking experienced CNAs. This offers more flexible schedules and can sometimes command higher hourly rates ($18-$22/hour) but lacks benefits.

• 10-Year Outlook: The demand for CNAs in Ames will remain steady, driven by the aging Baby Boomer population and the expansion of outpatient and long-term care services. The key will be the continued growth of MGMC and McFarland Clinic. Automation and tech are minimal threats in hands-on care roles. The biggest risk is wage stagnation; your best defense is pursuing further education.

Insider Tip: Get involved with the Iowa Healthcare Association or local nursing associations. Networking here can lead to unadvertised job opportunities, especially in leadership or specialized roles.

The Verdict: Is Ames Right for You?

Ames isn’t for everyone. It’s a specific type of town with clear advantages and trade-offs. Here’s the unfiltered summary.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your paycheck goes far.	Limited Job Market: You’re largely tied to 2-3 major employers.
Stable, Predictable Employment: Anchored by a hospital and university.	College Town Dynamics: Noise, traffic, and rent spikes during the school year.
Short Commutes: You can live 10 minutes from work.	Limited Diversity & Nightlife: Quieter than a major city.
Excellent Employer Benefits: MGMC and McFarland are known for good benefits and tuition reimbursement.	Harsh Winters: Cold, snowy, and can be isolating if you’re not prepared.
Strong Sense of Community: Easy to meet people, especially in healthcare.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is not robust.

Final Recommendation: Ames is an excellent choice for a CNA who values stability, affordability, and a manageable lifestyle. It’s ideal for those who are looking to start a family, are returning to school, or simply want to avoid the high stress and cost of a large city. It’s a place to build a career, not just clock in. If