Iowa City vs Waterloo: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Iowa City, IA and Waterloo, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Iowa City, IA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,482▲ | $130,688 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.18▲ | $62.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $117,995▲ | $107,929 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,482▲ | $121,574 |
| 75th Percentile | $146,165▲ | $140,961 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,920 | $178,368▲ |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 260 |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterloo.
The salary gap between Iowa City and Waterloo is $2,794 (2.14%). 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 Iowa City spans $43,925,Waterloo spans $70,439. Waterloo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waterloo ($150,118 effective) pays 2.91% more than Iowa City ($145,868 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,482/year)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,368)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,118)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Iowa City grew 11.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Iowa City, IA
$115,370 (2019) → $129,030 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$106,780 (2019) → $126,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Iowa City, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Iowa City or Waterloo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Iowa City and Waterloo?
Should I relocate from Iowa City to Waterloo as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Iowa City vs Waterloo?
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