Healthcare Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median nurse practitioner salary in Des Moines, IA is $111,881 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$111,881
vs State Avg
+$3,648
vs National
$-9,729
Cost of Living
92%

Nurse Practitioner Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median nurse practitioner salary of $111,881, which is $3,648 above the Iowa state average of $108,233. Compared to the national median of $121,610, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for nurse practitioners in Des Moines spans from $80,132 at the 10th percentile to $154,744 at the 90th percentile — a $74,612 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $82,800, while senior nurse practitioners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,600. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level nurse practitioner earns around $82,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$82,800
$-7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,240
$-9,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,600
$-12,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $80,132
25th Percentile $95,864
Median (50th) $111,881
75th Percentile $132,020
90th Percentile $154,744

Nurse Practitioner Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$115,530
Pop. 74,828
Cedar Rapids, IA
$107,017
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$104,585
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$102,152
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Des Moines

Education

Most nurse practitioner positions require a master's degree. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Advanced AssessmentPharmacologyDiagnosisPatient EducationEMR SystemsClinical Decision-Making

Job Outlook

Nationally, nurse practitioner employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Nurse Practitioner Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open nurse practitioner positions in Des Moines, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Nurse Practitioner Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Nurse Practitioner make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median nurse practitioner salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $111,881 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $121,610. Salaries range from $80,132 (10th percentile) to $154,744 (90th percentile).
How much does a Nurse Practitioner make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $111,881, a nurse practitioner in Des Moines earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for nurse practitioner pay? ▼
Des Moines's median nurse practitioner salary of $111,881 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $108,233. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a nurse practitioner salary of $111,881 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a nurse practitioner in Des Moines? ▼
Most nurse practitioner positions in Des Moines require a master's degree. Key skills include Advanced Assessment, Pharmacology, Diagnosis, Patient Education. The job market is projected to grow 40% nationally over the next decade.