One of the most important decisions you make in your life is choosing a career. And if you are like most people, you would most probably prefer a vocation that promises excellent pay and room for advancement. If this really sounds like you, a career as a registered nurse (RN) just may be what you are looking for. The average salary for RNs in Iowa is $74,610, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)!
- 10.0% RN Job Growth
- $74,610 Yearly Salary
- 33,300 RNs Employed
Source: Projections Central, BLS
The shortest route to becoming an RN is earning an associate degree in nursing, or ADN, and the first step to doing that is finding a school that offers an accredited ADN program. Depending on the scores you receive on your college entrance exam, earning an ADN could take you between two and three years. Keep in mind that you will also likely be required to complete a health exam prior to entering your program.
The next step to becoming an RN in Iowa, like in other states, is to prepare yourself for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. There are many ways you can do this, including joining a study group and locating study aides online in addition to reviewing your ADN program textbooks and notes.
Related: Typical Course Outline of an ADN Program
The Best ADN Programs in Iowa
There are many terrific schools that provide training for aspiring RNs in Iowa. Listed below are some of the best of such schools in the state.
Des Moines Area Community College
2006 N Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023 (515) 964-6241Des Moines Area Community College
1125 Hancock Dr, Boone, IA 50036 (800) 362-2127Eastern Iowa Community College
306 W River Dr, Davenport, IA 52801 (563) 336-3300Eastern Iowa Community College
1000 Lincoln Blvd, Clinton, IA 52732 (563) 244-7001Ellsworth Community College
1100 College Ave, Iowa Falls, IA 50126 (800) 322-9235Hawkeye Community College
1501 E Orange Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701 (319) 296-2320Indian Hills Community College
525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501 (641) 683-5111Indian Hills Community College
721 N 1st St, Centerville, IA 52544 (800) 670-3641Iowa Central Community College
1 Triton Cir, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 (515) 576-7201Iowa Lakes Community College
19 S 7th St, Estherville, IA 51334 (712) 362-2601Iowa Lakes Community College
3200 College Dr, Emmetsburg, IA 50536 (800) 242-5108Iowa Valley Community College District
3700 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158 (641) 752-7106Iowa Western Community College
2700 College Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 (712) 325-3200Iowa Western Community College
923 E Washington St, Clarinda, IA 51632 (712) 542-5117Kaplan University
7009 Nordic Dr, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 (319) 277-0220Kaplan University
3165 Edgewood Pkwy SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 (319) 363-0481Kaplan University
4655 121st St, Urbandale, IA 50323 (515) 727-2100Kirkwood Community College
6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 (319) 398-5411Marshalltown Community College
3700 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158 (641) 752-7106Mercy College of Health Sciences
928 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 643-3180Mount Mercy University
1330 Elmhurst Dr NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 (319) 363-8213North Iowa Area Community College
500 College Dr, Mason City, IA 50401 (641) 423-1264Northeast Iowa Community College
1625 IA-150, Calmar, IA 52132 (563) 562-3263Northeast Iowa Community College
8342 NICC Dr, Peosta, IA 52068 (844) 642-2338Northwest Iowa Community College
603 W Park St, Sheldon, IA 51201 (712) 324-5061Southeastern Community College
1500 W Agency Rd, West Burlington, IA 52655 (319) 752-2731Southwestern Community College
1501 W Townline St, Creston, IA 50801 (641) 782-7081St Luke's College
2720 Stone Park Blvd, Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 279-3149Western Iowa Tech Community College
4647 Stone Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106 (712) 274-6400
Job Outlook & Salary for RNs in Iowa
RNs in Iowa are in high demand, with a projected 10.0% job growth from 2022 to 2032, according to Projection Central. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 33,300 RNs in the state, earning an average annual salary of $74,610, or $35.87 per hour.
Use our RN salary calculator to estimate your potential earnings based on location, experience, and education.
Explore salary trends for RNs in Iowa's metro areas below:
| Area | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa City | $37.99 | $79,010 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $36.94 | $76,830 |
| Cedar Rapids | $35.91 | $74,690 |
| Ames | $35.79 | $74,450 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island-IL | $35.20 | $73,220 |
| Dubuque | $34.97 | $72,730 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $34.33 | $71,400 |
| Sioux City-NE-SD | $34.14 | $71,010 |
Source: BLS
Iowa Board of Nursing
For questions about nursing programs and licensure in Iowa, please contact the Iowa Board of Nursing.
Iowa Board of Nursing
- Address: 400 SW 8th St Suite B, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Phone: (515) 281-3255
- Fax: (515) 281-4825
- Website: nursing.iowa.gov
Conclusion
Iowa’s ADN programs provide a solid foundation for a rewarding nursing career, with strong job prospects and an average RN salary of $74,610. Now is the perfect time to enroll and take the first step toward a successful healthcare profession.
