Healthcare Iowa (IA) Rank #40 of 50

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Iowa

The median nurse practitioner salary in Iowa is $108,233 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $121,610.

Median Salary
$108,233
vs National
$-13,377
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Nurse Practitioner Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)

Iowa ranks #40 out of 50 states for nurse practitioner compensation. Nurse Practitioner salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $108,233 per year, nurse practitioners in Iowa earn $13,377 less than the national median of $121,610.

A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $108,233 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $121,610 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Iowa is significant: nurse practitioners at the 10th percentile earn $77,519, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $149,698 — a $72,179 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Iowa for this role is Iowa City, where the median reaches $115,530.

Nationally, nurse practitioner employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Iowa and beyond.

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Iowa by Experience

In Iowa, an entry-level nurse practitioner earns around $80,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,950 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,100
$-9,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$108,580
$-13,420 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$137,950
$-17,050 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Iowa

Percentile IA Salary
10th Percentile $77,519
25th Percentile $92,738
Median (50th) $108,233
75th Percentile $127,715
90th Percentile $149,698

Nurse Practitioner Salary by City in Iowa

The largest employment areas for nurse practitioners in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Iowa

Education

Most nurse practitioner positions require a master's degree. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Advanced AssessmentPharmacologyDiagnosisPatient EducationEMR SystemsClinical Decision-Making

Job Outlook in Iowa

Nationally, nurse practitioner employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). Iowa's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Nurse Practitioner Salary in Iowa

How much does a Nurse Practitioner make in Iowa? ▼
The median nurse practitioner salary in Iowa is $108,233 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $121,610. Salaries range from $77,519 (10th percentile) to $149,698 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nurse Practitioner make per hour in Iowa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,233, a nurse practitioner in Iowa earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Iowa a good state for nurse practitioners? ▼
Iowa ranks #40 out of 50 states for nurse practitioner pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level nurse practitioners earn $80,100, while senior professionals earn $137,950.
How does Iowa compare to other states for nurse practitioner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for nurse practitioners is Hawaii at $216,466. Iowa's median of $108,233 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Dakota ($109,449) and Wyoming ($109,449).
What is the entry-level nurse practitioner salary in Iowa? ▼
An entry-level nurse practitioner in Iowa earns approximately $80,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $108,580. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $137,950.
What city in Iowa pays nurse practitioners the most? ▼
Iowa City is the highest paying city in Iowa for nurse practitioners, with a median salary of $115,530. Other cities include Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.