The Complete Career Guide for Registered Nurses in Ankeny, IA

Ankeny isn't just another suburb of Des Moines—it's a community with its own identity, a strong healthcare backbone, and a cost of living that makes it one of the most financially viable places for healthcare professionals in the Midwest. As a local, I've watched this city grow from a quiet railroad town into a bustling hub for families and professionals, all while maintaining a sense of accessibility that’s hard to find in larger metros. For a Registered Nurse (RN), this translates to a solid job market, manageable living expenses, and a community that values its healthcare workers. This guide is designed to give you a data-driven, no-fluff look at what it really means to build a nursing career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Ankeny Stands

When you look at the numbers, Ankeny offers a compelling financial case for RNs, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. The median salary for an RN in Ankeny is $84,185/year, with a corresponding hourly rate of $40.47/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,070/year, but that gap narrows significantly when you consider Ankeny’s affordability. In a city where the Cost of Living Index is 92.7 (US avg = 100), that $84,185 goes much further than it would in a high-cost coastal city.

The local job market is robust, with approximately 670 nursing jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This growth is steady, driven by an aging population and the expansion of regional healthcare services. While not explosive, this 6% growth indicates a stable, sustainable demand for nurses, reducing the risk of job scarcity.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$68,000 - $75,000	$32.69 - $36.06
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$82,000 - $92,000	$39.42 - $44.23
Senior (8-15 years)	$90,000 - $105,000	$43.27 - $50.48
Expert/Specialized (15+ years)	$95,000 - $115,000+	$45.67 - $55.29

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings, BLS data, and industry reports. Salaries can vary by specialty, employer, and shift differentials (night/weekend pay can add $3-$6/hour).

How does Ankeny compare to other Iowa cities?

• Des Moines (Metro): Slightly higher median salary (~$85,500), but significantly higher cost of living and commute times for downtown jobs. The 74,455 metro population of Ankeny offers a smaller-town feel with big-city access.
• Cedar Rapids: Median salary similar to Ankeny (~$83,500), but with a different industrial and healthcare mix (e.g., Mercy Medical Center).
• Iowa City: Home to the University of Iowa Hospitals, which pays a premium. Median salary can be closer to $88,000, but the cost of living is notably higher due to the university influence.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many Ankeny hospitals offer shift differentials that can add $4,000-$8,000 annually. Ask about these during interviews, especially if you’re open to 12-hour shifts.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The true measure of a salary is what’s left after the essentials. Let’s break down the monthly budget for an RN earning the median salary of $84,185/year. Using standard take-home estimates (after federal, state, and FICA taxes), the net monthly pay is approximately $5,200 - $5,400.

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,015	($84,185 / 12)
Estimated Net Pay (after taxes)	$5,300	Varies by withholdings, benefits.
Rent (1BR Average)	$787	$787/month is the city average.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150 - $200
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500
Transportation (Fuel, Insurance)	$250 - $350	Car-dependent city.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$100 - $200
Student Loans/Debt	$200 - $400
Savings & Retirement (10-15%)	$530 - $795
Discretionary Spending	$500 - $700
Total Expenses	$2,917 - $3,632
Remaining Buffer	$1,668 - $2,383

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Ankeny is approximately $275,000. On an $84,185 salary, a mortgage is very manageable. With a 10% down payment ($27,500), a 30-year fixed mortgage at current rates (~6.5%) would have a monthly payment of around $1,550, including taxes and insurance. This is well within the recommended 28% of gross income ($1,964) for housing. Many nurses here own homes within 2-5 years of moving.

Where the Jobs Are: Ankeny's Major Employers

The healthcare landscape in Ankeny is anchored by a mix of large hospital systems, a VA clinic, and private practices. Here are the key players and their hiring tendencies:

1. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center (Ankeny Campus): This is the city's largest employer of RNs. It’s a full-service hospital with an ER, surgical services, and inpatient units. Hiring is constant for Med-Surg, ICU, and ER nurses. They are known for strong benefits and tuition reimbursement for BSN completion. Insider Tip: They have a dedicated "Ankeny" job portal separate from the main Des Moines listings.

2. Iowa Methodist Medical Center (Part of UnityPoint Health): While its main campus is in Des Moines, it has a significant outpatient and diagnostic presence in Ankeny. Hiring trends favor outpatient, oncology, and home health roles. Their "Nurse Residency" program is highly regarded for new grads.

3. Broadlawns Medical Center: The public hospital for Polk County has a clinic in Ankeny. It serves a diverse patient population, offering experience in community health and behavioral health. Hiring is steady, often for RNs with a passion for public health.

4. VA Central Iowa Health Care System (Ankeny Clinic): A major federal employer. Jobs here come with federal benefits (pension, job security). They often seek experienced nurses for primary care, mental health, and specialty clinics. The hiring process is slower but offers excellent stability.

5. Ankeny Medical Care Associates (AMCA): A large multi-specialty clinic with a major Ankeny presence. They hire RNs for clinic roles, chronic disease management, and pre/post-op care. This is a great option for nurses seeking a standard M-F schedule without hospital shifts.

6. John Stoddard Cancer Center (Part of UnityPoint): Located in nearby West Des Moines but a major destination for Ankeny nurses. Hiring for oncology and infusion nurses is frequent. Specialized training is often provided on the job.

7. Iowa Orthopaedic Center: A leading private practice with a clinic in Ankeny. Hires RNs for surgical pre-op/post-op, patient education, and physical therapy coordination. A great niche for orthopedic specialists.

Hiring Trends: There is high demand for nurses with BSN degrees (or who are enrolled in a BSN program). Specialties in ICU, ER, and Med-Surg are in constant need. The growth of outpatient surgery centers and specialty clinics (like orthopedics and cardiology) is creating more day-shift opportunities.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

If you’re moving from another state, the licensing process is straightforward but requires planning.

1. Licensure by Endorsement: If you hold an active RN license in another state (a "compact state"), you can apply for Iowa licensure by endorsement. Iowa is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which includes 41 states. If your home state is not a compact state, you will need to apply for a single-state Iowa license.
2. Requirements: You’ll need to submit an application through the Iowa Board of Nursing (IBON) website, provide verification of your current license, and complete a fingerprint-based background check. You must also have a clean disciplinary history.
3. Costs: The application fee is $175 for a new license by endorsement. Background check fees are approximately $50. Total cost is around $225.
4. Timeline: The process typically takes 4-6 weeks from the submission of a complete application. It’s crucial to start this process before accepting a job offer, as some employers require you to have an Iowa license or at least have applied before your start date.

Insider Tip: The Iowa Board of Nursing website is your best resource. They have a clear checklist for endorsement. If your home state requires a separate background check, get that done early, as Iowa's fingerprinting can sometimes have a backlog.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Ankeny is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and commute time to the main hospitals.

1. South Ankeny (The "South Loop"): This is the most developed area, home to the Ankeny Medical Center (MercyOne) and many newer subdivisions. It’s highly walkable with parks, trails, and shopping. Commute to MercyOne is under 10 minutes.

   • Rent (1BR): $850 - $950
   • Lifestyle: Family-friendly, newer apartments, active community.

2. Downtown Ankeny: The historic core, with older homes, unique apartments, and a growing scene of local restaurants and shops. It’s closer to the downtown Des Moines commute (20-25 minutes). Commute to MercyOne is 10-15 minutes.

   • Rent (1BR): $700 - $850
   • Lifestyle: Charming, walkable, attracts young professionals.

3. West Ankeny (Near I-35): Offers newer apartment complexes and quick highway access for commutes to Des Moines employers like Iowa Methodist or Broadlawns. Commute to MercyOne is 12-15 minutes.

   • Rent (1BR): $750 - $900
   • Lifestyle: Convenient, modern, good for commuters.

4. Northwest Ankeny (The "Prairie Trail" area): A newer, master-planned community with high-end homes, walking trails, and top-rated schools. Commute to MercyOne is 15-20 minutes. Rent is higher here, but the quality of life is exceptional.

   • Rent (1BR): $900 - $1,100
   • Lifestyle: Suburban, upscale, excellent for families.

Insider Tip: If you value a short commute and don't mind a younger crowd, South Ankeny is unbeatable. For a more unique, less "suburban" feel, the Downtown area is a hidden gem. Always check traffic patterns—while Ankeny traffic is light, the I-35 corridor can get congested during rush hour.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Ankeny offers a solid foundation for long-term career growth, though it may not have the same level of academic specialization as Iowa City. The key is to leverage the metro area's resources.

• Specialty Premiums: Certifications can boost your salary by 5-15%. Here’s a look at common premiums:

  • CCRN (Critical Care): +$3-$5/hour
  • CEN (Emergency Nursing): +$3-$5/hour
  • OCN (Oncology): +$3-$4/hour
  • ONC (Orthopaedic): +$2-$4/hour

• Advancement Paths: The most common path is from bedside nursing to charge nurse, and then to unit manager or clinical nurse educator. Larger systems like MercyOne and UnityPoint have formal leadership tracks. For those interested in administration, the University of Iowa's College of Nursing offers a well-regarded RN-to-MSN program, available online with occasional in-person sessions in Des Moines.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is steady. The demand will be driven by an aging population needing complex care and the expansion of outpatient services. Telehealth and home health are growing fields in the region. Nurses with a BSN and specialty certifications will be the most competitive. The stability of the healthcare sector here makes it a safe bet for the next decade.

The Verdict: Is Ankeny Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary stretches much further than the national average.	Car-Dependent City: Public transit is limited; a reliable car is a must.
Stable Job Market: Diverse employers with steady demand and 6% projected growth.	Limited Nightlife & Dining: Compared to Des Moines, options are more limited.
Short Commutes: Most nurses live within 15-20 minutes of their workplace.	Less Direct Access to Advanced Specialties: May need to commute to Des Moines for niche fields.
Family-Friendly Amenities: Excellent schools, parks, and community events.	Weather: Cold, snowy winters and humid summers.
Strong Sense of Community: A "big small town" where faces become familiar.	Less Diversity: Predominantly white and middle-class, which may not suit everyone.

Final Recommendation: Ankeny is an excellent choice for RNs who prioritize financial stability, work-life balance, and a family-oriented environment. It’s particularly well-suited for new grads seeking a supportive start, mid-career nurses looking to buy a home, and those specializing in high-demand areas like Med-Surg, ICU, and ER. If you crave the constant buzz of a major metro with world-class academic medicine, you might look closer to Des Moines or Iowa City. But for most, Ankeny hits the sweet spot.

FAQs

1. Can a new grad RN find a job easily in Ankeny?
Yes, but it’s competitive. Having a BSN (or being enrolled in a program) is a significant advantage. Start applying 3-4 months before graduation. MercyOne and UnityPoint have structured nurse residency programs designed for new graduates.

2. How does the cost of living really feel compared to other states?
Extremely manageable. A family of two can live comfortably on one RN salary, whereas in a coastal city, two professional salaries might be needed for a similar lifestyle. The $787 average rent is a key factor.

3. What about the commute from Ankeny to downtown Des Moines?
It’s straightforward and short, typically 15-25 minutes via I-35. Many nurses live in Ankeny and commute to Des Moines hospitals for a wider variety of shift options or specialties.

4. Is it hard to get an Iowa nursing license if I’m from a non-compact state?
Not difficult, but it requires patience. The process is administrative. The key is to start the application with the Iowa Board of Nursing as soon as you have a job offer, or even before.

5. Are there opportunities for nursing specialties in Ankeny?
Yes, but they are often more concentrated in the larger Des Moines metro. You can find specialty roles in Ankeny for ER, ICU, oncology, and orthopedics, but for highly niche fields (e.g., pediatric ICU, burn unit), you’d likely need to work in Des Moines.