Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Davenport, IA: $80,427 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Davenport, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $80,427/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Davenport's price premium (BEA RPP 89.1, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $90,287 in average-cost America. The 19% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Davenport, the potential for experienced licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to secure top-tier compensation is significant. With the projected 2026 salary range reaching up to $80,427 for the top 10% of earners (P90), Davenport's senior licensed practical nurse pay showcases a robust earning potential that stands competitively against the national averages. The substantial gap between the median annual salary of $67,754 and the top-tier earnings illustrates the experience premium available in this market. Achieving these elevated salary figures typically requires a combination of extensive clinical experience, specialized certifications, and advanced roles that reflect the increasing responsibilities LPNs take on in healthcare.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davenport
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Davenport earn between $77,394 and $80,427 per year (2026 est.). This $26,467 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Davenport median of $67,754 sits 0.47% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Davenport | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $67,754 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,394 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $80,427 | $88,196 |
In Davenport, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 18.70% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Davenport
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $67,754 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Davenport employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Davenport command premium compensation, often reaching the $77,394–$80,427 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Davenport metro area, which is a large LPN employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Davenport with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Davenport
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDavenport ranks #12 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $80,427).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Davenport ($80,427) is 0.85% below the Iowa average P90 ($81,117).
2019 BLS Actual
$52,840
2025 BLS Actual
$76,090
2026 Current Est.
$80,427
2019–2027 Growth
+60.9%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Davenport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,840 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,860 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,810 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,090 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,427 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,011 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Davenport saw their compensation grow 44.0% from $52,840 in 2019 to $76,090 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $85,011 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davenport 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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Davenport
The elements that influence pay for experienced licensed practical nurses in Davenport involve both specialization and employment type. Specializations such as long-term care, IV therapy, wound care, and hospice/palliative care can command significantly higher wages. Moreover, compensation varies widely by employer; for instance, skilled nursing facilities often offer better pay and benefits compared to home health agencies or physician offices. Senior roles, including charge LPNs and nursing supervisors, not only increase earning potential but also pave pathways for growth into management positions. Additionally, acquiring advanced credentials beyond the basic LPN license, such as certifications in specialty areas or involvement in MDS workflows within long-term care, can lead to higher wages. Non-salary compensation, including shift differentials and weekend premiums, also plays a crucial role in the overall earnings of LPNs in this region.
More salary data for Davenport, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Davenport in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Davenport?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Davenport?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Davenport?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Davenport?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $76,090 for licensed practical nurses in the Davenport metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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