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Best Paying Rn Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Aveanna Healthcare

Registered Nurse (RN)

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Registered Nurse - RN We are one of the largest private duty nursing companies in the nation and ... Best Company Culture, Best CEO, Best Company Work-Life Balance, Best Company Career Growth, Best ...

Aveanna Healthcare

Registered Nurse (RN)

Ames, IA · On-site

Registered Nurse - RN We are one of the largest private duty nursing companies in the nation and ... Best Company Culture, Best CEO, Best Company Work-Life Balance, Best Company Career Growth, Best ...

Aveanna Healthcare

Registered Nurse (RN)

Ames, IA · On-site

Monday - Friday 3:00pm - 11:00pm Registered Nurse - RN Family First Homecare is one of the largest ... Best Company Culture, Best CEO, Best Company Work-Life Balance, Best Company Career Growth, Best ...

Angelscarehospice

Registered Nurse

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Registered Nurse (RN) Angels Care Home Health Why choose Angels Care Home Health? Angels Care Home ... There are multiple options for you to choose from so you can select a plan that works best for you.

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UnityPoint Health

Pediatric Home Health RN

Nevada, IA · On-site

With full- and part-time openings, you have the flexibility to choose the schedule that best fits ... payer coverage criteria, and providing visits/treatments consistent with the plan of care. · ...

Shiftkey, LLC

RN

Webster City, IA · On-site

$52/hr

Looking for RN jobs that fit your life? If you're tired of having no control over your schedule or ... Here's what ShiftKey users have to say about us: "This was one of the best choices I've made as a ...

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UnityPoint Health

Pediatric Home Health RN

Nevada, IA · On-site

With full- and part-time openings, you have the flexibility to choose the schedule that best fits ... payer coverage criteria, and providing visits/treatments consistent with the plan of care. • ...

Aveanna Healthcare

Private Duty Nurse (RN)

Ames, IA

$33 - $36/hr

Registered Nurse - RN We are one of the largest private duty nursing companies in the nation and ... Best Company Culture, Best CEO, Best Company Work-Life Balance, Best Company Career Growth, Best ...

Aveanna Healthcare

Private Duty Nurse (RN)

Ames, IA · On-site

$33 - $36/hr

Registered Nurse - RN We are one of the largest private duty nursing companies in the nation and ... Best Company Culture, Best CEO, Best Company Work-Life Balance, Best Company Career Growth, Best ...

FlexCare Nursing

Travel Nurse RN - Telemetry

Ames, IA · On-site

$1.9K - $2.7K/wk

Telemetry * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 10/05/2026 * Duration: 12 weeks * 34.5 hours per week ... We present our clinicians with the best offer, up front. Eliminating the back-and-forth and ...

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Best Paying Rn information

See Ames, IA salary details

$19

$43

$71

How much do best paying rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for best paying rn in Ames, IA is $43.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.93 and $50.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the best paying RN jobs?

The best paying RN (Registered Nurse) jobs are typically found in specialized fields such as nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, critical care, emergency room, and surgical nursing. RNs working in high-demand locations, such as California or major metropolitan areas, often earn higher salaries. Additionally, nurses working in management, administration, or with advanced degrees tend to command higher pay. Factors like experience, certifications, and shift differentials (such as night shifts) can also significantly impact earning potential.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a high-earning Registered Nurse?

To excel as a high-paying Registered Nurse, you need advanced clinical expertise, strong patient care abilities, and typically a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher, along with RN licensure and specialty certifications. Familiarity with specialized medical equipment, electronic health records (EHRs), and advanced life support systems is often required for top-paying roles. Leadership, critical thinking, and excellent interpersonal skills distinguish candidates in competitive, high-stakes environments. These qualifications enable RNs to deliver expert care in specialized fields, assume greater responsibility, and contribute to improved patient outcomes and organizational success.

What types of healthcare settings offer the highest earning potential for Registered Nurses?

Registered Nurses seeking top pay often find the highest earning potential in specialized settings such as intensive care units, operating rooms, and emergency departments, as well as in travel nursing, outpatient surgical centers, and private sector roles. Hospitals in metropolitan areas, especially those facing nursing shortages, may also offer higher wages, sign-on bonuses, or differential pay for night and weekend shifts. Additionally, RNs with advanced certifications or those who pursue management or nurse practitioner roles often see increased compensation. Exploring these paths can help maximize both salary and career growth opportunities.

What is the difference between Best Paying Rn vs Registered Nurse?

AspectBest Paying RnRegistered Nurse
Average SalaryHigher, often in specialized fields or locationsStandard, varies by experience and location
CertificationsRequires RN license; additional certifications may boost payRN license; certifications can enhance salary
Work EnvironmentHospitals, specialized clinics, travel nursingHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities
Job DemandHigh in specialized areas like ICU, OR, or travel nursingConsistent demand across healthcare settings

The Best Paying Rn typically earns more due to specialization, location, or additional certifications. While both roles require an RN license, those in specialized fields or travel nursing tend to have higher salaries compared to general Registered Nurses. Choosing a specialization or working in high-demand areas can significantly impact earning potential.

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Best Paying Rn jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Best Paying Rn job openings:

Best Paying Rn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Best Paying Rn job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,507 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Travel Nurse RN - Medical-Surgical - $2,131 per week in Ames, IA

TravelNurseSource

Ames, IA

$2.1K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Registered Nurse (RN) | Medical-Surgical Location: Ames, IA Agency: Medical Solutions Pay: $2,131 per week Shift Information: Nights Start Date: ASAP

About the Position

TravelNurseSource is working with Medical Solutions to find a qualified Med/Surg RN in Ames, Iowa, 50010!

A facility in Ames, IA is seeking its next amazing RN (Registered Nurse) to work in Med Surg (Medical Surgical). Minimum of one (1) year of recent clinical experience required.

Nurses and allied healthcare professionals are in high demand nationwide, and our team of industry-leading, traveler-favorite recruiters can get you where you want to go — personally and professionally. Wherever you may roam, travel healthcare helps you hone your skills and build an amazing resume.

When you work with Medical Solutions, we’ve got your back 100% — starting with your co-captain and sidekick, your trusty recruiter. In addition to providing the industry’s best recruiters, we offer tons of high-paying jobs, clinical support, and incredible benefits, including:

  • A compensation package that reflects your goals!
  • Your very own friendly, hardworking recruiter
  • $1,000 unlimited referral bonus
  • 401(k) with company contribution
  • Paid, private, pet-friendly housing
  • Licensure/certification reimbursement
  • Traveler discount program
  • Free employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Day-one medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 24/7 customer care
  • Voluntary insurance benefits
  • Equal employment opportunity
  • And more!

About Medical Solutions

At Medical Solutions we treat you as the unique individual you are, paying attention to your specific career path and personal needs. Just check out the mosaic of happy Travelers on our website. We look forward to putting a smile on your face and adding your skill and talent to our Travel Nurse workforce.

Hit the road with Medical Solutions and you’ll experience the best service the travel nursing industry has to offer, plus the adventure, compensation, and excellent benefits you desire and deserve.

We offer temporary RN travel jobs to healthcare professionals at top facilities nationwide, along with paid, pet friendly housing, day-one medical insurance, referral bonuses, and tons of other great benefits and resources for travelers in a variety of RN specialties.

Climb aboard if you want to build your career, grow your skills, work against the nursing shortage in jobs where your help is most needed, and explore new locations while on assignment with one of the nation’s top travel nurse companies.

Our awesome Recruiters realize the importance of both the journey and the destination, and while working with us we promise you’ll have a lot of fun along the way, too! 

Requirements

BLS Certification, NIHSS - AHA or APEX

30454810EXPPLAT

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