Med-Surg Travel Nurse Salary in Iowa
Calculate your take-home pay as a Medical-Surgical travel nurse in Iowa. Med-Surg travel nurses provide care for patients with various medical and surgical conditions, the most common travel nursing specialty.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Average Hourly Rate
$40/hr
Med-Surg in IA
Weekly Gross Pay
$1,600
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$83,200
Working full-time
Iowa Med-Surg Pay Ranking
Out of 50 states for Med-Surg travel nurse compensation
Iowa's 8.53% state tax is offset by a low cost of living (index: 89.1). Med-Surg travel nurses here can expect affordable housing—average rent is $800/month, leaving an estimated $914/week in stipend profit.
Est. Weekly Gross
$2,699
(Taxable + Stipends)
Est. Weekly Net
$2,179
(After 32.53% est. tax)
Stipend vs Housing
+$914/wk
(Surplus or deficit)
Hawaii leads at $58/hr — $18/hr more than Iowa. Compare →
Calculate Your Med-Surg Pay in Iowa
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Medical-Surgical travel nurse in Iowa. Enter your contract details to see your true discretionary income after cost of living adjustments.
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 8.53% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$70.53
Based on 36 hours in IA.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,539
Taxable Weekly Income
$1,440
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$468
True Net Weekly Pay
$2,071
Looking for a contract? Get matched with top-paying recruiters.
Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$26,917
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$53,835
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$107,670
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$2,071
per week
Taxes
$468
per week
Total Gross: $2,539 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$686
≈ $2,970/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Iowa
$800
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$2,170
Your stipend covers rent with $2,170 left over each month.
Find apartments under $800/month in Des Moines:
Affiliate link
We may earn a commission if you book through our link.
Cost of Living Analysis in Iowa
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Iowa's cost of living is lower than the national average by 10.9 points.
💡 Lower cost of living area. Your pay may go further here than in expensive cities.
Housing Cost: Low
Utilities: Low
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
Resources for Your Assignment
These are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
GSA Rates & Tax-Free Stipends in Iowa
Med-Surg travel nurses in Iowa receive the same tax-free stipend rates as other specialties. The specialty premium is reflected in your higher taxable hourly rate.
Lodging
$98/night
Meals & Incidentals
$64/day
Weekly Stipend Max
$1,134
Requirements for Med-Surg Travel Nurses in Iowa
Med-Surg Certifications
- BLS
- 1+ years Med-Surg experience
Iowa Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in Iowa
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Cities for Med-Surg Travel Nurses in Iowa
Top Hospitals Hiring Med-Surg Nurses in Iowa
- University of Iowa Hospitals
- MercyOne Des Moines
- UnityPoint Health
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Med-Surg travel nurses make in Iowa?
Medical-Surgical travel nurses in Iowa typically earn between $35 and $52 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $40/hr. This translates to approximately $1,600 per week or $83,200 annually. Med-Surg nurses often earn a premium due to extremely high demand.
What are the requirements to work as a Med-Surg travel nurse in Iowa?
To work as a Medical-Surgical travel nurse in Iowa, you typically need: BLS, 1+ years Med-Surg experience. Iowa is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so if you have a compact license, you can work here without additional state licensing.
What GSA rates apply for Med-Surg travel nurses in Iowa?
The GSA per diem rates for Iowa are: Lodging: $98/night, Meals: $59/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts. Med-Surg travel nurses receive the same stipend rates as other specialties—the specialty premium is reflected in the higher taxable hourly rate.
Is Iowa a good state for Med-Surg travel nurses?
Iowa has higher taxes but often offers competitive rates for travel nurses. Med-Surg nurses are in extremely high demand, which often leads to better pay and more assignment options. The cost of living index is 89.1 (below national average).
Which cities in Iowa have the best Med-Surg travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Medical-Surgical travel nurse assignments in Iowa include: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport. Major hospitals like University of Iowa Hospitals and MercyOne Des Moines frequently hire Med-Surg travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.