How much does a Registered Nurse license cost in Iowa?

Getting a Registered Nurse license in Iowa costs $405 upfront (exam fee $200, application fee $130, license fee $75). Renewal runs $110 every 2 years.

How much do licensed registered nurses earn in Iowa?

Licensed registered nurses in Iowa earn a median salary of $74,820/year, compared to $36,540/year without the license.

How many CE hours are required to renew a Registered Nurse license in Iowa?

Iowa requires 30 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew a Registered Nurse license.

Registered Nurse Licenses › Iowa

Registered Nurse License Cost in Iowa 2026: $405 Fees, $75K Salary

Getting a Registered Nurse license in Iowa costs $405 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.1 months.

Registered Nurse License in Iowa — Key Numbers

$405

Upfront Cost

$75K

Median Salary (Licensed)

$110

Renewal (every 2 yrs)

0.1 mo

Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

Registered Nurse License Cost Breakdown — Iowa

Exam fee $200

Application fee $130

Initial license fee $75

Total upfront $405

Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $110

CE hours required per cycle 30 hours

Salary without license (Iowa) $36,540/yr

Salary with license (Iowa) $74,820/yr

5-year net ROI $191K

Licensing body: Iowa Board of Nursing. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

Registered Nurse License in Iowa — What to Know

Iowa nursing demand is steady across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and public health. The $75K median is below coastal averages but represents strong purchasing power at Iowa's cost of living. Rural healthcare is a growing area of demand in Iowa, where RN shortages are acute in remote counties. Travel nursing contracts to higher-paying states are common for Iowa-licensed nurses. The upfront licensing cost — NCLEX plus state fees — typically runs $400–$500.

Payback Calculator

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Other License Costs in Iowa

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← All states: Registered Nurse License Costs

All certifications in Iowa · Payback period by state

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