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

Aveanna Healthcare

Private Duty Nurse (RN)

Ankeny, 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)

Ankeny, 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 ...

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All JobsBest Paying Rn JobsBest Paying Rn Jobs in Ames, IA

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.

Registered Nurse C P

Mary Greeley Medical Center

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Mary Greeley Medical Center rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

750th of 1,065 rated hospitals

Job description

At Mary Greeley, our vision is To Be the Best. Mary Greeley strives to be the best place to receive care and to work. Our quality has been recognized some of the nation's leading organizations, including the Magnet Recognition Program of the American Nurses Credentialing Center, Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.
As a nurse in a Magnet Recognition® hospital, you'll be part of a team that is committed to superior nursing processes and patient care, resulting in the highest levels of safety, quality, and satisfaction among nurses and patients alike.
Mary Greeley Nurses:
  • Are the center of inpatient and outpatient care
  • Participate in shared-decision making teams and projects designed to improve patient care processes
  • Are provided tools and training for continuous improvement and innovation
  • Work closely with physicians, pharmacists, therapists and other health care professionals to ensure our care is always outstanding
  • Are encouraged to pursue advanced degrees and certifications, and are provided support in the form of tuition reimbursement and scholarships. (More than half of Mary Greeley nurses have a BSN degree.)
  • Are regularly recognized through a variety of medical center programs and events

What We Offer:
  • Advanced technology for patient-centered care, close to home
  • Comprehensive employee benefits for you and your family
  • Competitive pay
  • Retirement: IPERS & 457(b) Deferred Compensation
  • Generous PTO plan
  • Nurse Residency
  • Nursing Professional Development Opportunities
  • Tuition Reimbursement & Student Loan Forgiveness
  • RN to BSN preferred partnership opportunities with Iowa State University & Purdue Global University

Qualifications (Including any licensure, certification, education):
  • Licensed as a Registered Nurse and authorized by the State of Iowa to practice nursing or has active multi-state license approved by the Nurse Licensure Compact.
  • Achievement of Baccalaureate degree in Nursing within 6 years of hire.

What Mary Greeley Medical Center employees say

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