What is the average RN salary in Ottumwa?

The average RN salary in Ottumwa is $77,446. This figure is 17.3% below the U.S. RN median salary of $93,600, and it reflects local pay levels for a city of 25,379 residents with three hospitals and regional acute care services.

How many hospitals are in Ottumwa?

There are 3 hospitals in Ottumwa. The top local acute-care facilities include the area’s main community hospital and two supporting hospitals; these three institutions serve the 25,379-person population and handle inpatient, emergency, and outpatient needs.

What is the cost of living in Ottumwa?

Ottumwa’s cost of living index is 85.8, which is below the U.S. average of 100. Housing costs in Ottumwa are notably lower than national averages, helping nurses stretch earnings—this benefits the city’s 25,379 residents and nursing workforce.

Is Ottumwa a good place for nurses?

Yes, Ottumwa can be a practical choice for many nurses. The city has three hospitals, a lower cost of living index of 85.8, and an Adjusted Salary of $90,263, offering reasonable purchasing power despite a nominal RN salary of $77,446 compared with the U.S. median.

What is the real purchasing power for nurses in Ottumwa?

The Adjusted Salary in Ottumwa is $90,263, showing real purchasing power after accounting for the 85.8 cost of living index. Compared to the U.S. RN median of $93,600, that adjusted figure reflects stronger local buying power for nurses in a city of 25,379 with lower housing costs.

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

Yes — Iowa is an NLC (Nurse Licensure Compact) member state, so nurses with a valid multistate compact license have practice privileges in Ottumwa without obtaining a separate Iowa license. This facilitates cross-state mobility for RNs relocating to the 25,379-person community.

What nursing specialties are most in demand in Ottumwa?

ICU, emergency department (ED), and med-surgical nursing are most in demand in Ottumwa given the presence of three hospitals and acute-care services. The city’s hospital mix also suggests needs for L&D and behavioral health staffing depending on each facility’s service line and patient volume.

Nursing in Ottumwa, IA

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