Registered Nurse Salary in Iowa
Based on 34K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$78,630
$37.803/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.
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,000 |
| 2023 | $71,570 |
| 2024 | $76,960 |
| 2025 | $78,630 |
| 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 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
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.