Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Healthcare
Nursing Home Administrator Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nursing home administrator in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Nursing Home Administrator in Iowa
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals • Division of Health Facilities
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$100,750 median (15% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#45 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Nursing Home Administrator licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals~Division of Health Facilities and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Iowa
With a median salary of $100,750, Nursing Home Administrators in Iowa earn 15% below the national median of $117,960. Iowa ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,154Median annual salary
$100,750Hourly estimate
$48.4415% below national median
Difference: -$17,210
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNursing Home Administrator Salary Ranking
#45 of 50 statesfor Nursing Home Administrator median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $149,820 |
| #2 | Washington | $143,300 |
| #3 | Hawaii | $140,750 |
| #4 | California | $136,500 |
| #5 | Georgia | $136,030 |
Nearby States Comparison
Nursing Home Administrator licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $100,750 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $114,310 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $126,170 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $113,610 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $102,540 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $103,610 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-19 years |
| South Dakota | $116,210 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals • Division of Health Facilities
6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50319-0083
Phone: 5152814233
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Nursing Home Administrator 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 Nursing Home Administrators in Iowa?
Iowa lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Nursing Home Administrators.
What education do you need to become a Nursing Home Administrator in Iowa?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Nursing Home Administrator licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical Nursing Home Administrator salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Nursing Home Administrators in Iowa is $100,750. Salaries range from $72,260 (10th percentile) to $167,230 (90th percentile).
How does the Nursing Home Administrator salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
Nursing Home Administrators in Iowa earn 15% below the national median of $117,960, with a state median of $100,750.
How many Nursing Home Administrators work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 6,530 Nursing Home Administrators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Nursing Home Administrator license to Iowa from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Nursing Home Administrators in Iowa?
The licensing agency is Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals / Division of Health Facilities. Review agency details at https://dia.iowa.gov/health-facilities/certified-nursing-assistants.
How often do you renew a Nursing Home Administrator license in Iowa?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.