Registered Nurse Salary Guide: Iowa
Average Registered Nurse Salary
$46.29/hour
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Iowa is $46.29 per hour. This is 10% lower than the US average of $50.77.
Last updated on October 6, 2026. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.
Registered Nurse salaries in Iowa compared to National Averages
$46.29/hour
Iowa
10% lower than the US average.
$50.77/hour
United States
What cities in Iowa pay the most for Registered Nurses?
Iowa City, Iowa pays Registered Nurses the most, averaging $33 per hour, followed by West Des Moines, Iowa ($30) and Des Moines, Iowa ($30). Iowa City, Iowa also has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $43. For comparison, the Iowa average for Registered Nurses is $46 per hour — Iowa City, Iowa pays 28% less.
| City | Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, Iowa | $33 | $43 |
| West Des Moines, Iowa | $30 | $38 |
| Des Moines, Iowa | $30 | $38 |
What type of Registered Nurses make the most money in Iowa?
Manager earns the most among Nursing specialties in Iowa, averaging $47 per hour, followed by Skilled Nursing ($46) and Long Term Care ($46). Manager also has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $50. For comparison, the Iowa average for Registered Nurses is $46 per hour, roughly in line with Manager.
| Specialty | Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Manager | $47 | $50 |
| Skilled Nursing | $46 | $50 |
| Long Term Care | $46 | $50 |
| Rehabilitation | $46 | $50 |
| Dialysis | $45 | $50 |
How does the pay for Registered Nurses in Iowa compare to nearby states?
Wisconsin pays Registered Nurses the most, averaging $60 per hour, followed by Minnesota ($59) and Kansas ($53). Wisconsin also has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $65. For comparison, the Iowa average for Registered Nurses is $46 per hour — Wisconsin pays 29% more.
| Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $60 | $65 |
| Minnesota | $59 | $65 |
| Kansas | $53 | $59 |
| Illinois | $49 | $54 |
| Missouri | $49 | $62 |
| Nebraska | $48 | $51 |
| Michigan | $40 | $48 |
| South Dakota | $29 | $38 |
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Registered Nurse jobs in Iowa?
Select Medical pays Registered Nurses the most, averaging $45 per hour, followed by Perm Staff Jobs ($39) and Medical Solutions Direct Hire ($37). Select Medical also has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $46. For comparison, the Iowa average for Registered Nurses is $46 per hour — Select Medical pays 3% less.
| Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Select Medical | $45 | $46 |
| Perm Staff Jobs | $39 | $43 |
| Medical Solutions Direct Hire | $37 | $37 |
Last updated on October 6, 2026. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.
Top Registered Nurse Jobs
Registered Nurse (RN) - Director of Nursing
- Heartland Hospice
- Ames, IA
$95K-115K/year
Registered Nurse (RN) - Long Term Acute Care
- Select Specialty Hospital - Quad Cities
- Davenport, IA
$39-53/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - Long Term Acute Care
- Select Specialty Hospital - Quad Cities
- Davenport, IA
$39-53/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - Long Term Acute Care
- Select Specialty Hospital - Quad Cities
- Davenport, IA
$39-53/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - Long Term Acute Care
- Select Specialty Hospital - Des Moines
- Des Moines, IA
$37-50/hour
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