May 2025 BLS data
Registered Nurse salary in Iowa
The median registered nurse in Iowa earns $78,630/year ($37.80/hr) — 19% below the national median.
Median pay
$78,630/yr
Hourly median
$37.80/hr
State rank
#48 of 51
Employed
34,420
Registered Nurse pay percentiles in Iowa
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30.69 | $63,840 |
| 25th percentile | $32.83 | $68,290 |
| Median (50th) | $37.80 | $78,630 |
| 75th percentile | $41.32 | $85,940 |
| 90th percentile | $48.32 | $100,500 |
The spread is large: top-decile registered nurses in Iowa out-earn the bottom decile by $17.63/hour — experience, certifications, and setting drive most of that gap.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
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What do people in your role actually earn?
Registered Nurses in Iowa earn
$30.69–$48.32 /hour
Median $78,630/year · 34,420 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Nearby states compared
- Minnesota$101,510/yr
- Illinois$95,990/yr
- Wisconsin$95,530/yr
- Nebraska$84,730/yr
- Missouri$81,780/yr
- South Dakota$78,060/yr
Top-paying states for registered nurses
- 1. California$140,270/yr
- 2. Hawaii$136,320/yr
- 3. Oregon$129,010/yr
- 4. Washington$124,200/yr
- 5. Alaska$109,480/yr
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Registered Nurse salaries in every stateFrequently asked questions
How much does a registered nurse make in Iowa?
The median registered nurse in Iowa earns $78,630 per year, or $37.80 per hour, according to May 2025 BLS data. Most earn between $63,840 (10th percentile) and $100,500 (90th percentile).
What is a good registered nurse salary in Iowa?
Top-quartile registered nurses in Iowa earn $85,940 or more per year ($41.32/hr). Reaching that range typically comes from experience, certifications, and higher-paying settings.
How does Iowa compare to other states for registered nurses?
Iowa ranks #48 of 51 states, with a median 19% below the national median of $97,550.
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Iowa?
Entry-level pay typically falls near the 10th–25th percentile: $63,840–$68,290 per year ($30.69–$32.83/hr) in Iowa.