Registered Nurse Salary in Des Moines, IA (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$79,650
in Des Moines · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$85,874
adjusted for local cost of living
Registered Nurses in Des Moines
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Des Moines, IA is $79,650 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $6,638/month or $38/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($96,980), Des Moines pays 18% less than the typical city.
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92.8 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $79,650 in Des Moines is equivalent to $85,874 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Des Moines metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Registered Nurses by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $178,450 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $178,450 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $178,450 |
| 4 | Sacramento, CA | $163,020 |
| 5 | Folsom, CA | $163,020 |
| 6 | Roseville, CA | $163,020 |
| 7 | Carlsbad, CA | $139,350 |
| 8 | San Diego, CA | $139,350 |
| 9 | Chula Vista, CA | $139,350 |
| 10 | Anaheim, CA | $138,010 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Des Moines
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $119,860 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $56,320 |
| Electrician | $67,140 |
| Accountant | $83,750 |
Full cost of living profile for Des Moines
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Des Moines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in Des Moines?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Des Moines, IA is $79,650 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Des Moines Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
Des Moines Registered Nurse pay ($79,650) is 18% below the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in Des Moines?
Yes. Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92.8 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $79,650 salary in Des Moines has the purchasing power of approximately $85,874 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology