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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Licensed Nurse in Iowa is $77,857 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Licensed Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Licensed Nurse Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $84,372 | $7,031 | $1,623 | $41 |
| Average | $77,857 | $6,488 | $1,497 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,248 | $6,021 | $1,389 | $35 |
Sevita - Marion, IA
The Solana Doylestown - Cedar Rapids, IA
Senior Star Management CO - Davenport, IA
HealthMed Pro Solutions - Bellevue, IA
A Licensed Nurse's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Licensed Nurses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Licensed Nurse roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Licensed Nurse positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Licensed Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $89,536 | $43.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $87,589 | $42.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $83,696 | $40.0 | 7% |
| Insurance | $81,750 | $39.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Licensed Nurse's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $84,372 | $7,031 | $1,623 | $41 |
| Average | $77,857 | $6,488 | $1,497 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,248 | $6,021 | $1,389 | $35 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Licensed Nurse job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines
Des Moines, IA
Rehabilitation Center of Des Moines | Des Moines, IA
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Come join our team and start making a difference. Salary: $34 hourly + $5,000 sign on bonus. Schedule: Three 12 hour shift... more
4 Days Ago
Accura HealthCare
Bancroft, IA
Accura HealthCare | Bancroft, IA
Accura HealthCare of Bancroft. Accura HealthCare of Bancroft is a campus community featuring a 32-bed Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) and Stonebridge Suites... more
4 Days Ago
Aveanna Healthcare
Forest City, IA
Aveanna Healthcare | Forest City, IA
Join a Company That Puts People First. Licensed Practical / Vocational Nurse LPN/LVN. We are one of the largest private duty nursing companies in the natio... more
5 Days Ago
Government Jobs
Newton, IA
Government Jobs | Newton, IA
Job Title. Newton Correctional Facility Nurse. Job Description. Newton, Iowa is a progressive, family friendly community, a shining star of Central Iowa an... more
6 Days Ago
State of Iowa
Newton, IA
State of Iowa | Newton, IA
Job Opportunity At Newton Correctional Facility. Newton, Iowa is a progressive, family friendly community, a shining star of Central Iowa and a place to ca... more
6 Days Ago
Aveanna Healthcare
Ames, IA
Aveanna Healthcare | Ames, IA
Join a Company That Puts People First. Licensed Practical / Vocational Nurse LPN/LVN. We are one of the largest private duty nursing companies in the natio... more
6 Days Ago
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