Registered Nurse Salary in Iowa
Based on 34K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$78,630
$37.80/hr
vs National Average
$94,098
-16.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $101K
34K employed in Iowa
Registered Nurse salary in Iowa averages $78,630 per year, according to the latest employment data. With approximately 34,420 registered nurses working throughout the state, nursing remains a substantial part of Iowa's healthcare workforce. However, this median falls about 16% below the national average, reflecting regional differences in compensation across the country's healthcare industry.
Several factors influence registered nurse compensation in Iowa, including years of experience, specialized certifications, and the type of healthcare facility. Rural versus urban employment settings, shift differentials, and whether a nurse works in a hospital, clinic, or specialized care environment all impact earning potential. Additionally, demand for nursing services and the cost of living in specific Iowa communities contribute to salary variations, with positions typically ranging from $63,840 to $100,500 annually.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,840 |
| 25th percentile | $68,290 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,630 |
| 75th percentile | $85,940 |
| 90th percentile | $100,500 |
Top H-1B Employers for Registered Nurse in Iowa
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Iowa — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis Health System | 4 | $71,167 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Registered Nurse H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Iowa
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Iowa.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level II | Qualified | $74,464 | 5 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Registered Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Registered Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Registered Nurses in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $110,780 | 170K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,010 | 23K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,660 | 2.9M |
| Information | $97,430 | 590 |
| Utilities | $95,280 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,000 |
| 2023 | $71,570 |
| 2024 | $76,960 |
| 2025 | $78,630 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,336 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,000 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $71,570 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $76,960 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $78,630 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,336 | $96,140 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $68,290 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $78,630 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $85,940 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $100,500 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Registered Nurse Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Registered Nurse ($78,630 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Registered Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IA | $429,050 | +445.7% | $206.27/hr |
| Radiologist in IA | $405,220 | +415.4% | $194.82/hr |
| Surgeon in IA | $370,390 | +371.1% | $178.07/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IA | $356,020 | +352.8% | $171.16/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IA | $295,270 | +275.5% | $141.96/hr |
| Cardiologist in IA | $283,070 | +260.0% | $136.09/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IA | $273,070 | +247.3% | $131.28/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IA | $265,200 | +237.3% | $127.50/hr |
| Pediatrician in IA | $262,440 | +233.8% | $126.17/hr |
| Dentist in IA | $181,520 | +130.9% | $87.27/hr |
| Pharmacist in IA | $138,860 | +76.6% | $66.76/hr |
| Podiatrist in IA | $134,830 | +71.5% | $64.82/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make in Iowa?
- The median salary for registered nurses in Iowa is $78,630 per year, or $38 per hour. This is approximately 16.4% below the national average for registered nurses.
What is the salary range for registered nurses in Iowa?
- Registered nurse salaries in Iowa range from $63,840 at the lower end to $100,500 at the higher end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
How many registered nurses are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 34,420 registered nurses currently employed in Iowa, making it a significant portion of the state's healthcare workforce.
Is the registered nurse salary in Iowa lower than the national average?
- Yes, Iowa's median registered nurse salary of $78,630 per year is 16.4% lower than the national average, though the state still offers competitive compensation for this profession.