CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by IA Board of Healthcare

Registered Nurse Licensing in Iowa

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in Iowa

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam 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

    $76,960 median (18% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #47 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Registered Nurse licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam 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 $76,960, Registered Nurses in Iowa earn 18% below the national median of $93,600. Iowa ranks #47 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

$76,960

Hourly estimate

$37.00
18% below national median

Difference: -$16,640

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$62,210
  • P2525th percentile$65,770
  • P50Median$76,960
  • P7575th percentile$83,200
  • P9090th percentile$98,280

State vs National Median

State: $76,960
National: $93,600

Total employment: 33,480 | Annual openings: N/A

Registered Nurse Salary Ranking

#47 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$140,330
#2Hawaii$136,320
#3Oregon$123,990
#4Washington$112,180
#5Alaska$110,690

Nearby States Comparison

Registered Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$76,960Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$100,870Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$86,070Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$86,410Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Missouri$79,770Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$81,020Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$69,510Varies 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

Related Careers in Iowa

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Specific course requiredVaries by board
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 Registered Nurse 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 Registered Nurses in Iowa?

Iowa lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Registered Nurses.

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

The board typically expects Specific course required for Registered Nurse licensure in Iowa.

What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Iowa is $76,960. Salaries range from $62,210 (10th percentile) to $98,280 (90th percentile).

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

Registered Nurses in Iowa earn 18% below the national median of $93,600, with a state median of $76,960.

How many Registered Nurses work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 33,480 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Registered Nurse 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 Registered Nurses 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 Registered Nurse license in Iowa?

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