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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Staff Nurse in Iowa is $78,612 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Staff Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Staff Nurse Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $85,328 | $7,111 | $1,641 | $41 |
| Average | $78,612 | $6,551 | $1,512 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,005 | $6,084 | $1,404 | $35 |
Maquoketa - Maquoketa, IA
Broadlawns Medical Center - Des Moines, IA
University of Iowa - Des Moines, IA
Legion Health - Cedar Rapids, IA
A Staff 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 Staff 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 Staff 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, Staff Nurse positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Staff Nurse as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $90,404 | $43.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $88,439 | $43.0 | 12% |
| Energy & Utilities | $84,508 | $41.0 | 7% |
| Insurance | $82,543 | $40.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Staff 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 | $85,328 | $7,111 | $1,641 | $41 |
| Average | $78,612 | $6,551 | $1,512 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,005 | $6,084 | $1,404 | $35 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Staff Nurse job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Legion Health
Waterloo, IA
Legion Health | Waterloo, IA
Legion Health Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. [We show compassion to heal minds.]. Legion Health is a technology-forward psychiatry company d... more
3 Days Ago
Legion Health
Sioux City, IA
Legion Health | Sioux City, IA
Legion Health Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. [We show compassion to heal minds.]. Legion Health is a technology-forward psychiatry company d... more
3 Days Ago
Legion Health
Davenport, IA
Legion Health | Davenport, IA
Legion Health Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. [We show compassion to heal minds.]. Legion Health is a technology-forward psychiatry company d... more
4 Days Ago
Legion Health
Council Bluffs, IA
Legion Health | Council Bluffs, IA
Legion Health Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. [We show compassion to heal minds.]. Legion Health is a technology-forward psychiatry company d... more
4 Days Ago
Methodist Health System
HIGHLAND PARK, TX
Methodist Health System | HIGHLAND PARK, TX
Methodist Health System seeks an OR Staff Nurse to deliver safe, evidence-based perioperative care in a fast-paced surgical environment. Responsibilities i... more
3 Days Ago
Methodist Health System
FOREST HILL, TX
Methodist Health System | FOREST HILL, TX
Methodist Health System seeks a compassionate Staff Nurse (RN) for our Emergency Department. The RN delivers high-quality, evidence-based care to diverse p... more
6 Days Ago
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