Clinton vs Iowa City: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Clinton, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clinton, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,557 | $133,482▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.36 | $64.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,878 | $117,995▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $115,663 | $133,482▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $146,421▲ | $146,165 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,347 | $161,920▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 330▲ |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Clinton.
The salary gap between Clinton and Iowa City is $7,925 (6.31%). Iowa City's median is -2.47% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clinton spans $54,469,Iowa City spans $43,925. Clinton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Iowa City ($145,868 effective) pays 5.02% more than Clinton ($138,890 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clinton if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,482/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,920)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,868)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Clinton grew 14.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.8% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Clinton, IA
$106,037 (2024) → $121,370 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$115,370 (2019) → $129,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clinton, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Clinton or Iowa City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clinton and Iowa City?
Should I relocate from Clinton to Iowa City as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Clinton vs Iowa City?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov