Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Des Moines, IA: $67,299 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Des Moines, IA earns a median $67,299/year (≈ $32.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.7), that paycheck buys what $73,390 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
The projected median annual salary for licensed practical nurses in Des Moines, IA, is estimated at $67,299 in 2026, which comes in slightly below the national average of $68,071. The salary range spans from $54,932 at the 10th percentile to $82,879 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse array of pay levels influenced by the type of healthcare setting. LPNs working in skilled nursing facilities typically see higher compensation compared to those in home health or physician offices. This projection is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, which highlights the competitive nature of nursing salaries in Des Moines and suggests a solid job market for aspiring LPNs in various healthcare environments.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,932 | $26.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,835 | $29.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,299 | $32.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,588 | $37.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,879 | $39.85 |
Median Salary Position
1.13% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, IA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,947 (2026 est.). At $67,299, the local median is 1.13% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $67,299/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $68,071 | -1.13% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $67,299 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.13% lower than the national median of $68,071.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 8.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 91.701 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $67,299 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,390 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,810
2025 BLS Actual
$63,670
2026 Current Est.
$67,299
2019–2027 Growth
+52.0%
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 | $46,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,140 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,300 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,870 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,120 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,670 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,299 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,135 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 36.0% from $46,810 (2019) to $63,670 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,135 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,325 (51.97%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,932 – $61,835 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,835 – $67,299 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,299 – $78,588 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,588 – $82,879 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Des Moines
In the local job market, there are approximately 1,040 licensed practical nurses currently employed in Des Moines, underscoring a need for these professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 91.701, salaries for LPNs retain a favorable purchasing power compared to national averages. Skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest pay, with opportunities for additional earnings through shift differentials, IV therapy certifications, and holiday premiums. The disparity in compensation is largely driven by the work setting; long-term care positions frequently compensate more than roles in home health or physician offices. For those looking to maximize their licensed practical nurse pay in Des Moines, pursuing certifications, seeking positions in higher-paying facilities, and considering specialty roles can strategically enhance financial outcomes.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $63,670 for licensed practical nursesin the Des Moines metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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