Nurse Practitioner Salary in Fort Dodge, IA: $122,821 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse practitioner in Fort Dodge, IA earns a median $122,821/year (≈ $59.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1171). Once you factor in Fort Dodge's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $135,864 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the nurse practitioner salary in Fort Dodge, IA, is projected at a median of $122,821, which is notably lower than the national median of $136,864. The local salary range spans from $100,745 at the 10th percentile to $149,575 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the demand and varying specialties within the field. Specialization plays a significant role in this market, with Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP) earning the highest, followed by Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AGACNP) and Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living variations, emphasizing the importance of local healthcare demand in shaping compensation levels.
About the Fort Dodge Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,745 | $48.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,607 | $54.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,821 | $59.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,819 | $68.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $149,575 | $71.91 |
Median Salary Position
10.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Dodge
In Fort Dodge, IA, the nurse practitioner salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,830 (2026 est.). At $122,821, the local median is 10.26% below the national median of $136,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fort Dodge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fort Dodge Nurse Practitioner Pay Compares
Fort Dodge median: $122,821/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Dodge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $133,792 | -8.20% less |
| National Average | $136,864 | -10.26% less |
Nurse Practitioners in Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $122,821 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.26% lower than the national median of $136,864 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $133,792.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Dodge has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fort Dodge, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A nurse practitioner earning $122,821 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,864 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,552
2025 BLS Actual
$118,725
2026 Current Est.
$122,821
2019–2027 Growth
+28.9%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,552 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,221 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,297 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,132 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,305 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,726 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,725 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,821 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,058 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Dodge metropolitan area, the median nurse practitioner salary grew 20.5% from $98,552 (2019) to $118,725 (2025). At a 3.45% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,058 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,506 (28.92%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Dodge metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $100,745 – $112,607 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,607 – $122,821 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,821 – $142,819 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,819 – $149,575 |
NP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse practitioner compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Practitioner Job Market in Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge's job market currently employs only four nurse practitioners, presenting a unique dynamic for professionals in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, the purchasing power of nurse practitioners can differ significantly from more expensive markets, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle despite lower salary averages. Healthcare providers, such as hospital outpatient clinics and specialty clinics, tend to offer the most competitive salaries, influenced by the healthcare demand within the community. Moreover, factors like full-practice authority in Iowa and the potential for productivity bonuses play a significant role in determining earning potential. To maximize their salary, nurse practitioners in Fort Dodge should consider pursuing further specialization and exploring opportunities with telehealth platforms or versatile contract roles, as these avenues often provide additional income potential through flexible work arrangements.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $118,725 for nurse practitionersin the Fort Dodge metropolitan area. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fort Dodge is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
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