Registered Nurse Salaries in Iowa — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a registered nurse make in Iowa? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $76,960/yr ($37.00/hr), with around 33,480 people working in this field statewide.
Registered Nurse salaries in Iowa are below the national average by approximately $13,216. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Iowa's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for registered nurses.
Iowa Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Iowa after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Iowa Registered Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Iowa median of $76,960.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — Iowa
Registered Nurse Salary Trend in Iowa — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Iowa has seen 13.9% wage growth for registered nurses — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Iowa's healthcare and hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary by City — Iowa
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $85,450 | $41.08 | +11.0% | 11,718 |
| Cedar Rapids | $81,600 | $39.23 | +6.0% | 9,374 |
| Davenport | $79,250 | $38.10 | +3.0% | 6,026 |
| Sioux City | $73,900 | $35.53 | -4.0% | 3,013 |
| Iowa City | $70,050 | $33.68 | -9.0% | 2,008 |
| Waterloo | $66,950 | $32.19 | -13.0% | 1,339 |
Tip: Des Moines offers the highest registered nurse salaries in Iowa at $85,450/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Iowa vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Iowa sits in the mid-range for registered nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook in Iowa
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for registered nurses in Iowa is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Iowa job market. Iowa's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for registered nurses.
How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in Iowa
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in Iowa typically adds $63,100 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Des Moines pays registered nurses $85,450/yr — +11.0% above the Iowa average. Simply relocating within Iowa can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals typically command premium rates in Iowa. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Minnesota pays registered nurses $100,870/yr — 31.1% vs Iowa.
Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Iowa
Live ListingsSearch current registered nurse job vacancies in Iowa:
🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Iowa — Indeed→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Iowa — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs — Des Moines, IA→