Council Bluffs vs Davenport: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Council Bluffs, IA and Davenport, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Council Bluffs, IA | Davenport, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,002 | $67,754▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.26 | $32.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,227 | $53,960▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,281 | $63,779▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,581▲ | $77,394 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,769▲ | $80,427 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 640▲ |
Verdict
Davenport, IA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Council Bluffs.
The salary gap between Council Bluffs and Davenport is $2,752 (4.23%). Davenport's median is -0.47% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Council Bluffs spans $32,542,Davenport spans $26,467. Council Bluffs 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, Davenport ($76,061 effective) pays 5.78% 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 Council Bluffs if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,769)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,754/year)
- ✓Larger job market (640 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,061)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Council Bluffs grew 30.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.3% growth in Davenport over the same period.
Council Bluffs, IA
$47,143 (2024) → $61,497 (2025)
Davenport, IA
$45,040 (2019) → $64,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Council Bluffs, IA
Davenport, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Council Bluffs or Davenport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Council Bluffs and Davenport?
Should I relocate from Council Bluffs to Davenport as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Council Bluffs vs Davenport?
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