Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $54,319 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Cedar Rapids, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,319 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cedar Rapids's local price level (BEA RPP 89.0 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,058 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,365) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cedar Rapids, the entry-level licensed practical nurse salary is projected to start at $54,319 in 2026, reflecting realistic expectations for new graduates entering the field. This starting figure is notably lower than the city’s median salary of $65,365, resulting in a gap that highlights the growth potential for early-career LPNs in this market. Over the first few years, as one gains experience, the earnings can increase towards the first quartile of $62,204 and potentially beyond, thanks to the growing demand for skilled nursing professionals. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.70%, Cedar Rapids presents a promising market, making it a viable destination for new nursing graduates looking to launch their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cedar Rapids
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Rapids
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Cedar Rapids, IA typically start between $54,319 and $62,204 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,654 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,365 — 3.98% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Iowa of $12,000 represents just 22.09% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($54,319/year) in Cedar Rapids. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Cedar Rapids
- 1Research the Cedar Rapids market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $54,319 to $62,204, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cedar Rapids, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Cedar Rapids for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cedar Rapids's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Cedar Rapids is $25,654 ( 47.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,319, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,973.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,110
2025 BLS Actual
$51,390
2026 Current Est.
$54,319
2019–2027 Growth
+68.3%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Cedar Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,110 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,930 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,420 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,400 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,920 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,319 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,415 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Cedar Rapids, IA grew 50.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,110 in 2019 to $51,390 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,415. New graduates entering the Cedar Rapids job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Cedar Rapids
Employers in Cedar Rapids commonly recruiting new licensed practical nurses include skilled nursing facilities, which typically provide structured on-the-job orientation programs. Home health agencies are another option, offering flexible scheduling that can be advantageous for those transitioning into practice. In contrast, physician offices often prefer candidates who possess specific clinic experience. To maximize starting licensed practical nurse pay in IA, it’s advisable for new graduates to secure an active LPN/LVN license and consider obtaining additional certifications, such as IV therapy or wound care. The first few years on the job will typically involve a variety of settings, with many LPNs considering LPN-to-RN bridge options as they gain experience and seek higher compensation. Realistically, salary growth in the initial years will depend on the setting and additional credentials, influencing long-term career progression and satisfaction in the field.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Cedar Rapids in 2026?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Cedar Rapids. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov