Iowa City vs Marion: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Iowa City, IA and Marion, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Iowa City, IA | Marion, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,503▲ | $79,896 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.51▲ | $38.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,022▲ | $56,939 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,022▲ | $65,319 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,622▲ | $90,562 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,787▲ | $108,240 |
| Total Employed | 4,090▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marion.
The salary gap between Iowa City and Marion is $10,607 (13.28%). Iowa City's median is -11.90% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Iowa City spans $37,765,Marion spans $51,301. Marion has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Iowa City ($98,901 effective) pays 11.90% more than Marion ($88,381 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,503/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,787)
- ✓Larger job market (4,090 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,901)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Marion if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Iowa City grew 31.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Marion over the same period.
Iowa City, IA
$65,390 (2019) → $85,940 (2025)
Marion, IA
$63,113 (2024) → $75,867 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Iowa City, IA
Marion, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Iowa City or Marion?
What is the hourly rate difference between Iowa City and Marion?
Should I relocate from Iowa City to Marion as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Iowa City vs Marion?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov