Senior Registered Nurse Salary in Burlington, IA: $103,800 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of registered nurses working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $103,800/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1141. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $114,823 in average-cost America. The 33% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, IA, the earnings potential for experienced registered nurses is significant, particularly for those who have advanced in their careers and hold specialized certifications. With a median annual salary projected at $78,018 for 2026, the top earners in this field can expect to push their compensation to $103,800, reflecting the breadth of experience and advanced skills they bring to their roles. This represents a substantial gap between the median and the higher echelons of pay, emphasizing the experience premium associated with senior positions in nursing. To reach these top-tier salary levels, professionals often pursue additional credentials and certifications, such as those from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses or the Emergency Nurses Association, thereby enhancing their marketability and opening doors to higher-paying roles.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($71,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced registered nurses at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $87,731 and $103,800 per year (2026 est.). This $45,649 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $78,018 sits 24.06% below the US median.
Top RN Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $78,018 | $102,730 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,731 | $118,316 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $103,800 | $144,770 |
In Burlington, experienced registered nurses (P90) earn 33.05% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Registered Nurse Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA registered nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $78,018 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Registered Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $87,731–$103,800 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced registered nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured registered nurses in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Registered Nurses in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Registered Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Registered Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Registered Nurse
5-10 yearsRegistered Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #16 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner registered nurse salary (90th percentile: $103,800).
Top 10% registered nurse compensation in Burlington ($103,800) is 2.04% below the Iowa average P90 ($105,965).
2019 BLS Actual
$79,745
2025 BLS Actual
$98,566
2026 Current Est.
$103,800
2019–2027 Growth
+37.1%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,745 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,337 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,219 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,132 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,566 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,800 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,312 | Projected |
Top-earning registered nurses (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 23.6% from $79,745 in 2019 to $98,566 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.31% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $109,312 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Registered Nurse Earnings in Burlington
Burlington offers a variety of specializations for seasoned nurses, which can significantly influence salary expectations. Those in critical care, emergency nursing, and oncology typically command higher pay due to the heightened skills required in these demanding areas. Compensation varies widely depending on the type of employer; hospital systems and surgical centers may offer more competitive packages compared to home health agencies or ambulatory clinics. Senior nurses have the opportunity to transition into leadership roles such as charge nurse, nurse manager, or even director of nursing, which can augment their earning potential. Advanced credentials also play a vital role in pay advancement, with active RN licenses and specialty certifications proving essential for career growth. Additionally, shift differentials for nights and weekends can contribute to overall compensation, making advanced planning and strategic career moves essential for maximizing the experienced registered nurse salary in Burlington.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced registered nurses make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher registered nurse pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost registered nurse salary in Burlington?
Can experienced registered nurses make six figures in Burlington?
How much does registered nurse salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $98,566 for registered nurses in the Burlington metro area. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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