Iowa’s healthcare sector is experiencing rapid growth, creating a strong demand for skilled nurses to fill travel nurse jobs in Iowa. Hospitals and medical facilities across the state are actively seeking qualified professionals to meet growing patient care needs. This makes Iowa an ideal location to advance your nursing career, explore new settings, and enjoy competitive pay and benefits.
Why choose Iowa for your next travel nursing job?
Strong Healthcare Infrastructure:
Iowa has built a solid reputation for excellence in healthcare. Leading institutions like the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics offer state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive care across a wide range of specialties. These institutions are at the forefront of medical innovation, creating rewarding opportunities for travel nurses to gain valuable experience.
Stable Economy:
A stable and diverse economy supports the continued growth of travel nurse jobs in Iowa. The state’s economic resilience is rooted in strong industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and healthcare. This steady foundation ensures ongoing demand for healthcare professionals in both urban hospitals and rural clinics.
High Quality of Life:
One of the best reasons to pursue travel nurse jobs in Iowa is the exceptional quality of life the state offers. With a low cost of living and a welcoming, community-oriented culture, Iowa is an inviting place to live and work. Whether you choose vibrant cities like Des Moines or Cedar Rapids, or the peaceful countryside, you’ll enjoy access to outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing year-round.
For travel nurses looking to make a meaningful impact while experiencing a balanced lifestyle, Iowa presents an excellent opportunity to grow professionally and personally.
How much does a Travel Nurse make in Iowa?
The average travel nurse salary in Iowa is $75,000 annually. However, this figure can vary based on factors such as experience, specialty, and location.
Understanding the Variations
While the average salary is $75,000 per year, your specific pay may differ based on the following factors:
- Experience: Nurses with more experience typically earn higher salaries. For example, a seasoned travel nurse with expertise in areas like critical care, ICU, or emergency nursing may earn upwards of $2,000 per week, which could bring the total earnings closer to $90,000 or more annually. On the other hand, less experienced travel nurses may start at around $1,800 to $1,900 per week, translating to an annual salary closer to $75,000.
- Nursing Specialty: Certain nursing specialties are in higher demand and often command higher salaries. Travel nurses working in specialties such as ICU, critical care, or labor and delivery typically earn more than those in general nursing roles. You can find specific salary data for different specialties on resources like Travel Nurse Source, which can help you gauge what to expect based on your area of expertise.
- Location: Salaries can also vary based on location within Iowa. Larger cities like Des Moines or Cedar Rapids may offer slightly higher pay due to the larger healthcare facilities and greater demand for nurses. Smaller, rural areas may offer lower base pay, but could provide additional incentives to attract nurses to those regions. It’s important to consider both the pay and additional perks when evaluating opportunities in different parts of the state.
- Travel Nurse Agency: The agency you work with can affect your overall pay package. Different travel nurse agencies may offer varying pay rates, benefits, and additional incentives. Some may offer higher base pay, while others may provide more comprehensive benefits, such as health insurance, travel reimbursement, or housing allowances. It’s crucial to compare agencies and understand what they offer to ensure you get the best possible deal for your assignment.
What are the top 10 highest-paying cities for travel nursing jobs in Iowa?
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated annual, monthly, weekly, and hourly wages for travel nurses in the top 10 highest-paying cities in Iowa (Source: ZipRecruiter, Salary.com):
| City | Estimated Annual Salary | Estimated Monthly Pay | Estimated Weekly Pay | Estimated Hourly Wage |
| Des Moines | $78,000 | $6,500 | $1,519 | $37.98 |
| Cedar Rapids | $76,000 | $6,333 | $1,477 | $36.92 |
| Davenport | $75,500 | $6,292 | $1,466 | $36.65 |
| Iowa City | $77,000 | $6,417 | $1,488 | $37.20 |
| Sioux City | $74,500 | $6,208 | $1,442 | $36.05 |
| Waterloo | $73,000 | $6,083 | $1,412 | $35.30 |
| Ames | $72,500 | $6,042 | $1,400 | $35.00 |
| Dubuque | $74,000 | $6,167 | $1,430 | $35.75 |
| West Des Moines | $77,500 | $6,458 | $1,495 | $37.38 |
| Ankeny | $76,500 | $6,375 | $1,477 | $36.92 |
What are the top 5 best paying travel nursing jobs in Iowa?
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated annual, monthly, weekly, and hourly wages for travel nurses in the top 5 highest-paying travel nurse specialties in Iowa (Source: ZipRecruiter, Salary.com):
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
| ICU RN | $118,502 | $9,875 | $2,278 | $56.97 |
| NICU RN | $116,364 | $9,697 | $2,237 | $55.94 |
| PCU RN | $113,025 | $9,418 | $2,173 | $54.34 |
| ICU RN | $111,514 | $9,292 | $2,144 | $53.61 |
| PACU RN | $110,000 | $9,167 | $2,115 | $52.50 |
*All pay information has been compiled from multiple sources to provide an estimated overview.
Finding Your Perfect Match:
Looking to match your skills & experience to the most in-demand positions in Iowa? Check out our current openings here!