The Registered Nurse's Guide to Sioux City, Iowa: A Local's Career Blueprint

As a Sioux City native and career analyst, I've watched the healthcare landscape here evolve over the decades. From the riverfront's industrial roots to its current status as a regional medical hub, this city offers a unique blend of opportunity and affordability. If you're a registered nurse (RN) considering a move to the Missouri River Valley, this guide cuts through the fluff with real data, local insights, and practical advice. We'll break down the salary realities, dive into the job market, and explore what it's really like to live and work here. Let's get started.

The Salary Picture: Where Sioux City Stands

Understanding compensation is the first step in any career move. In Sioux City, the numbers are solid, especially when you factor in the low cost of living. The median salary for an RN here is $82,997/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $39.9/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,070/year, but the gap closes—and often disappears—when you adjust for the local cost of living.

The metro area has 766 jobs for RNs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is steady and reflects the consistent demand in healthcare. The job market isn't explosive, but it's stable. This isn't a boomtown for nurses; it's a reliable market where experienced professionals can find long-term, predictable employment.

To give you a clearer picture of how salary progresses with experience, here's a breakdown based on local job postings, BLS data, and industry reports.

Experience-Level Breakdown

| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary | Key Notes for Sioux City |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $68,000 - $75,000 | New grads often start in Med-Surg at MercyOne or Sanford. Sign-on bonuses can be $5,000-$10,000 for 2-year commitments. |
| Mid-Level (3-7 years) | $78,000 - $88,000 | This is the core of the nursing workforce. Specialization (e.g., ICU, L&D) can push you to the higher end. |
| Senior-Level (8-15 years) | $85,000 - $95,000+ | Charge nurse roles, clinical educator positions, and shift differentials for nights/weekends add up. |
| Expert-Level (15+ years) | $92,000 - $105,000+ | Advanced practice roles (NP, CRNA), leadership (Nursing Director), and specialty certifications yield the highest pay. |

Insider Tip: The biggest salary differentials come from shift work. Night and weekend differentials in Sioux City can add $3.00 to $5.00 per hour to your base pay. If you're willing to work overnight, you can easily exceed the median salary.

How Sioux City Compares to Other Iowa Cities

Sioux City is part of a competitive but affordable state for nurses. Here’s how it stacks up against other major Iowa metros.

City	Median RN Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Take-Home Pay vs. Sioux City
Sioux City	$82,997	88.1	Baseline
Des Moines-Ames	$78,000 - $85,000	90.5	Similar, but higher rent and congestion.
Cedar Rapids	$77,000 - $84,000	88.5	Very comparable to Sioux City.
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island	$75,000 - $82,000	86.5	Slightly lower pay, but similar affordability.
National Average	$86,070	100	Lower salary, but significantly lower cost of living.

Analysis: While Des Moines might have a slightly higher salary ceiling, Sioux City's cost of living is about 12% below the national average. That $82,997 median salary in Sioux City often feels like $95,000+ in a coastal city. You get more purchasing power here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $82,997 is a gross figure. Let's break down what it actually means for your monthly budget in Sioux City.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an RN Earning $82,997

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$6,916	($82,997 / 12)
Taxes (Federal, State, FICA)	~$1,700	This is an estimate. Use a paycheck calculator for your specific situation.
Net Monthly Income	~$5,216	Your take-home pay.
Average 1BR Rent	$780	City-wide average. Can be as low as $650 in some areas.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$180	Midwest winters will bump up gas heating.
Groceries	$400	For one person. Farmers' markets on Hamilton Blvd offer fresh, local produce.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Sioux City is car-dependent. Insurance is relatively low.
Health Insurance (Employer Share)	$200	Most hospitals offer good plans.
Retirement (401k, 403b)	$350	Aim for 5% of gross to start.
Discretionary/Other	$1,856	This is your buffer for savings, debt, entertainment, and emergencies.

Insider Tip: The biggest advantage here is the rent. A $780 average 1BR rent leaves you with a substantial surplus. In many cities, rent alone could consume 50% of your net income. In Sioux City, it's closer to 15%. This creates real financial breathing room.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. This is one of Sioux City's strongest selling points. The median home price is approximately $165,000. With a $82,997 salary, you are well within the realm of affordability.

• Down Payment (20%): $33,000 (Savings goal)
• Mortgage Payment (Principal & Interest): ~$650/month (30-year fixed at ~6.5% interest)
• Total Monthly Housing Cost: ~$850 (including estimated taxes, insurance, and PMI if down payment is less than 20%).

Verdict: You can comfortably own a home in Sioux City as a single RN. The $165,000 price point is very accessible compared to national averages. Many RNs here own homes within 3-5 years of starting their careers.

Where the Jobs Are: Sioux City's Major Employers

The job market for RNs in Sioux City is concentrated in a few key hospitals and systems. The demand is consistent, especially for Med-Surg, ICU, and ER nurses.

1. MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center: The largest employer in the region. It's a Level II Trauma Center and a major teaching hospital. They have a constant need for nurses across all units. Hiring Trend: Actively recruiting for experienced ICU and OR nurses. They offer a $10,000 sign-on bonus for certain specialties.
2. Sanford Health (formerly Avera McKennan): Part of the massive Sanford system. It's a strong competitor to MercyOne, with a focus on family medicine and specialty care. Hiring Trend: Investing heavily in outpatient clinics and home health, creating new roles for nurses who prefer non-hospital settings.
3. St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center (Sioux City): Located just across the river in Dakota Dunes, SD, it’s a key employer for Sioux City residents. It’s part of the UnityPoint Health system. Hiring Trend: Growing demand for surgical and post-surgical nurses. Their location in a business-friendly state (SD) can sometimes affect benefits packages.
4. Siouxland Community Health Center: A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving low-income and uninsured populations. Hiring Trend: Always hiring for primary care and behavioral health nurses. It's a mission-driven environment and a great place for nurses passionate about community health.
5. Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC): Not a hospital, but a major educator and employer of nurse educators. They run the local nursing program and hire clinical instructors. Hiring Trend: Steady need for adjunct clinical faculty, which can be a great side gig for working RNs.
6. Local Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities: Facilities like Sunrise Retirement Village and Prairie Hills are always in need of RNs for supervisory and case management roles. Hiring Trend: As the population ages, long-term care is a growing field with stable hours.

Insider Tip: The "Sioux City medical corridor" is primarily along Gordon Drive and Sergeant Creek Road. Most RNs work at one of the big three hospitals, but there's a growing network of specialty clinics (orthopedics, oncology, endocrinology) that offer M-F 9-5 schedules—a huge plus for work-life balance.

Getting Licensed in IA

If you're coming from another state, you'll need to get licensed in Iowa. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Iowa-Specific Requirements

1. NCLEX-RN: You must have passed the NCLEX-RN. If you're licensed in another state, you're already past this step.
2. Multi-State License (Compact State): Iowa is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If your primary state of residence is another compact state (like Nebraska, South Dakota, or Minnesota), you can work in Iowa under your home state's license without getting an Iowa license. This is a massive advantage for nurses living in nearby Nebraska.
3. Endorsement Application: If you're not in a compact state, you must apply for licensure by endorsement through the Iowa Board of Nursing. You'll need:
   • Verification of your current license (often through Nursys).
   • Proof of completion of an approved nursing education program.
   • A background check and fingerprinting.
4. Cost: The application fee is $175. Background checks add another $50-$75. Total: ~$225-$250.
5. Timeline: Allow 4-8 weeks for the entire process, from submitting your application to receiving your Iowa license. Start the process as soon as you have a job offer in hand.

Costs at a Glance

Item	Cost	Notes
Iowa License Application (Endorsement)	$175	Paid to the Iowa Board of Nursing.
Background Check/Fingerprinting	~$50 - $75	Can be done through local law enforcement.
Total Estimated Cost	$225 - $250	A one-time cost to practice in Iowa.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Where you live in Sioux City impacts your commute, lifestyle, and social scene. Here are four top neighborhoods, tailored for an RN's needs.

1. Morningside (Southwest Sioux City)

• Vibe: Established, family-friendly, with tree-lined streets and classic homes.
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to MercyOne or Sanford. Easy access to I-29.
• Rent Estimate: $800 - $950/month for a 1BR apartment or a small house.
• Why Nurses Love It: Quiet, safe, and close to Morningside College (now part of Briar Cliff University), which has a pleasant campus for walks. Great for night-shift nurses who need peace and quiet during the day.

2. Leeds (Northwest Sioux City)

• Vibe: Working-class, affordable, and diverse. The home of the Tyson Events Center.
• Commute: 10 minutes to MercyOne, 15 minutes to Sanford.
• Rent Estimate: $650 - $800/month for a 1BR apartment. One of the most affordable areas.
• Why Nurses Love It: Unbeatable value. You get a lot of apartment for your money. It's close to Stone State Park for hiking and biking, which is perfect for decompressing after a stressful shift.

3. Downtown/Sioux City East (Historic District)

• Vibe: Urban, walkable, and culturally rich. Home to the Orpheum Theatre, Sioux City Public Museum, and the riverfront.
• Commute: 5-10 minutes to MercyOne, 15 minutes to Sanford.
• Rent Estimate: $750 - $1,100/month. Rents are rising as the area revitalizes.
• Why Nurses Love It: Perfect for young, single RNs who want nightlife, restaurants (like Culinary Center or Marlon's), and a vibrant social scene within walking distance. You can walk your dog along the riverwalk.

4. Dakota Dunes, SD (Just Across the River)

• Vibe: Upscale, master-planned community. Very clean, with golf courses and ponds.
• Commute: 10-20 minutes to Sioux City hospitals. A quick drive on I-29.
• Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400/month for a 1BR. Significantly higher than Sioux City.
• Why Nurses Love It: Many nurses work in St. Luke's (which is in Dakota Dunes) and choose to live there for the top-tier amenities and excellent school system. It's a safe, polished community. Note: You'll pay South Dakota state income tax (which is lower than Iowa's).

The Long Game: Career Growth

Sioux City offers solid, predictable career advancement. It's not a hub for cutting-edge research, but it's excellent for building a stable, well-rounded nursing career.

Specialty Premiums and Advancement Paths

• ICU/ER: These specialties command a $5,000 - $10,000 premium over the base Med-Surg salary due to the high acuity and required certifications (like CCRN).
• Labor & Delivery (L&D): A coveted specialty with a modest premium. High demand, especially at MercyOne and Sanford.
• Operating Room (OR): Requires a certification (CNOR) and commands a premium. Hospitals often pay for the training.
• Advanced Practice (NP, CRNA): This is the highest earning path. With a Master's degree, RNs can see salaries jump to $110,000 - $130,000. Briar Cliff University and WITCC offer graduate programs for NP roles.
• Leadership: Moving into a Charge Nurse, Nurse Manager, or Director role is the primary path for those who want to stay in nursing but move out of direct patient care. It requires experience and often a BSN.

10-Year Outlook

The 6% job growth is steady, driven by an aging population and the expansion of outpatient services. The biggest opportunities in the next decade will be in:

• Home Health & Hospice: As baby boomers age, there will be more demand for nurses to provide care at home.
• Telehealth: Hospitals are investing in remote monitoring and virtual visits, creating new hybrid roles.
• Specialty Clinics: The growth of oncology, cardiology, and orthopedic clinics means more M-F jobs outside the 24/7 hospital environment.

Insider Tip: The most successful long-term nurses in Sioux City are those who get a BSN (if they don't have one) and pursue a specialty certification. This combination makes you highly desirable and gives you leverage for promotions and pay increases.

The Verdict: Is Sioux City Right for You?

To make the final decision, let's weigh the pros and cons in a clear format.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $82,997 salary goes very far. Housing is affordable.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: No major league sports, fewer concert venues, and a smaller international airport.
Stable Job Market: 766 jobs and 6% growth means opportunities are consistent.	Car Dependency: Public transit is minimal. You need a reliable car.
Strong Community Feel: Sioux City has a tight-knit, supportive community. It's easy to build a social circle.	Weather: Winters are cold and windy; summers can be hot and humid.
Low Commute Times: Most nurses live within 15-20 minutes of work.	Political & Social Climate: It's a conservative region. This can be a pro or con depending on your personal views.
Access to Nature: The Missouri River, Stone State Park, and nearby lakes offer great outdoor recreation.	Limited Diversity: The population is predominantly white, which may