Registered Nurse Hourly Pay in Johnston, IA: $36.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a registered nurse working in Johnston, IA runs $36.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,415 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Weighted against Johnston's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,250 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Johnston, Iowa, the projected median hourly pay for registered nurses is $36.26. This rate is significantly lower than the national median of $49.39 per hour, which reflects the ongoing regional disparity in healthcare compensation. For part-time nurses working three days a week, this translates to an annual paycheck that can be substantially lower than their full-time counterparts, especially in high-demand settings such as intensive care units, emergency departments, and outpatient clinics where the work hours can vary. Newer RNs may earn about $28.16 per hour, while seasoned professionals at the top end of the pay scale can make up to $49.23, highlighting a wide range of pay that correlates with experience and specialization.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($71,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Registered Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.16 | $225.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.17 | $249.37 |
| Median (P50) | $36.26 | $290.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.49 | $331.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.23 | $393.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Johnston
Based on $36.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.26/hr, a registered nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Johnston, IA can expect to earn approximately $75,417 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,510. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Johnston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Johnston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,450.33 | $6,285 | $75,417 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $870.20 | $3,771 | $45,250 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $580.13 | $2,514 | $30,167 |
Compare RN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Johnston) | $36.26 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $63.50 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
Registered Nurses in Johnston, IA earn a median of $75,415 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.59% lower than the national median of $102,730 and 7.20% below the Iowa state average of $81,266.
Registered Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.26/hr = $45,250/year (purchasing power: $50,056).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,417/year (purchasing power: $83,426).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for registered nurses in Johnston grew 33.1% from $25.87/hr (2019) to $34.43/hr (2025). At a 5.31% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.18/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem registered nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Registered Nurse in Johnston
Examining the earning potential further, a part-time nurse working 24 hours weekly will take home substantially less annually compared to a full-time position, limited by the hours worked despite potential overtime opportunities. The reality for per diem registered nurses in Johnston, who typically earn between $50 and $80 per hour depending on their specialty, can lead to a more lucrative choice, especially with variations in compensation rates for travel nursing contracts that can yield between $2,000 and $4,500 weekly. Hourly rates differ among employers; hospital systems often provide stable positions with benefits, whereas specialty clinics or per diem roles may offer higher pay for those willing to forgo benefits. Registered nurses should weigh these options carefully. Knowledge of prevailing rates can aid in negotiation, particularly when seeking work in Johnston's healthcare landscape, where flexible schedules and potential shift differentials can significantly impact overall compensation.
More salary data for Johnston, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for registered nurses in Johnston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Johnston is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov