Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $62,626 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Ottumwa, IA earns a median $62,626/year (≈ $30.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Ottumwa's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $69,277 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the licensed practical nurse salary in Ottumwa is projected to be $62,626, a figure that reflects slight regional disparities compared to the national median of $68,071. The salary range in the area varies significantly, offering a lower threshold of $53,278 for the lowest earners (P10) and reaching up to $76,645 for the top performers (P90). These estimates stem from BLS state-level data and adjusted regional price considerations, underlining the importance of local market conditions on compensation. Unique factors such as shift differentials and weekend premiums often enhance the overall earning potential for LPNs in long-term care settings, a major segment of the nursing job market in Ottumwa.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,278 | $25.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,018 | $28.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,626 | $30.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,181 | $34.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,645 | $36.85 |
Median Salary Position
8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ottumwa
In Ottumwa, IA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,367 (2026 est.). At $62,626, the local median is 8% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ottumwa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ottumwa Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Ottumwa median: $62,626/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ottumwa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $67,340 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -8.00% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $62,626 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.00% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $67,340.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ottumwa has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ottumwa, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $62,626 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,277 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,682
2025 BLS Actual
$59,249
2026 Current Est.
$62,626
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,682 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,915 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,225 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,251 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,953 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,419 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,249 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,626 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,196 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ottumwa metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $43,682 (2019) to $59,249 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,196 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,514 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ottumwa 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) | $53,278 – $60,018 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,018 – $62,626 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,626 – $72,181 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,181 – $76,645 |
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 Ottumwa
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are currently five licensed practical nurses employed in Ottumwa, indicating a competitive yet small workforce. The cost-of-living index of 90.4 suggests that while salaries may lag behind the national average, the local economic climate affords some measure of purchasing power for healthcare workers. Among employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest compensation for LPNs, followed by home health agencies and hospitals. The disparity in pay can be attributed to various factors, including job settings—where skilled nursing often compensates better than physician offices—shift differentials, and additional stipends for certifications like IV therapy. For professionals aiming to maximize their licensed practical nurse pay in Ottumwa, pursuing employment in long-term care settings and obtaining relevant certifications can significantly enhance earnings potential while progressing toward fulfilling LPN-to-RN pathway opportunities.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $59,249 for licensed practical nursesin the Ottumwa 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
Salary data for Ottumwa 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