The number of RNs in Iowa who reported a doctorate in nursing as their highest degree increased by 21.2% between 2017 and 2018, according to the Nursing Trends Iowa report released by the Iowa Center for Nursing Workforce in 2019.
Of those surveyed for the report, the highest percentage of doctorate-prepared nurses reported having a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). This type of nursing doctorate provides the highest level of practical nursing training available, and employers are increasingly seeking nurses with this level of education.
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The Advance Healthcare Network quantified the increase in salary conferred by a DNP by surveying nurse practitioners throughout the country in 2018. The Network identified a 7% increase in salary among NPs with a DNP compared to those with a master’s degree as their highest degree.
Statewide Salary Data for DNP-Educated ARPNs and More in Iowa
DNP-educated nurses in all their various roles are consistently recognized for earning top salaries (Iowa Workforce Development, 2018):
- Nurse Practitioners: $122,500-$138,900
- Nurse Administrators and Executives: $97,590-$126,090
- Nurse Educators: $96,360-$131,470
Salaries for DNP Nurses in Iowa’s Major Cities
Iowa Workforce Development provides salary information for DNP-educated advanced nursing professionals in the most populated cities in the state (2018):
Nurse Anesthetists:
- Des Moines: $205,120+
Nurse Administrators and Executives:
- Des Moines: $106,790-$151,030
- Cedar Rapids: $91,840-$118,970
- Davenport: $99,640-$124,890
- Sioux City: $95,330-$116,010
Nurse Practitioners:
- Des Moines: $119,010-$130,800
- Cedar Rapids: $105,760-$121,010
- Davenport: $120,840-$134,310
- Sioux City: $147,130-$178,720
Nurse Educators:
- Des Moines: $125,230-$153,550
- Davenport: $69,570-$80,220
- Sioux City: $88,870-$123,940
An Overview of Hourly Wages for Iowa’s DNP-Educated Nurses
According to a 2019 Medscape Compensation Report, about three-quarters (78%) of all APRNs are paid overtime, which reveals that these professionals are paid an hourly wage.
Iowa Workforce Development provides hourly wages for DPN-educated nursing professionals, as of 2018:
- Nurse Practitioners: $58.89-$66.78
- Nurse Administrators and Executives: $46.92-$60.62
Salary and employment data compiled by Iowa Workforce Development in May of 2018 – (https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/labor-market-information-division). Salary data represents state and MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) average and median earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
All salary and job growth data accessed in December 2019.
This page includes salaries that fall within the 75th and 90th percentiles for each nursing role to account for the fact that DNP-educated nurses are recognized as earning more than master’s-prepared nurses in the same roles.