Cedar Rapids vs Council Bluffs: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Council Bluffs, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Council Bluffs, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,365▲ | $65,002 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.42▲ | $31.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,319▲ | $50,227 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,204▲ | $59,281 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,933 | $77,581▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,973 | $82,769▲ |
| Total Employed | 380▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Council Bluffs.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Council Bluffs is $363 (0.56%). Cedar Rapids's median is -3.98% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $25,654,Council Bluffs spans $32,542. Council Bluffs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($73,474 effective) pays 2.18% more than Council Bluffs ($71,905 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,365/year)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,474)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Council Bluffs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,769)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 42.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.4% growth in Council Bluffs over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$43,430 (2019) → $61,840 (2025)
Council Bluffs, IA
$47,143 (2024) → $61,497 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Council Bluffs, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Cedar Rapids or Council Bluffs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Council Bluffs?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Council Bluffs as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Cedar Rapids vs Council Bluffs?
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