Iowa Nurse Practitioner (NP) Salary
Explore the complete guide to NP compensation. Review mean pay, percentiles, local hospital job demand, and specific Board of Nursing (BON) requirements.
State Mean
$126,620
Annual Salary
State Hourly
$62.89
Per hour
COL Adjusted Pay
$141,633
True Purchasing Power
vs National
-2%
Below US Mean
Our nursing salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
Data
reviewed by 
sirI, MSN, APRN, NP
on March 2026
for accuracy.
Salary Range & Percentiles
Salaries for Nurse Practitioners in Iowa range from $104,930 (entry-level) to $164,250 (highly experienced) annually.
NP Salary by Metro Area in Iowa
Nurse Practitioner salaries vary significantly across metro areas in Iowa. Click any column header to sort, matching the Specialty rankings table behavior.
| Metro Area | Annual | Hourly | vs State Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux City | $131,770 | $67.58 | +4.1% |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $130,040 | $63.54 | +2.7% |
| Cedar Rapids | $128,230 | $60.88 | +1.3% |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $127,030 | $65.51 | +0.3% |
| Dubuque | $126,620 | $61.39 | +0.0% |
| Iowa City | $122,000 | $59.23 | -3.6% |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $121,540 | $60.49 | -4.0% |
| Ames | $121,130 | $63.68 | -4.3% |
Top Hospitals Hiring NPs in Iowa
Iowa is home to leading healthcare facilities. Based on CMS quality ratings, the highest-rated hospitals where NPs are in demand include:
Mercyone Dubuque Medical Center
Iowa City VA Medical Center
St Lukes Hospital
Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center
Iowa BON & Education Requirements
To practice as a Nurse Practitioner and earn the salaries listed above, the Iowa Board of Nursing requires strict licensure and certification steps.
-
1
Active RN License: You must hold an active, unencumbered RN license in the state of Iowa.
-
2
Graduate Education: Completion of an accredited MSN or DNP program with a specific Nurse Practitioner track. Top Programs: Mercy College of Health Sciences and St Luke's College
-
3
National Certification: Pass the relevant national certification exam provided by a recognized credentialing body (e.g., ANCC, AACN, NCC).
-
4
Advanced Practice Licensure: Apply for a Nurse Practitioner license or Furnishing Number through the state BON to prescribe medications. Apply for APN Licensure
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Nurse Practitioner make in Iowa?
As of 2023, the median Nurse Practitioner salary in Iowa is $126,620 per year or $62.89 per hour. This is 2% below the national median.
What is the starting salary for a new grad NP in Iowa?
Entry-level Nurse Practitioners in Iowa typically start around the 10th percentile, earning $104,930. With 5-10 years of experience, NPs can expect to reach the median salary of $126,620 or higher.
Is Iowa a good state for NP salaries when considering the cost of living?
Iowa has a cost of living index of 0.89. When adjusting the raw median salary of $126,620 for local expenses, the true purchasing power is approximately $141,633. This means your dollar stretches further here, giving you more real purchasing power.
How much does an NP make an hour in Iowa?
The median hourly wage for an NP in Iowa is $62.89. Those in the top 90th percentile, often working in specialized or high-acuity roles, can make upwards of $78.97 per hour.
Which hospitals hire the most NPs in Iowa?
Salaries and demand vary by facility, but large medical centers and specialty units generally offer the highest compensation. In Iowa, top employers hiring NPs include Mercyone Dubuque Medical Center, Iowa City VA Medical Center, St Lukes Hospital, Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center.
What are the requirements to become an NP in Iowa?
To practice as a Nurse Practitioner in Iowa, you must hold an active RN license, graduate from an accredited program, pass the relevant national certification exam, and apply for advanced practice licensure through the Iowa Board of Nursing.
Are there NP programs in Iowa?
Yes, aspiring Nurse Practitioners can attend local programs such as Mercy College of Health Sciences and St Luke's College. Alternatively, many Iowa nurses opt for accredited online programs that arrange clinical placements at local hospitals.
Is there a high demand for Nurse Practitioners in Iowa?
Yes, the demand for Nurse Practitioners remains strong in Iowa, particularly in metro areas supporting large healthcare systems. Job growth is projected to remain steady as facilities seek specialized providers to manage complex patient care.