Nurse Practitioner Salary in Council Bluffs, IA: $129,216 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse practitioner in Council Bluffs, IA earns a median $129,216/year (≈ $62.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1171). Once you factor in Council Bluffs's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $142,938 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the nurse practitioner salary in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is expected to reach a median of $129,216. This figure indicates competitive compensation relative to other regions. Nurse practitioners in the area can anticipate earning within a broad salary range, from $99,019 at the 10th percentile to $167,470 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are informed by BLS state-level data and account for local cost adjustments. The choice between W-2 employment at clinics versus 1099 arrangements for telehealth services can significantly impact earnings; those opting for the latter often benefit from higher hourly pay but may face variations in overall job stability. It's essential for practitioners to assess both salary prospects and the financial implications of their employment structure when evaluating opportunities in Council Bluffs.
About the Council Bluffs Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,019 | $47.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,700 | $55.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,216 | $62.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,716 | $74.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167,470 | $80.52 |
Median Salary Position
5.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Council Bluffs
In Council Bluffs, IA, the nurse practitioner salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,451 (2026 est.). At $129,216, the local median is 5.59% below the national median of $136,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Council Bluffs: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Council Bluffs Nurse Practitioner Pay Compares
Council Bluffs median: $129,216/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Council Bluffs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $133,764 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $136,864 | -5.59% less |
Nurse Practitioners in Council Bluffs, IA earn a median of $129,216 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.59% lower than the national median of $136,864 and 3.40% below the Iowa state average of $133,764.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Council Bluffs has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Council Bluffs, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A nurse practitioner earning $129,216 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $142,938 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$103,683
2025 BLS Actual
$124,907
2026 Current Est.
$129,216
2019–2027 Growth
+28.9%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Council Bluffs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,683 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,439 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,936 | Actual |
| 2022 | $114,814 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,205 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,127 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,907 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,216 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,674 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Council Bluffs metropolitan area, the median nurse practitioner salary grew 20.5% from $103,683 (2019) to $124,907 (2025). At a 3.45% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,674 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,991 (28.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Council Bluffs 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 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $99,019 – $114,700 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,700 – $129,216 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,216 – $154,716 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,716 – $167,470 |
NP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse practitioner compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Practitioner Job Market in Council Bluffs
The local job market for nurse practitioners in Council Bluffs comprises approximately 12 professionals currently employed. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4—below the national average—practitioners may find that their take-home pay provides a relatively higher purchasing power compared to other areas. Among the available employers, hospital outpatient clinics and primary care practices generally offer more competitive salaries, while telehealth platforms and 1099 locum agencies can provide additional income opportunities through flexible arrangements. The salary disparity results from factors such as specialty focus—where PMHNPs often command higher wages compared to FNPs—and the requirements for collaboration agreements in states with more restrictive practices. To maximize earnings in this local environment, nurse practitioners should actively seek opportunities in high-demand specialties, consider telehealth engagements, and stay informed about employer incentives like productivity bonuses to enhance overall pay in Council Bluffs, IA.
More salary data for Council Bluffs, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $124,907 for nurse practitionersin the Council Bluffs metropolitan area. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Council Bluffs 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 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov