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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Contract Nurse in Iowa is $81,115 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Contract Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Contract Nurse Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $88,044 | $7,337 | $1,693 | $42 |
| Average | $81,115 | $6,760 | $1,560 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,328 | $6,277 | $1,449 | $36 |
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A Contract 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 Contract 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 Contract 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, Contract Nurse positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Contract Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $93,282 | $45.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $91,254 | $44.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $87,198 | $42.0 | 7% |
| Insurance | $85,170 | $41.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Contract 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 | $88,044 | $7,337 | $1,693 | $42 |
| Average | $81,115 | $6,760 | $1,560 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,328 | $6,277 | $1,449 | $36 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Contract Nurse job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Capstone Healthcare Staffing
Des Moines, IA
Capstone Healthcare Staffing | Des Moines, IA
Registered Nurse - Cardiac Cath Lab Des Moines, IA Specialty:Cardiac Cath Lab Position Type:Travel Contract Length:13 weeks Travel Pay:$3410 Weekly Shift:4... more
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Medical Solutions
Sergeant Bluff, IA
Medical Solutions | Sergeant Bluff, IA
Medical Solutions is seeking a local contract nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a local contract nursing job in Sioux City, Iowa. Job Description & ... more
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Stability HealthCare
Mason City, IA
Stability HealthCare | Mason City, IA
Stability Healthcare is seeking a local contract nurse RN Neurology for a local contract nursing job in Mason City, Iowa. Job Description & Requirements Sp... more
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Stability HealthCare
Waterloo, IA
Stability HealthCare | Waterloo, IA
Stability Healthcare is seeking a local contract nurse RN ICU - Intensive Care Unit for a local contract nursing job in Waterloo, Iowa. Job Description & R... more
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Stability HealthCare
Mason City, IA
Stability HealthCare | Mason City, IA
Stability Healthcare is seeking a local contract nurse RN CVOR for a local contract nursing job in Mason City, Iowa. Job Description & Requirements Special... more
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Stability HealthCare
Council Bluffs, IA
Stability HealthCare | Council Bluffs, IA
Stability Healthcare is seeking a local contract nurse RN Labor and Delivery for a local contract nursing job in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Job Description & Re... more
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