Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Iowa
Based on 6K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$62,630
$30.11/hr
vs National Average
$66,740
-6.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $78K
6K employed in Iowa
Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Iowa averages $62,630 annually, according to current labor data. This represents approximately 6% below the national average for the profession. Currently, around 5,510 Licensed Practical Nurses work throughout Iowa, contributing significantly to the state's healthcare workforce across hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Several factors influence earning potential for Licensed Practical Nurses in Iowa, including geographic location within the state, employer type, years of experience, and specialized certifications. Urban healthcare settings and larger medical facilities often offer higher compensation than rural clinics. Additional credentials, shift differentials for evening or weekend work, and advancement into supervisory roles can also impact overall earnings potential within this healthcare profession.
Salary Distribution — Licensed Practical Nurse in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,550 |
| 25th percentile | $56,400 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $62,630 |
| 75th percentile | $70,840 |
| 90th percentile | $77,710 |
Top-Paying Industries for Licensed Practical Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Licensed Practical Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Licensed Practical Nurses in Iowa tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $77,310 | 30K |
| Finance and Insurance | $72,720 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,970 | 37K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $67,980 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $64,860 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Licensed Practical Nurse in Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,350 |
| 2023 | $54,460 |
| 2024 | $59,460 |
| 2025 | $62,630 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,969 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,350 | $54,982 |
| 2023 | $54,460 | $60,153 |
| 2024 | $59,460 | $63,623 |
| 2025 | $62,630 | $66,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,969 | $70,298 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $56,400 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $62,630 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $70,840 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $77,710 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Licensed Practical Nurse ($62,630 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Licensed Practical Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IA | $429,050 | +585.1% | $206.27/hr |
| Radiologist in IA | $405,220 | +547.0% | $194.82/hr |
| Surgeon in IA | $370,390 | +491.4% | $178.07/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IA | $356,020 | +468.4% | $171.16/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IA | $295,270 | +371.5% | $141.96/hr |
| Cardiologist in IA | $283,070 | +352.0% | $136.09/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IA | $273,070 | +336.0% | $131.28/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IA | $265,200 | +323.4% | $127.50/hr |
| Pediatrician in IA | $262,440 | +319.0% | $126.17/hr |
| Dentist in IA | $181,520 | +189.8% | $87.27/hr |
| Pharmacist in IA | $138,860 | +121.7% | $66.76/hr |
| Podiatrist in IA | $134,830 | +115.3% | $64.82/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Licensed Practical Nurses make in Iowa?
- Licensed Practical Nurses in Iowa earn a median salary of $62,630 per year, which breaks down to approximately $30 per hour. This is 6.2% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for LPNs in Iowa?
- LPN salaries in Iowa range from $50,550 at the lower end to $77,710 at the higher end, representing the span between entry-level and experienced practitioners in the state.
Is nursing a good-paying job in Iowa compared to the national average?
- While Iowa's LPN median salary of $62,630 is competitive for the state, it is 6.2% lower than the national average, so job seekers should consider this when evaluating Iowa opportunities against other states.
How many Licensed Practical Nurses are employed in Iowa?
- There are currently 5,510 Licensed Practical Nurses employed in Iowa, indicating a substantial workforce in this healthcare field throughout the state.