Iowa's average registered nurse salary of $80,540 falls below all five neighboring states in this comparison, ranging from Missouri at $85,900 up to Minnesota at $103,420. This means Iowa is a relatively cost-effective state for registered nurse hiring, and employers here can offer competitive compensation at lower budget levels than they would need across the border. If you are competing for candidates who have offers from Minnesota or Wisconsin employers, expect some candidates to factor in the pay gap when making their decision.
Registered nurse salary in Iowa (2026)
In this article
The average registered nurse salary in Iowa is $80,540 per year. A small pool of very high earners pulls that average upward, so the median of $78,630 gives you a more reliable starting point for most hiring decisions. Iowa employs 34,420 registered nurses, and the $1,910 gap between the mean and median reflects real variation in the candidate pool you will be evaluating. Junior registered nurses in Iowa typically earn around $63,840, while senior specialists reach and exceed the $100,500 level. Plan for a range rather than a single number when budgeting for a registered nurse hire in Iowa, and anchor that range to the seniority and specialization of the role you are filling.
Metric / Value
Metric | Value |
Median Annual Salary | $78,630 |
Average Annual Salary | $80,540 |
vs. National Average | 20.6% below the national mean of $101,420 |
Data comes from the BLS OEWS and covers 34,420 employed registered nurses across Iowa.
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Registered nurse salary percentiles in Iowa
Percentile | Annual Salary |
10th Percentile | $63,840 |
25th Percentile | $68,290 |
75th Percentile | $85,940 |
90th Percentile | $100,500 |
When setting an offer for a registered nurse in Iowa, the 25th percentile at $68,290 is a reasonable floor for entry-level candidates, while experienced nurses with specialized skills typically command offers approaching $100,500. Offers below $68,290 will likely struggle to attract candidates with more than minimal experience in the Iowa market.
Registered nurse salary by city in Iowa
City | Average Annual Salary |
Iowa City | $85,670 |
Des Moines | $81,710 |
Cedar Rapids | $80,160 |
Davenport | $78,800 |
Sioux City | $75,840 |
Location meaningfully affects what you will need to budget for a registered nurse hire in Iowa. Iowa City commands the highest average at $85,670, nearly $9,830 above Sioux City's $75,840, so employers in Iowa City should expect to set offers noticeably higher than those in western Iowa markets. If you are hiring across multiple locations, build location-based pay bands rather than applying a single statewide figure.
How Iowa compares to other states
State | Average Annual Salary | Median Annual Salary |
Iowa | $80,540 | $78,630 |
Minnesota | $103,420 | $101,510 |
Wisconsin | $94,690 | $95,530 |
Illinois | $94,360 | $95,990 |
Nebraska | $88,330 | $84,730 |
Missouri | $85,900 | $81,780 |
Iowa is a cost-effective market for registered nurse hiring relative to every neighboring state in this comparison. Iowa's mean of $80,540 sits below Missouri's $85,900, the next closest state, and well below Minnesota's $103,420 at the top of the range. Employers hiring in Iowa can set competitive offers at lower budget levels than they would need in any of these surrounding states.
Frequently asked questions about registered nurse salary in Iowa
How does Iowa compare to other states for registered nurse salary?
What do the top-earning registered nurses make in Iowa?
The 90th percentile for registered nurses in Iowa is $100,500, meaning the highest-compensated nurses in the state typically reach or exceed that level. To attract senior or highly specialized candidates, plan to anchor your offer at or above $85,940, which marks the 75th percentile. Offers in this upper range will position you competitively for experienced talent in the Iowa market.
What is the salary range for a registered nurse in Iowa?
The full salary range for registered nurses in Iowa runs from $63,840 at the 10th percentile to $100,500 at the 90th percentile. Entry-level nurses with limited experience typically fall near the lower end, while senior specialists with advanced credentials reach the upper end. When building your offer, use the 25th percentile of $68,290 as a practical floor for candidates with some experience and the 75th percentile of $85,940 as a benchmark for mid-to-senior roles.
What is the average registered nurse salary in Iowa?
The average registered nurse salary in Iowa is $80,540 per year, with a median of $78,630. The $1,910 gap between the two figures reflects a modest pull from higher-compensated roles at the top of the market. For most hiring decisions, the median of $78,630 is the more grounded reference point when setting an initial offer range.
Registered Nurse salary by state
Data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2025, SOC code 29-1141 (Registered Nurses).
Disclaimer
Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.
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The Rippling Team
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