Davenport vs Des Moines: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Davenport, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,754▲ | $67,299 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.58▲ | $32.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,960 | $54,932▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,779▲ | $61,835 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,394 | $78,588▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,427 | $82,879▲ |
| Total Employed | 640 | 1,040▲ |
Verdict
Davenport and Des Moines are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Davenport and Des Moines is $455 (0.68%). 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 Davenport spans $26,467,Des Moines spans $27,947. Des Moines 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, Davenport ($76,061 effective) pays 3.64% more than Des Moines ($73,390 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,754/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,061)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,879)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Davenport grew 42.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.0% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$45,040 (2019) → $64,100 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$46,810 (2019) → $63,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Davenport or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Des Moines as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Davenport 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