Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Des Moines, IA: $82,879 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Des Moines, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $82,879/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Des Moines's price premium (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $90,380 in average-cost America. The 23% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the potential for seasoned licensed practical nurses in Des Moines to earn an impressive salary significantly enhances their career appeal. Top earners in this field can expect to make up to $82,879 annually, positioning them competitively against the national figures for similar roles. The median annual salary of $67,299 indicates a substantial gap between median and top-tier compensation, showcasing the financial rewards available to those with advanced experience. To secure such lucrative positions within this market, professionals often pursue specialized training or roles that enhance their value, leading to greater earning opportunities.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Des Moines earn between $78,588 and $82,879 per year (2026 est.). This $27,947 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Moines median of $67,299 sits 1.13% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Moines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $67,299 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,588 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $82,879 | $88,196 |
In Des Moines, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 23.15% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Des Moines
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $67,299 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Moines employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Des Moines command premium compensation, often reaching the $78,588–$82,879 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Moines ranks #4 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $82,879).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Des Moines ($82,879) is 2.17% above the Iowa average P90 ($81,117).
2019 BLS Actual
$57,260
2025 BLS Actual
$78,410
2026 Current Est.
$82,879
2019–2027 Growth
+53.0%
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 | $57,260 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,640 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,880 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,410 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,879 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,603 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Des Moines saw their compensation grow 36.9% from $57,260 in 2019 to $78,410 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 $87,603 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Des Moines
Senior licensed practical nurses can expect variation in compensation based on their area of expertise and employer type. Those specializing in long-term care, IV therapy, and wound care can command higher salaries, reflecting the increasing demand for these skills in Des Moines. Compensation differs dramatically across employer types; for example, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and hospitals typically offer varied pay structures that can significantly influence salary expectations. Pursuing advanced roles such as charge LPNs or admissions coordinators, alongside additional certifications, can enhance an individual's career trajectory. Furthermore, factors beyond base salary—such as shift differentials and weekend premiums—are crucial components of total compensation that can incentivize experienced professionals to remain in the high-demand landscape of practical nursing in Iowa.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Des Moines in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Des Moines?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Des Moines?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Des Moines?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Des Moines?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
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
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 $78,410 for licensed practical nurses in the Des Moines 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