Ames vs Des Moines: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Ames, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ames, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,350▲ | $67,299 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.35▲ | $32.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,351 | $54,932▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,010 | $61,835▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,258▲ | $78,588 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,499 | $82,879▲ |
| Total Employed | 190 | 1,040▲ |
Verdict
Ames and Des Moines are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ames and Des Moines is $2,051 (3.05%). Ames's median is +1.88% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ames spans $28,148,Des Moines spans $27,947. Ames has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ames ($78,070 effective) pays 6.38% more than Des Moines ($73,390 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ames if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,350/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,070)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,879)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Ames grew 44.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.0% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Ames, IA
$45,540 (2019) → $65,610 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$46,810 (2019) → $63,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Ames or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ames and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Ames to Des Moines as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Ames vs Des Moines?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov