Cedar Falls vs Des Moines: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Cedar Falls, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Falls, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,718 | $67,299▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.12 | $32.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,366 | $54,932▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,103▲ | $61,835 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,410 | $78,588▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,252 | $82,879▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 1,040▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Falls.
The salary gap between Cedar Falls and Des Moines is $2,581 (3.99%). 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 Cedar Falls spans $29,886,Des Moines spans $27,947. Cedar Falls 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 2.51% more than Cedar Falls ($71,591 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Falls 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 Cedar Falls grew 26.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.0% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Cedar Falls, IA
$48,361 (2024) → $61,228 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$46,810 (2019) → $63,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Falls, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Cedar Falls or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Falls and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Cedar Falls to Des Moines as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Cedar Falls 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