Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Des Moines, WA: $65,304 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Des Moines, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,304 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,804 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,679) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level licensed practical nurse salary in Des Moines, Washington, presents competitive starting pay with a projected figure of $65,304. This amount significantly lags behind the city's median annual salary of $82,679, illustrating a common gap for new graduates. However, new LPNs can realistically expect substantial earning potential as they progress in their careers, moving from entry-level pay through the 25th percentile earning $76,146, and eventually attaining the median over their first three to five years. Given the 5.70% annual growth forecast, the market appears favorable for recent nursing graduates, suggesting that those entering this profession will find ample opportunities for advancement in Des Moines.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
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 Des Moines
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Des Moines, WA typically start between $65,304 and $76,146 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,086 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,679 — 21.46% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Washington of $16,000 represents just 24.50% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($65,304/year) in Des Moines. 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 Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $65,304 to $76,146, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines's moderate 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 Des Moines is $39,086 ( 59.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,304, experienced hygienists can earn up to $104,390.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,927
2025 BLS Actual
$61,782
2026 Current Est.
$65,304
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,927 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,181 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,144 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,293 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,727 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,273 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,782 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,304 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,026 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, WA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,927 in 2019 to $61,782 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,026. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
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Employers in Des Moines that typically hire newly minted LPNs include skilled nursing facilities, which frequently offer comprehensive on-the-job orientation for recent graduates. Flexibility is often found in home health agencies, ideal for those seeking part-time roles or varied hours. Physician offices may prefer candidates with specific clinic experience, adding another layer to the job search dynamic in the region. To optimize starting pay in Washington, securing an active LPN/LVN license is essential, alongside completing a 12-18 month practical nursing diploma and passing the NCLEX-PN. Additional certifications in areas like IV therapy or wound care can further enhance appeal to employers. Given the varied scope of LPN practice across states, especially when considering long-term care, which employs around 35% of LPNs nationally, graduates should contemplate LPN-to-RN bridge programs to broaden their career prospects. In the initial 1-3 years, early-career LPNs in Des Moines can anticipate realistic salary growth, especially as they accumulate experience and enhance their skill sets in a robust job market.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Des Moines in 2026?
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Is nursing school worth it in Des Moines?
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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 Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Moines is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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