Healthcare Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

Registered Nurse Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median registered nurse salary in Iowa City, IA is $77,159 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$77,159
vs State Avg
+$4,873
vs National
$-4,061
Cost of Living
95%

Registered Nurse Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median registered nurse salary of $77,159, which is $4,873 above the Iowa state average of $72,286. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% 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 Iowa City spans from $54,530 at the 10th percentile to $114,760 at the 90th percentile — a $60,230 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,100, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,250. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $55,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,100
$-2,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,900
$-4,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,250
$-5,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $54,530
25th Percentile $63,460
Median (50th) $77,159
75th Percentile $96,045
90th Percentile $114,760

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Des Moines, IA
$74,722
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$71,474
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$69,849
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$68,225
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Iowa City

Education

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

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open registered nurse positions in Iowa City, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $77,159 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $54,530 (10th percentile) to $114,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,159, a registered nurse in Iowa City earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Iowa City's median registered nurse salary of $77,159 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $72,286. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $77,159 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Iowa City? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Iowa City 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.