Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Ankeny, IA

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Licensed Practical Nurses considering a move to Ankeny, Iowa.

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The Salary Picture: Where Ankeny Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Ankeny's job market for LPNs is stable, but it's essential to understand the numbers before you pack your bags. The cost of living here is a significant advantage, but let's see how the salary stacks up against it.

The median salary for an LPN in Ankeny is $53,423 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.68. This is slightly below the national average of $54,620, but that comparison is misleading without context. When you factor in Iowa's lower cost of living, your paycheck goes much further here than in many parts of the country.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$46,000 - $50,000	$22.12 - $24.04
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$53,423 (Median)	$25.68
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$58,000 - $63,000	$27.88 - $30.29
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$65,000+	$31.25+

Data based on local job postings, BLS data for the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro, and regional cost-of-living adjustments.

Compared to other Iowa cities, Ankeny's LPN salary is competitive. It sits comfortably above smaller metros like Waterloo or Dubuque but trails slightly behind the state's largest employers in Des Moines and the major healthcare hubs in Iowa City, where specialized facilities can command higher wages. However, the trade-off is often a shorter commute and a more manageable, community-focused lifestyle in Ankeny.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. A median salary of $53,423 sounds good, but what does your budget actually look like?

First, let's estimate your take-home pay. After federal taxes, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and state income tax (Iowa's rates range from 0.33% to 6.5%), a single filer without dependents can expect to take home approximately $42,000 - $44,000 annually, or roughly $3,500 - $3,650 per month. (This is an estimate; use an Iowa-specific paycheck calculator for your exact situation).

Now, for housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Ankeny is $787 per month. This is a dramatic advantage over the national average.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for an LPN earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income (after taxes)	$3,550	Conservative estimate
Rent (1BR Average)	$787	A modern 1BR in a safe area
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	Varies by season; summer AC costs more
Groceries	$350	Ankeny has competitive grocery prices
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	Assumes a modest used car
Fuel	$120	Short commutes in Ankeny help
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$150	Highly variable by employer
Retirement (401k/IRA)	$180	Aim for 5% of gross to start
Discretionary/Entertainment	$400	Dining out, hobbies, etc.
Student Loan Payment	$200	Varies widely by individual
Total Expenses	$2,837
Remaining / Savings	$713

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is one of Ankeny's biggest draws. With a monthly surplus of over $700, saving for a down payment is very achievable. The median home price in Ankeny is around $280,000. A 10% down payment ($28,000) could be saved in 3-4 years with disciplined budgeting. A 20% down payment ($56,000) might take 6-7 years. Programs like the Iowa Finance Authority's FirstHome program offer down payment and closing cost assistance for qualified buyers, making homeownership an even more realistic goal for LPNs here.

Where the Jobs Are: Ankeny's Major Employers

Ankeny isn't a medical hub like Iowa City or a massive metro like Des Moines, but it has a solid base of employers, particularly in long-term care and home health. The 148 LPN jobs in the metro indicate steady demand, but competition can be for the most desirable roles.

Here are the key local employers:

1. Edencrest at Ankeny: A senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. They frequently hire LPNs for medication administration and resident care. Hiring trends show a growing need for staff in their memory care unit due to the aging population.
2. Willow Creek by Bethesda: Another major player in senior living, offering a continuum of care. They often have openings for LPNs in their skilled nursing facility (SNF). Bethesda as a larger organization (based in Des Moines) offers opportunities for internal advancement.
3. Ankeny Centennial Senior Care (Centennial Point): This is a skilled nursing facility providing long-term care and rehabilitation services. It's a classic LPN environment, and they often have a steady stream of openings due to the high-demand nature of SNF work.
4. Primary Health Care (PHC): While PHC is a Des Moines-based community health center, they have a strong presence in Ankeny. They serve a diverse patient population and sometimes hire LPNs for clinical support roles, offering exposure to a broader range of medical conditions than a typical nursing home.
5. Home Instead Senior Care (Ankeny/Des Moines Metro): For LPNs seeking more autonomy, in-home care agencies are a great option. Home Instead is a major franchise in the area. The work is less structured than a facility but requires strong patient assessment and family communication skills.
6. Iowa Methodist Medical Center (Des Moines): While not in Ankeny proper, it's only a 20-minute commute. As part of the UnityPoint Health system, this major Des Moines hospital is the largest employer in the region. They sometimes hire LPNs for specific units or as patient care assistants, offering a path to acute care experience.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers use a centralized hiring system or local staffing agencies like NurseStaffing Services (based in Des Moines). Checking their websites and networking on local Iowa nursing Facebook groups can often get your application seen faster than just applying through a general job board.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

If you're moving from another state, you'll need to get licensed in Iowa. The process is straightforward but takes time. The Iowa Board of Nursing is your governing body.

For Endorsement (Moving from another state):

1. Verify Your License: Your home state must be part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Iowa is an NLC state, which means if your primary state of residence is also in the NLC, you can practice in Iowa without a new license. If not, you'll need to apply for Iowa licensure by endorsement.
2. Application: Submit an online application through the Iowa Board of Nursing website. You'll need to provide proof of your current, active LPN license.
3. Fees: The application fee is $175. There is also a background check fee and a fee for the mandatory child and dependent adult abuse education course (if not previously completed in Iowa).
4. Timeline: The process can take 4-8 weeks once all documents are submitted. Start this process as soon as you have a firm job offer or decide to move.
5. Education: You must complete a 2-hour child and dependent adult abuse education course approved by the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Cost Breakdown:

• Application Fee: $175
• Background Check: ~$45
• Mandatory Education Course: ~$20-$50
• Total Estimated Cost: ~$240 - $270

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Ankeny is a quintessential suburban city, but it has distinct neighborhoods with different vibes and price points. Commutes to major employers are short no matter where you live, typically under 15 minutes.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent
South Park / Historic Downtown	The heart of the city. Walkable to shops, restaurants, and the Ankeny Farmer's Market. Commute to any employer is 5-10 minutes. Older buildings with charm.	$750 - $850
Highland Pointe / Southwest Ankeny	Newer construction, modern apartment complexes, and townhomes. Very family-friendly, close to grocery stores and retail. Commute is easy via SW Oralabor Rd.	$800 - $950
Westgate / North Ankeny	Established, quiet neighborhoods with single-family homes and some older apartment options. Close to Ankeny Centennial High School. A bit more suburban feel.	$700 - $800
The Crosswinds / Northeast Ankeny	Another newer area with a mix of apartments and starter homes. Close to I-35 for easy access to Des Moines if needed for work or leisure.	$775 - $900

Insider Tip: If you're looking to save money, look for older apartment rentals in the South Park or Westgate neighborhoods, often listed by private landlords on sites like Zillow or Facebook Marketplace. For newer amenities and a more social apartment living scene, the complexes in Highland Pointe or The Crosswinds are popular.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the median salary is solid, LPNs in Ankeny have several paths to increase their earnings and responsibility.

• Specialty Premiums: The most direct way to boost your income is to work in a higher-acuity or specialized setting. While true "specialties" are more common for RNs, an LPN in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) with a ventilator unit or a home health agency specializing in pediatric care can often command a higher hourly rate, sometimes adding $2-$4/hour to the base.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead LPN / Charge Nurse: In a long-term care facility, taking on a lead role with supervisory duties can come with a pay bump.
  2. LPN to RN Bridge Program: This is the most common and impactful advancement. Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), with a campus in Ankeny, has an excellent and affordable LPN to RN bridge program. Earning your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and becoming an RN typically increases earning potential by $10,000 - $20,000+ annually in this market.
  3. Case Management / Administrative Roles: With experience, some LPNs move into case management for home health agencies or administrative roles in long-term care facilities, though these positions are less common.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 10-year job growth for LPNs in the region is projected at 5%, which aligns with national trends. The demand is driven by the aging population and the need for long-term care services. While growth isn't explosive, it is steady and reliable. Ankeny's proximity to the growing Des Moines metro ensures a stable job market for the foreseeable future.

The Verdict: Is Ankeny Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your salary stretches much further than in coastal cities.	Limited Acute Care Opportunities: The real hospital jobs require a commute to Des Moines.
Homeownership is Attainable: A realistic goal for a single-income LPN.	Mediocre Public Transit: A car is an absolute necessity for daily life and work.
Stable, Predictable Job Market: Consistent demand in long-term care and home health.	Can Feel Suburban/Chain-Oriented: lacks the bustling, independent cultural scene of a larger city.
Short Commutes: You'll spend less time in traffic and more time at home.	Weather: Winters are long, cold, and snowy.
Safe & Family-Friendly: Consistently ranked as one of Iowa's best places to live.	Smaller Nursing Community: Networking opportunities are more limited than in a major metro.

Final Recommendation:
Ankeny is an outstanding choice for an LPN who values financial stability, work-life balance, and a safe community. It's ideal for those looking to lay down roots, buy a home, and build a comfortable life without the high costs and stress of a major coastal city. If you thrive in a fast-paced, highly specialized hospital environment, you may find the local options limiting without a commute. However, for the vast majority of LPNs seeking a manageable career in a supportive, affordable city, Ankeny offers a compelling and practical package.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to live and work in Ankeny as an LPN?
Yes, absolutely. Public transportation (the Ankeny Transit system and Des Moines' DART) exists but is not practical for the variable shifts common in nursing. Most employers are spread out, and a car gives you the flexibility to work at different facilities or take per-diem shifts.

2. How competitive is the LPN job market in Ankeny?
It's moderately competitive. For the best positions at top-rated facilities (like Edencrest or Willow Creek), you'll need a solid application and interview. However, there is almost always an opening somewhere, especially in long-term care. Having an active Iowa license (or an endorsement application in process) when you apply will give you a significant advantage.

3. What is the typical schedule for an LPN in Ankeny?
Full-time schedules in facilities typically involve 8 or 12-hour shifts. You will likely work every other weekend and some holidays. 12-hour shifts (7 AM - 7 PM or 7 PM - 7 AM) are common in skilled nursing facilities. Home health roles often offer more traditional day shifts but can require on-call hours.

4. Are there opportunities for LPNs to work in pediatrics in Ankeny?
Direct pediatric opportunities in Ankeny are very limited. The primary demand is in geriatric care. For pediatric roles, you would most likely need to commute to Des Moines, where the Blank Children's Hospital and several pediatric clinics are located.

5. How does the cost of living index of 92.7 affect my budget?
A cost of living index of 92.7 means Ankeny is 7.3% cheaper than the national average. This is a significant factor. It's reflected directly in the lower rent ($787 vs. a national average closer to $1,500), but also in lower-priced groceries, utilities, and even services. This index is why the $53,423 salary provides a comfortable lifestyle here.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for national and metro area data, Iowa Board of Nursing, Iowa Department of Public Health, Ankeny city data, and local rental market analysis (Zillow, Apartments.com).