Council Bluffs vs Des Moines: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Council Bluffs, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Council Bluffs, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,002 | $67,299▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.26 | $32.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,227 | $54,932▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,281 | $61,835▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,581 | $78,588▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,769 | $82,879▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 1,040▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Council Bluffs.
The salary gap between Council Bluffs and Des Moines is $2,297 (3.53%). 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 Council Bluffs spans $32,542,Des Moines spans $27,947. 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, Des Moines ($73,390 effective) pays 2.06% 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…
- ✓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 Council Bluffs grew 30.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.0% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Council Bluffs, IA
$47,143 (2024) → $61,497 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$46,810 (2019) → $63,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Council Bluffs, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Council Bluffs or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Council Bluffs and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Council Bluffs to Des Moines as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Council Bluffs 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