Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $79,817 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Marshalltown, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $79,817/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Marshalltown's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $88,293 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Marshalltown offers competitive compensation for experienced licensed practical nurses, with a median annual salary projected at $64,107 for 2026. Senior licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who excel in their roles can expect to earn significantly more, with the top-tier salaries reaching up to $79,817. This creates a notable gap between the median and those at the higher end of the pay scale, providing ample motivation for professionals to strive for advanced positions. Achieving this top licensed practical nurse salary in Marshalltown typically requires a combination of extensive experience, specialized certifications, and possibly leadership roles in healthcare settings, helping bridge the gap between average earnings and potential peak pay.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Marshalltown earn between $74,555 and $79,817 per year (2026 est.). This $27,803 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Marshalltown median of $64,107 sits 5.82% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Marshalltown | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,107 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,555 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $79,817 | $88,196 |
In Marshalltown, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 24.51% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Marshalltown
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $64,107 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Marshalltown employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Marshalltown command premium compensation, often reaching the $74,555–$79,817 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Marshalltown metro area 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 Marshalltown with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing 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 Marshalltown
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMarshalltown ranks #14 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $79,817).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Marshalltown ($79,817) is 1.6% below the Iowa average P90 ($81,117).
2019 BLS Actual
$57,341
2025 BLS Actual
$75,513
2026 Current Est.
$79,817
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Marshalltown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,341 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,295 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,730 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,748 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,472 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,699 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,513 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,817 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,367 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Marshalltown saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $57,341 in 2019 to $75,513 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 $84,367 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown
Senior-level compensation strategies vary substantially depending on the area of specialization and the employer type. In Marshalltown, LPNs with expertise in long-term care, IV therapy, wound care, and hospice services can command premium salaries, often earning more than those in hospital settings where staffing models may lean more heavily toward Registered Nurses. Opportunities for advancement are abundant, with many seasoned LPNs transitioning into roles such as charge nurse, nursing supervisor, or pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs to further elevate their career prospects. The addition of advanced credentials enhances salary potential and marketability in Iowa’s healthcare environment, with options for further training in specialties like pediatric care providing crucial advantages. Non-salary factors, including shift differentials and weekend pay, also play a significant role in overall compensation for experienced licensed practical nurses in the state.
More salary data for Marshalltown, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Marshalltown in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Marshalltown?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Marshalltown?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Marshalltown?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Marshalltown?
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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 $75,513 for licensed practical nurses in the Marshalltown 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
Salary data for Marshalltown 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