Iowa's Thriving Nursing Job Market: Competitive Salaries, High Demand, and a Rich Community Experience Await Healthcare Professionals
Here in Iowa, a state renowned for its sweeping fields and friendly communities, the nursing job market shines brightly, making it an appealing destination for both local professionals and traveling nurses. As of May 2022, the average salary for registered nurses in Iowa is approximately $69,640 annually, with a mean hourly wage around $33.47 – numbers that sit comfortably above the national averages of $77,600 annually and $37.31 hourly as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Notably, the nursing landscape here is enriched by the state’s charming small towns and fast-growing urban areas like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, where healthcare facilities are on the rise—an excellent indicator of job prospects. As a local, I cherish the sense of community we have here, whether it’s enjoying the Iowa State Fair or relaxing at the beautiful Mississippi River, which brings an incredible quality of life along with our nursing careers.
The current nursing job market in Iowa is robust, with approximately 40,000 registered nurses employed statewide. This translates to a solid demand for healthcare services, especially as the population ages and requires more nuanced care. We’re seeing significant growth trends, with data predicting a need for over 13,000 additional nurses in the next five years due to retirements and heightened demand. Moreover, Iowa is seeing an increase in travel nursing demand, especially during the busy summer months with influxes of patients in local clinics and hospitals, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. With around 20 major hospitals alongside numerous clinics and healthcare facilities such as UnityPoint Health and MercyOne, job opportunities abound for both per diem and full-time nurses. When compared to the national landscape, Iowa boasts competitive salary ranges and opportunities, alongside a more relaxed lifestyle that many professionals find appealing. I encourage my fellow nurses to explore job opportunities through NurseRecruiter, where you can find matches suited to our unique market.
Healthcare infrastructure in Iowa is not only extensive but also continuously developing. In the heart of our urban centers, we’re seeing investments aimed at expanding services in critical care, geriatrics, and mental health, underscoring a growing need for specialized nursing roles. The population of Iowa sits close to 3.2 million, with projected growth that significantly influences healthcare demand. Culturally, we boast a rich tapestry interwoven with festivals, farmers' markets, and the warmth of Midwestern life. Particularly noteworthy is the collaboration among organizations to improve public health initiatives, which allows nurses to play a vital role in community wellness across our state. As a resident of Iowa, this thriving job market and supportive community offer a fulfilling work-life balance. I invite both current and prospective nurses to keep a lookout on NurseRecruiter for open positions. Employers too can actively tap into the network to find our talented local candidates and fill essential roles in this promising market.
