Registered nurse salary in Iowa
The median registered nurse in Iowa earned $78,630 a year in 2025, $18,920 (19%) below the $97,550 national median. That ranks 48th of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $78,630
- Average yearly pay
- $80,540
- Employed in Iowa
- 34,420
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 registered nurse make in Iowa?
The median is $78,630 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in Iowa earn more and half earn less.
Is Iowa a high-paying state for registered nurses?
Iowa ranks 48th of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so Iowa pays 19% below it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in Iowa?
BLS counted 34,420 registered nurses 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 $80,540, $1,910 above the median.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in Iowa?
Iowa requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.