Seeking charming small towns, rich agricultural heritage, and an affordable lifestyle? It might be time to explore nursing jobs in Iowa. With a population of nearly 3.2 million spread across rolling prairies and picturesque river valleys, Iowa needs healthcare professionals in both urban and rural settings.
Whether you're searching for full-time, part-time, temporary, contract, per diem, or travel nursing jobs in Iowa, the Hawkeye State offers diverse opportunities to fit your schedule and specialty. Here's what to know if you’re considering a new nursing role in Iowa.
Quick Facts About Nursing Jobs in Iowa
- Is Iowa a compact state? Yes, Iowa is a compact state (NLC), so nurses with multistate licenses can practice there.
- How much do nurses make in Iowa? Here are the average annual salaries for Iowa nursing jobs:
- NP salary in Iowa: $130,820
- RN salary in Iowa: $74,610
- LPN salary in Iowa: $55,870
- CNA salary in Iowa: $38,380
- Where can I learn more about nursing licensure requirements in Iowa? The Iowa Board of Nursing has the latest regulatory information. If your license is about to expire, check out our article on nurse license renewals in Iowa.
- What are the most populous cities in Iowa? The five largest Iowa cities by population are:
- Des Moines
- Cedar Rapids
- Davenport
- Sioux City
- Ankeny
What to Know About Nursing Jobs in Iowa
About 18% of Iowa’s population is over 65, so adult and home health nurses are essential in the state. With nearly 23% of the population under 18, IA offers pediatric nurses plenty of opportunities as well. The state has a growing immigrant population, with 6% of the population born in another country, so bilingual healthcare professionals are increasingly in demand.
Curious about open jobs for someone with your background in Iowa? Check out these roles for health professionals and nurses:
- CRNA jobs in Iowa
- Nurse practitioner jobs in Iowa
- RN jobs in Iowa
- LPN jobs in Iowa
- CNA jobs in Iowa
- CMA jobs in Iowa
- Surgical tech jobs in Iowa
- Medication aide jobs in Iowa
- Home health aide jobs in Iowa
- Caregiver jobs in Iowa
- Student nurse jobs in Iowa
Working in Iowa
Nurses in Iowa can find opportunities in urban medical centers, rural health clinics, community hospitals, and long-term care facilities. The state also hosts several prestigious medical schools and research institutions, offering opportunities for nursing educators and researchers.
Curious about where you might work as an acute care nurse in Iowa? Here are a few prominent healthcare employers:
- UnityPoint Health
- CommonSpirit Health
- Trinity Health
- Broadlawns Medical Center
- Nebraska Methodist Health System
- Veterans Health Administration (VA)
If you're looking for roles outside of acute care, you might find opportunities with Select Medical, Heartland Hospice, or other post-acute and hospice organizations. Public health nurses may find roles with the Iowa Department of Human Services. If you’re interested in psychiatric care, Summit BHC may be the home of your next opportunity.
Iowa's average commute time is about 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of over 26 minutes. The Iowa Public Transit Association operates bus lines throughout the state. But if you choose to pursue one of the remote nursing jobs in Iowa, you can avoid a commute entirely.
If you need childcare, Iowa's Department of Human Services maintains a database of licensed providers. The state also offers Child Care Assistance to help eligible families access quality services.
Living in Iowa
Iowa’s rolling pastures and rich farmland are home to state attractions like the Loess Hills, Maquoketa Caves State Park, and the Mississippi River Valley. Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling on extensive trail networks, or exploring charming main streets, Iowa provides numerous recreational opportunities.
Des Moines, the capital and largest city, offers cultural amenities, shopping districts, and a growing food scene. The University of Iowa sits in Iowa City, a dynamic college town with excellent arts and entertainment. If you’re looking for entertainment, Waterloo is home to the Lost Island Themepark, a state-wide attraction for kids of all ages.
Iowa's cultural identity is deeply rooted in its agricultural heritage, but the state offers much more than farming. The Iowa State Fair, one of the largest in the country, draws over a million visitors annually. The state hosts festivals throughout the year celebrating everything from tulips to jazz, and its strong literary tradition is represented by the Iowa Writers' Workshop.
Iowa's cost of living is nearly 20% lower than the national average. That means residents here pay much less for transportation, food, healthcare, and housing. The median home price is $194,900, which is over 42% less than the U.S. average. Renting a two-bedroom apartment averages $930 per month — 35% less than the rest of the nation.
Iowa winters are cold, with average lows around 10 degrees and about 30 inches of snow annually. Summers are warm and humid, with highs typically in the mid-80s. The state receives about 35 inches of rain per year, supporting its rich agricultural land.
Find Nursing Jobs in Iowa
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