Registered Nurse (RN) salary in Iowa
A strong career option in Iowa — with programs that take 2 to 4 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$78,630/ yr
$6,553 / mo · $37.80 / hr
↓ $18,920 below the national median ($97,550)
Pay by experience
Entry
$63,835
Median
$78,630
Experienced
$100,506
Demand
Stable
Program length
2 to 4 years
Projected growth
+4.9%
Annual openings
189,100
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How Iowa compares to the national wage trend
Iowa median
$78,630
2025 national
$97,550
2024 national
$93,600
↑ +4.2% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+4.9% projected growth through 2034
189,100 average annual openings nationwide for Registered Nurses.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)—
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)—
- Registered Nurse (RN)$78,630
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$23,597
- Time to complete2 to 4 years
- Credential earnedAssociate Degree
What you get back
- Starting salary$63,835
- Median salary$78,630
- Experienced salary$100,506
At an entry wage of $63,835, most Registered Nurses break even on the $23,597 training investment in about 5 months of work.
How to become a Registered Nurse in Iowa
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Registered Nurse (RN) program in Iowa
Browse certified training programs. Most Registered Nurse (RN) tracks complete in 2 to 4 years and average $23,597 in tuition.
Earn your Associate Degree
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Associate Degree in Iowa.
Get hired in Iowa
With roughly 189,100 Registered Nurse (RN) openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in Iowa.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Registered Nurse in Iowa is $78,630 per year, which is $37.80 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $63,835 while experienced Registered Nurses can earn up to $100,506 annually.
Next step
Find Registered Nurse (RN) Classes Near You
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