Registered Nurse Salary in Des Moines, IA: $74,722 (2026)

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

Des Moines offers a median registered nurse salary of $74,722, which is $2,436 above the Iowa state average of $72,286. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 registered nurses in Des Moines spans from $52,808 at the 10th percentile to $111,136 at the 90th percentile — a $58,328 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,360, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,800. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $53,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$53,360

$-4,640 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$75,440

$-6,560 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$105,800

$-9,200 vs national

Percentile	Des Moines	IA State	National
10th Percentile	$52,808	$51,086	$57,400
25th Percentile	$61,456	$59,452	$66,800
Median (50th)	$74,722	$72,286	$81,220
75th Percentile	$93,012	$89,979	$101,100
90th Percentile	$111,136	$107,512	$120,800

Percentile

Des Moines

10th Percentile

$52,808

25th Percentile

$61,456

Median (50th)

$74,722

75th Percentile

$93,012

90th Percentile

$111,136

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Des Moines

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Des Moines 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 Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Des Moines, IA? ▼

The median registered nurse salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $74,722 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $52,808 (10th percentile) to $111,136 (90th percentile).

How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Des Moines? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $74,722, a registered nurse in Des Moines earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for registered nurse pay? ▼

Des Moines's median registered nurse salary of $74,722 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $72,286. 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 registered nurse salary of $74,722 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Des Moines? ▼

Most registered nurse positions in Des Moines 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 Des Moines, Iowa