Des Moines vs Dubuque: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Des Moines, IA and Dubuque, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Dubuque, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,299 | $67,384▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.35 | $32.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,932▲ | $54,097 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,835▲ | $61,739 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,588▲ | $75,005 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,879▲ | $80,543 |
| Total Employed | 1,040▲ | 200 |
Verdict
Des Moines and Dubuque are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Dubuque is $85 (0.13%). Dubuque's median is -1.01% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $27,947,Dubuque spans $26,446. Des Moines 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, Dubuque ($77,162 effective) pays 5.14% 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 Des Moines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,879)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Dubuque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,384/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,162)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Des Moines grew 36.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.4% growth in Dubuque over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$46,810 (2019) → $63,670 (2025)
Dubuque, IA
$43,540 (2019) → $63,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Dubuque, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Des Moines or Dubuque?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Dubuque?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Dubuque as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Des Moines vs Dubuque?
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