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Verified by IA Board of Healthcare

Nurse Practitioner Licensing in Iowa

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nurse practitioner in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Nurse Practitioner in Iowa

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • Both state and third-party exams required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $129,420 median (0% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #18 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Nurse Practitioner licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Iowa

With a median salary of $129,420, Nurse Practitioners in Iowa earn 0% above the national median of $129,210. Iowa ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,154

Median annual salary

$129,420

Hourly estimate

$62.22
0% above national median

Difference: +$210

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$102,150
  • P2525th percentile$115,950
  • P50Median$129,420
  • P7575th percentile$137,900
  • P9090th percentile$167,110

State vs National Median

State: $129,420
National: $129,210

Total employment: 2,810 | Annual openings: N/A

Nurse Practitioner Salary Ranking

#18 of 50 statesfor Nurse Practitioner median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$166,610
#2New Jersey$149,620
#3Alaska$145,450
#4New York$145,390
#5Oregon$144,600

Nearby States Comparison

Nurse Practitioner licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$129,420Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$128,570Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$128,580Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$128,620Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Missouri$126,370Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$127,930Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$122,600Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Iowa68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Illinois78HighBoard-specific review required.
Missouri68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing

6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50325

Phone: 5152814822

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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Anesthesiologist$385,010Degree requiredVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$49,700Specific course requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$93,790Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Nurse Practitioner in Iowa?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Nurse Practitioners in Iowa?

Iowa lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Nurse Practitioners.

What education do you need to become a Nurse Practitioner in Iowa?

The board typically expects Degree required for Nurse Practitioner licensure in Iowa.

What is the typical Nurse Practitioner salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Nurse Practitioners in Iowa is $129,420. Salaries range from $102,150 (10th percentile) to $167,110 (90th percentile).

How does the Nurse Practitioner salary in Iowa compare to the national average?

Nurse Practitioners in Iowa earn 0% above the national median of $129,210, with a state median of $129,420.

How many Nurse Practitioners work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 2,810 Nurse Practitioners according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Nurse Practitioner license to Iowa from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Nurse Practitioners in Iowa?

The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing. Review agency details at https://dial.iowa.gov/i-need/licenses/medical/nursing-professional-midwifery.

How often do you renew a Nurse Practitioner license in Iowa?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.