Registered Nurse Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $71,474 (2026)

Registered Nurse Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median registered nurse salary of $71,474, which is $812 below the Iowa state average of $72,286. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $71,474 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,220 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Cedar Rapids spans from $50,512 at the 10th percentile to $106,304 at the 90th percentile — a $55,792 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,040, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,200. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $51,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$51,040

$-6,960 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$72,160

$-9,840 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$101,200

$-13,800 vs national

Percentile	Cedar Rapids	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$50,512	$51,086	$57,400
25th Percentile	$58,784	$59,452	$66,800
Median (50th)	$71,474	$72,286	$81,220
75th Percentile	$88,968	$89,979	$101,100
90th Percentile	$106,304	$107,512	$120,800

Percentile

Cedar Rapids

10th Percentile

$50,512

25th Percentile

$58,784

Median (50th)

$71,474

75th Percentile

$88,968

90th Percentile

$106,304

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Cedar Rapids

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Cedar Rapids and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Cedar Rapids may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼

The median registered nurse salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $71,474 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $50,512 (10th percentile) to $106,304 (90th percentile).

How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $71,474, a registered nurse in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for registered nurse pay? ▼

Cedar Rapids's median registered nurse salary of $71,474 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $72,286. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼

Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $71,474 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Cedar Rapids? ▼

Most registered nurse positions in Cedar Rapids require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Registered Nurse Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa