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Travel Nursing in Iowa
Iowa's travel nursing market is driven by a network of strong regional health systems serving a predominantly rural population. UnityPoint Health, MercyOne, and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics are the state's largest healthcare employers. The University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City is a nationally ranked academic medical center that attracts travel nurses seeking complex, high-acuity assignments. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and the Quad Cities also maintain consistent travel nurse demand.
Iowa's appeal lies in its exceptionally low cost of living, friendly communities, and strong Midwestern work ethic. The state is a compact license member, eliminating licensing barriers for most travel nurses. While Iowa may not have the glamour of coastal destinations, nurses who prioritize saving money and building clinical experience find it an excellent choice. Agency stipends routinely exceed actual living costs by substantial margins, making Iowa one of the best states for building travel nursing savings.
Quick Stats
Agencies
30+
Avg Weekly Pay
$1,900-$2,800/wk
Compact License
Yes
Iowa is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses with a multistate compact license can practice in Iowa immediately.
Top Cities
Des MoinesCedar RapidsIowa CityDavenportSioux City
Top Agencies for Iowa
These agencies are known for strong Iowa assignment inventories, competitive pay, and solid recruiter support.
Licensing Information
Iowa participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Travel nurses with a multistate compact license can practice in Iowa without additional licensing. If your home state is not a compact member, you must apply for an Iowa RN license through the Iowa Board of Nursing. Applications are submitted online and require license verification, education documentation, and a criminal background check.
Processing Time: Endorsement applications typically take 2 to 4 weeks. Iowa is known for efficient processing.
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Iowa's Board of Nursing is known for fast processing, often completing endorsement within 2 weeks.
- Verify your compact license status before accepting an Iowa assignment.
- Iowa requires a criminal background check through the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.
- Continuing education requirements apply to license renewal.
Popular Cities in Iowa
Des Moines
Iowa's capital and largest metro offers the highest volume of travel nursing assignments. UnityPoint Iowa Methodist, MercyOne Des Moines, and Broadlawns Medical Center are major employers. The city has a growing downtown, affordable housing, and a surprisingly vibrant food and arts scene.
Cedar Rapids
UnityPoint St. Luke's Hospital and Mercy Medical Center serve Cedar Rapids, Iowa's second-largest city. The area offers very affordable living and a strong sense of community. The NewBo District has revitalized the downtown area.
Iowa City
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is a nationally ranked academic medical center offering complex, high-acuity travel assignments. The college-town atmosphere, cultural offerings, and vibrant downtown make Iowa City a favorite among travel nurses.
Davenport
Davenport is part of the Quad Cities metro straddling the Iowa-Illinois border. Genesis Health System and UnityPoint Trinity serve the area. The Mississippi River setting and dual-state metro create a unique assignment experience.
Sioux City
UnityPoint Health St. Luke's and MercyOne Siouxland serve western Iowa's Sioux City. The tri-state location (Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota) offers a unique cultural blend and extremely affordable housing.
Popular Specialties in Iowa
Med Surg
Iowa's aging rural population drives the highest volume of travel assignments in medical-surgical nursing across community hospitals statewide.
ICU
University of Iowa Hospitals and major Des Moines facilities maintain busy ICUs with consistent travel nurse demand for critical care.
ER
Rural hospital ERs across Iowa face staffing challenges that create steady travel nurse demand, while urban ERs in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids also fill travel positions.
OR
Surgical programs at the University of Iowa and Des Moines hospitals drive demand for experienced OR travel nurses.
Housing Notes
Iowa offers some of the lowest housing costs in the country. A one-bedroom apartment in Des Moines averages $800 to $1,100 per month. Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Davenport range from $700 to $1,000. Sioux City can be even less. Agency housing stipends of $1,100 to $1,500 per week far exceed actual costs in nearly every Iowa market, making the state ideal for maximizing savings.
Nursing Schools in Iowa
Top nursing programs for those looking to build or advance their career.
Average Pay by Specialty
Weekly gross pay ranges for travel nurses in Iowa, based on current market data.
| Specialty | Weekly Pay Range |
|---|---|
| ICU | $2,200-$3,000/wk |
| ER | $2,100-$2,800/wk |
| OR | $2,100-$2,900/wk |
| Med Surg | $1,700-$2,400/wk |
| Telemetry | $1,900-$2,600/wk |
| L&D | $2,000-$2,700/wk |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Iowa is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. If your primary state of residence is another compact state, your multistate license is valid in Iowa.
Iowa's extremely low cost of living means agency stipends far exceed actual expenses, making it one of the best states for saving money. The University of Iowa Hospitals also offers high-acuity clinical experience at an academic medical center.
Iowa has one of the lowest costs of living in the nation. Housing, groceries, and transportation are all well below the national average. Travel nurses routinely save $500-$800 per week above their actual living expenses.
Yes. Iowa has a flat state income tax of 3.9%. The very low cost of living and strong stipend-to-expense ratio more than offset this tax burden.
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