Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Des Moines, WA: $82,679 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Des Moines, WA earns a median $82,679/year (≈ $39.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $76,982 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Des Moines, Washington, is projected to reach $82,679, reflecting a robust local job market that offers competitive compensation compared to the national median of $68,071. The salary range for LPNs in this area varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting at $65,304 (P10) and the highest earners reaching $104,390 (P90). These estimates are informed by state-level data and regional cost factors, revealing a promising landscape for aspiring LPNs in Des Moines. The dynamics of this market, including shift differentials and weekend premiums, play a significant role in enhancing the effective compensation for long-term care positions, making it an attractive option for those seeking stability in their nursing careers.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,304 | $31.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,146 | $36.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,679 | $39.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,787 | $46.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,390 | $50.19 |
Median Salary Position
21.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, WA, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,086 (2026 est.). At $82,679, the local median is 21.46% above 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: $82,679/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $83,429 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +21.46% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Des Moines, WA earn a median of $82,679 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.46% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $83,429.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,679 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $76,982 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,669
2025 BLS Actual
$78,220
2026 Current Est.
$82,679
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
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 | $57,669 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,297 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,386 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,341 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,548 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,613 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,679 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,391 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $57,669 (2019) to $78,220 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,391 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,722 (51.54%) 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) | $65,304 – $76,146 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,146 – $82,679 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,679 – $96,787 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,787 – $104,390 |
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
Analyzing the local job environment, just seven licensed practical nurses are currently employed in Des Moines, underscoring the specialized nature of this field in the region. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, which is slightly above the national average, LPNs must consider purchasing power when evaluating their compensation. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest salaries, followed closely by hospitals and home health agencies. Factors influencing pay variance include the setting, with skilled nursing often providing greater compensation than home health or physician offices, and additional incentives such as IV therapy certification stipends and weekend/holiday premiums. To maximize their potential earnings, LPNs in Des Moines should focus on gaining specialized certifications and considering positions in long-term care, as these avenues offer better pay and advancement opportunities within the nursing profession.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
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 $78,220 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
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