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Registered Nurse Salary in Waterloo, IA

How much does a registered nurse make in Waterloo? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Waterloo's cost of living.

Median Salary
$54,737
per year in Waterloo
Entry Level
$38,795
Starting salary
Senior Level
$76,180
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
80
20% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how registered nurse salaries break down across different pay periods in Waterloo.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$38,795$54,737$76,180
Monthly$3,233$4,561$6,348
Biweekly$1,492$2,105$2,930
Weekly$746$1,053$1,465
Hourly$19$26$37

Waterloo vs National Average

How Waterloo's registered nurse salaries compare to national figures.

Waterloo Salary
$54,737
COL Index: 80
National Average
$83,440
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$28,703
Lower in Waterloo

Cost of Living in Waterloo

1-Bedroom Rent
$650
per month
Median Income
$43,234
per year
Population
67,314
residents
Rent % of Income
18.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 80 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Waterloo have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Registered Nurse

Overview

Provide patient care and coordinate treatment in hospitals and clinical settings.

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing; RN license required

Key Skills

Patient CareMedical KnowledgeCommunicationClinical Assessment

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +16% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Registered Nurse Salary

See Registered Nurse salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$113,490
+107%
Los Angeles, CA
$133,440
+144%
Chicago, IL
$96,480
+76%
Houston, TX
$97,810
+79%
Phoenix, AZ
$98,160
+79%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a registered nurse salary in Waterloo.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Registered Nurse Salary in Waterloo, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a registered nurse in Waterloo, IA is $54,737 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 80. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Waterloo's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level registered nurse professionals in Waterloo can expect to earn around $38,795 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level registered nurses earning approximately $76,180 per year. This represents a 96% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Waterloo's cost of living index of 80 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Waterloo are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $83,440, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a registered nurse's salary in Waterloo typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $650 per month, housing represents about 14.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Registered Nurses are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 16% over the next decade. In Waterloo, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.