Registered Nurses, Des Moines
$78,630
Local median annual wage in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA. Middle half of earners roughly $70,070 to $86,690.
Local salary guide, May 2025, as of May 15, 2026. Cost of living index (2024). Sources stay in methodology · disclaimer.
- vs US median
- −19.4%
- US median
- $97,550
- Cost of living (91.7) Based on U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data. Scores over 100 mean a city is more expensive than the U.S. national average.
- 91.7
- Local pay range The middle 50% of earners in this city make between these amounts, based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys.
- $70,070 to $86,690
- Local jobs in field Approximate number of people working in this role locally, not a count of open positions.
- 8,130
- Job code
- 29-1141
Registered Nurses in Des Moines pay a median $78,630 (May 2025), 19.4% below the US median of $97,550. At local prices (index 91.7), that median buys about what $85,747 buys at US-average prices.
What that pay buys
$78,630 in Des Moines buys about what $85,747 buys at US-average prices (cost of living index 91.7, 2024). Housing & rent index is 84.7 vs overall 91.7 (US average = 100, 2024).
Find jobs
See current openings for Registered Nurses in Des Moines.
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Registered Nurses in nearby metros
| Metro | Median | Local pay range | Cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $78,630 | $70,070 to $86,690 | 91.7 |
| Birmingham | $78,680 | $63,610 to $85,160 | 91.6 |
| San Francisco | $186,610 | $137,120 to $215,630 | 115.6 |
| Tulsa | $84,790 | $79,950 to $99,580 | 89.2 |
Local salary guide May 2025 where published for the metro.
FAQ
- What is the median salary for Registered Nurses in Des Moines?
- The median annual wage for Registered Nurses in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $78,630 (May 2025 local salary guide).
- How does Des Moines pay compare to the US median for Registered Nurses?
- Local median pay is 19.4% below the national median of $97,550.
- How does cost of living change what that wage buys?
- The cost of living index for Des Moines is 91.7 (US average = 100, 2024). The local median of $78,630 has about the same buying power as $85,747 at US-average prices.
- How current is this data?
- Wages use the local salary guide for May 2025. Price levels use the 2024 cost of living index. See methodology for source details.
What this covers
Includes
- Cost of living index for everyday expenses (housing, groceries & goods, services)
- Local salary guide: median pay, typical pay range, and jobs in the field where published
- Target salary math so you keep the same standard of living after a move
- Approximate single-filer state income tax take-home on compare pages (see rate sources on the page)
Does not include
- Local city taxes, credits, filing-status variants, or tax advice
- Childcare, healthcare premiums, or leave benefits
- Job openings. “Local jobs in field” is how many people work in the role, not hiring demand
Technical source names (RPP, OEWS) and formulas live on the methodology page.
Local pay figures and cost of living indexes come from official government surveys. See methodology and disclaimer.