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Nursing jobs in Iowa 2026
Vacancies, salaries, EB-3 demand and licensing — verified against BLS OEWS 2025 + HRSA NCHWA 2026.
RN Shortage
2,800
Moderate 5.6%
Median Annual Salary
$80,540
$38.72/hr
COL-Adjusted
$79,692
COL index: 91
Compact State?
Yes
NLC multistate eligible
Key insight
In Iowa, there is a shortage of 2,800 registered nurses as of 2026 — 5.6% of the state's nursing workforce demand. Median RN salary is $80,540 per year. After cost of living adjustment, purchasing power equals $79,692 in national terms. Moderate EB-3 activity in this state.
Federal nursing jobs in Iowa
Registered Nurse
Veterans Health Administration · Anchorage, Alaska
$38871 - $228000 PA
Registered Nurse- Dialysis
Veterans Health Administration · Iowa City, Iowa
$73696 - $122961 PA
Registered Nurse - Home Health
Veterans Health Administration · Iowa City, Iowa
$73696 - $122961 PA
Registered Nurse- Progressive Care
Veterans Health Administration · Des Moines, Iowa
$72383 - $134430 PA
Registered Nurse- Critical Care
Veterans Health Administration · Iowa City, Iowa
$73696 - $122961 PA
Top hiring cities
- • Des Moines
- • Cedar Rapids
- • Davenport
State nursing board
Iowa Board of Nursing
Endorsement fee: $170 · NCLEX attempts allowed: 8/year
Licensing portal EB-3 sponsors placing nurses in Iowa
Independently verified agencies with zero fee to nurses.
Health Carousel International (PassportUSA)
No fee to nurse
AMN Healthcare / Connetics USA
No fee to nurse
O'Grady Peyton International
No fee to nurse
Medliant International
No fee to nurse
Conexus MedStaff
No fee to nurse
Wayne Staffing USA (NYC Specialist)
No fee to nurse