Iowa Ranked Among the Top States for Doctors in 2025

New study shows the Hawkeye State offers strong opportunities and pay for medical professionals

Iowa Named 4th Best State for Doctors

A new study from WalletHub ranks Iowa as the 4th best state in the nation for doctors, because of the state’s strong job opportunities and supportive medical environment.

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The report compared all 50 states across two main categories: Opportunity & Competition and Medical Environment. These factors included average annual wages, cost of living, hospital quality, and the number of physicians per capita.

“There are great doctors everywhere, but some places have more great doctors than others. That's because the state is really good for those providers,” the study noted.

WalletHub’s findings show that Iowa provides excellent pay and career potential for physicians, especially compared to other Midwestern states. “Up north, Iowa gives doctors great opportunities, and they pay well,” the report said.

Illinois Ranks Near the Bottom

While Iowa shines, neighboring Illinois didn’t fare as well. The state ranked 46th overall, making it one of the worst places in the country for doctors to work.
According to WalletHub, Illinois placed last in the “Medical Environment” category, which evaluates factors like hospital safety and malpractice payouts.

The ten lowest-ranking states include:

1. Hawaii (The Worst Ranked)
2. Rhode Island
3. Washington D.C.
4. New Jersey
5. Oregon
6. Illinois (The 6th Worst Ranked) 
7. New Mexico
8. Maryland
9. New York
10. Alaska

Top States for Doctors in 2025

Leading the list this year with the best rankings are:

1. Montana (The Best Ranked)
2. Indiana
3. South Dakota
4. Iowa
5. Utah
6. North Carolina
7. Minnesota
8. North Dakota
9. Tennessee
10. Wisconsin.

“While every state has doctors to take care of the community, some states are the best for doctors, and some are excellent. Iowa is one of those excellent states, and all we can say is ‘Thank goodness!’” the report added.