Bettendorf vs Des Moines: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Bettendorf, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bettendorf, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,306 | $67,299▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.92 | $32.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,497 | $54,932▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,285 | $61,835▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,404 | $78,588▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,720 | $82,879▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 1,040▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bettendorf.
The salary gap between Bettendorf and Des Moines is $2,993 (4.65%). Des Moines's median is -1.13% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bettendorf spans $30,223,Des Moines spans $27,947. Bettendorf 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, Des Moines ($73,390 effective) pays 3.17% more than Bettendorf ($71,135 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bettendorf if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,299/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,879)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,390)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Bettendorf grew 30.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.0% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Bettendorf, IA
$46,637 (2024) → $60,838 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$46,810 (2019) → $63,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bettendorf, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Bettendorf or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bettendorf and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Bettendorf to Des Moines as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Bettendorf 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