What is the average RN salary in Ames?

The average RN salary in Ames is $84,148 per year. This figure is 10.1% below the U.S. RN median salary of $93,600 and falls short of Iowa or national benchmarks; Ames-specific data shows an Adjusted Salary (purchasing power) of $88,298 and a Cost of Living Index of 95.3.

How many hospitals are in Ames?

Ames has 3 hospitals in the city. Top local facilities include Mary Greeley Medical Center and McFarland Clinic-affiliated hospital services; these regional acute-care providers support surgical, emergency, and specialty inpatient services for Story County and nearby communities.

What is the cost of living in Ames?

The cost of living in Ames is below the U.S. average with a Cost of Living Index of 95.3 (US=100). Housing costs are generally lower than national averages in Ames, contributing to an Adjusted Salary of $88,298 for nurses when applying the provided purchasing-power formula.

Is Ames a good place for nurses?

Ames can be a good fit for nurses seeking lower living costs and steady hospital-based work. The city has 3 hospitals, an RN average salary of $84,148, and about 269 sunny days annually; combined, these factors support work-life balance despite pay being 10.1% below the U.S. median.

What is the real purchasing power for nurses in Ames?

The adjusted purchasing power for nurses in Ames is $88,298, using the provided formula and the Cost of Living Index of 95.3. Compared to the raw RN salary of $84,148, this adjusted figure reflects stronger local buying power versus the nominal pay, though it remains below the U.S. RN median of $93,600.

Can nurses use a multistate compact license to work in Ames?

Yes — Iowa participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so nurses with a multistate compact license can practice in Ames under compact privileges. That mobility enables compact-holding RNs to work in Ames-area facilities without obtaining an additional Iowa single-state license.

What nursing specialties are most in demand in Ames?

Critical care and med-surgical nursing are in demand in Ames due to regional acute-care hospital services; expect needs in ICU and med-surg units. Emergency department and labor & delivery staffing are also important given the city's hospital mix, along with behavioral health roles tied to inpatient services.

Nursing in Ames, IA

Practical guide to nursing in Ames, IA — salaries, cost of living, hospitals, climate, and what nurses actually earn after local taxes and rent.