Nurse practitioner salary in Iowa
The median nurse practitioner in Iowa earned $130,160 a year in 2025, $2,140 (2%) below the $132,300 national median. That ranks 32nd of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $130,160
- Average yearly pay
- $136,940
- Employed in Iowa
- 3,240
How Iowa compares
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.
Nursing pay in Iowa
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $78,630 | 34,420 |
| LPN or LVN | $62,630 | 5,510 |
| Nurse practitioner | $130,160 | 3,240 |
A nurse practitioner in Iowa earns a median $51,530 more than a registered nurse ($130,160 against $78,630). A registered nurse earns a median $16,000 more than an LPN or LVN here ($78,630 against $62,630).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does a nurse practitioner make in Iowa?
The median is $130,160 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of nurse practitioners in Iowa earn more and half earn less.
Is Iowa a high-paying state for nurse practitioners?
Iowa ranks 32nd of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $132,300, so Iowa pays 2% below it. The highest median is $168,520 in California.
How many nurse practitioners work in Iowa?
BLS counted 3,240 nurse practitioners employed in Iowa in May 2025.
Why is the average different from the median?
The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In Iowa the average is $136,940, $6,780 above the median.
What do you need to work as a nurse practitioner in Iowa?
Iowa requires an RN license plus a master’s or doctoral degree in an advanced practice specialty, and a state license.