PACU Travel Nurse Salary in Iowa
Calculate your take-home pay as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Iowa. PACU travel nurses care for patients recovering from anesthesia and surgery, monitoring vital signs and managing post-operative care.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Average Hourly Rate
$43/hr
PACU in IA
Weekly Gross Pay
$1,712
Before taxes
Annual Potential
$89,024
Working full-time
Calculate Your PACU Pay in Iowa
Use our calculator to estimate your take-home pay as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit 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
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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:
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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.
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GSA Rates & Tax-Free Stipends in Iowa
PACU 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 PACU Travel Nurses in Iowa
PACU Certifications
- BLS
- ACLS
- 2+ years PACU experience
Iowa Licensing
Tax & Cost of Living in Iowa
Tax Information
Cost of Living
Top Hospitals Hiring PACU Nurses in Iowa
- University of Iowa Hospitals
- MercyOne Des Moines
- UnityPoint Health
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do PACU travel nurses make in Iowa?
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurses in Iowa typically earn between $38 and $55 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $43/hr. This translates to approximately $1,712 per week or $89,024 annually. PACU nurses often earn a premium due to specialized skills required.
What are the requirements to work as a PACU travel nurse in Iowa?
To work as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse in Iowa, you typically need: BLS, ACLS, 2+ years PACU 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 PACU 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. PACU 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 PACU travel nurses?
Iowa has higher taxes but often offers competitive rates for travel nurses. PACU nursing has high demand in this state. The cost of living index is 89.1 (below national average).
Which cities in Iowa have the best PACU travel nurse jobs?
Popular cities for Post-Anesthesia Care Unit travel nurse assignments in Iowa include: Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport. Major hospitals like University of Iowa Hospitals and MercyOne Des Moines frequently hire PACU travel nurses. Use our calculator to compare pay and cost of living across these cities.