How much is the oncology nurse vs med-surg nurse pay gap in Iowa?

The estimated gap in Iowa is about $4,140 a year, or roughly 5% more for oncology nurses. Your actual pay depends on experience, specialty, shift, and employer — use the calculator to compare both for your situation.

Are these Iowa figures exact?

No — they're modeled estimates, not verified Iowa wages. They start from each role's national pay and adjust for Iowa's cost of labor, and they update to verified numbers when official state data is loaded.

Why are some figures verified and others estimates?

National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.

Iowa · IA

Oncology Nurse vs Med-Surg Nurse salary in Iowa

In Iowa, oncology nurses earn more — an estimated $87,060 a year versus $82,920 for med-surg nurses, a gap of about $4,140 (roughly 5% more). Both are estimates based on national pay for each role adjusted for Iowa.

Oncology Nurse — Iowa

Specialty estimate

Median annual pay

$87,060

-15% vs national

Hourly

$41.86/hr

Median $87,060

$61,530Middle 50%: $71,690–$100,270$122,690

Typical range: $71,690–$100,270; What most nurses earn
High end: $122,690; Top earners
Entry level: $61,530; Newer nurses

Med-Surg Nurse — Iowa

Specialty estimate

Median annual pay

$82,920

-15% vs national

Hourly

$39.87/hr

Median $82,920

$58,600Middle 50%: $68,280–$95,500$116,850

Typical range: $68,280–$95,500; What most nurses earn
High end: $116,850; Top earners
Entry level: $58,600; Newer nurses

Why the gap in Iowa

Oncology and med-surg nurse pay is comparable, as both draw on the same registered-nurse wage base. Oncology certifications such as the OCN and chemotherapy competencies can nudge pay up, but the roles are close; the bigger differences are the patient population and the pace of the work. The Iowa figures apply the same local pay adjustment to both roles, so the gap here mirrors the national picture, shifted for Iowa's cost of labor. Actual pay varies with experience, specialty, shift, and employer — compare the national Oncology Nurse vs Med-Surg Nurse comparison or personalize the calculator.

Oncology Nurse vs Med-Surg Nurse in Iowa — FAQ

Do oncology nurses or med-surg nurses earn more in Iowa?: In Iowa, oncology nurses earn more — an estimated $87,060 a year versus $82,920 for med-surg nurses, a gap of about $4,140 (roughly 5% more). Both are estimates based on national pay for each role adjusted for Iowa's local pay level.
How much is the oncology nurse vs med-surg nurse pay gap in Iowa?: The estimated gap in Iowa is about $4,140 a year, or roughly 5% more for oncology nurses. Your actual pay depends on experience, specialty, shift, and employer — use the calculator to compare both for your situation.
Are these Iowa figures exact?: No — they're modeled estimates, not verified Iowa wages. They start from each role's national pay and adjust for Iowa's cost of labor, and they update to verified numbers when official state data is loaded.
Why are some figures verified and others estimates?: National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.

Source & confidence— An estimate for a specialty that public pay data does not list on its own. A ballpark to start from, not an exact figure.

Modeled estimate (BLS national × state wage index)

Iowa figures are estimated by adjusting the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS national median for local pay levels (a state adjustment of 0.85×).

Source year 2025. Last reviewed July 3, 2026. Full methodology

Estimated figures for Iowa. Last reviewed July 3, 2026.