Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Career Guide: Davenport, Iowa

So, you're thinking about moving to Davenport as an LPN. As someone who knows this city inside and out—from the riverfront skyline to the quiet streets of the North End—I can tell you it’s a practical choice. Davenport isn’t a flashy metropolis; it’s a hard-working river town where the cost of living is low and healthcare jobs are steady. This guide cuts through the fluff with real data, local employer insights, and the kind of on-the-ground knowledge you won’t find on a generic job board.

Let’s get into the numbers and the neighborhoods.

The Salary Picture: Where Davenport Stands

First, let’s talk about what you can expect to earn. The LPN salary landscape in the Quad Cities (Davenport, IA/Moline, IL) area is stable, with a cost of living that makes your paycheck go further than in many parts of the country.

In Davenport, the median salary for an LPN is $52,866 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.42. It’s important to understand that this is a median—meaning half of LPNs here earn more, and half earn less. Your exact pay will hinge on experience, specialty, and the employer. For context, the national average for LPNs is $54,620/year. Davenport’s salary is slightly below the national average, but the significantly lower cost of living more than compensates for this gap.

The job market itself is modest but consistent. There are approximately 200 LPN jobs available in the Davenport metro area at any given time, with a 10-year job growth projection of 5%. This growth is in line with national trends for the profession, driven by an aging population and the continued need for long-term care and home health services.

Here’s a typical experience-based breakdown for the Davenport area:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $50,000	Often starts in nursing homes or home health. Strong clinical skills are key.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$52,000 - $58,000	Specialization (e.g., wound care, geriatrics) or roles in hospitals can push you higher.
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$58,000 - $65,000+	Positions like LPN Supervisor, clinic lead, or roles in specialized clinics (e.g., dialysis, orthopedics).

When compared to other Iowa cities, Davenport’s LPN salary is competitive within the state. It’s typically higher than in smaller rural towns but may be slightly lower than in the Des Moines metro area, which has a higher density of large hospital systems and a higher cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary number is just a starting point. The real question is, can you live comfortably on it in Davenport? The answer is a resounding yes for most.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for an LPN earning the median salary of $52,866.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,405
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions (30%): ~$1,322 (This includes federal, state, FICA, and a rough estimate for health insurance/retirement. Use a specific tax calculator for your exact situation.)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,083

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Average Cost (Davenport)	Notes & Insider Tips
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$773	This is the citywide average. You can find places for under $700 in certain neighborhoods, but new builds in trendy areas can push $900+.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$180 - $220	Winters can be cold; heating costs are a real factor. SILO Communications offers good local internet packages.
Groceries	$300 - $350	Shop at Hy-Vee for quality, but for lower prices, hit Aldi or the local Farmers Market in season.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350 - $500	Davenport is a car-centric city. Public transit (CQT) exists but is limited for shift work.
Healthcare (Copays, etc.)	$100 - $150	Varies wildly with your employer's plan.
Miscellaneous (Phone, Entertainment, Personal)	$400	This covers everything from streaming services to a night out at a local pub like The Last Picture House.
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,103 - $2,493
Remaining for Savings/Debt	$590 - $980

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The Davenport housing market is one of the most affordable in the Midwest. The median home price in the Davenport area is roughly $170,000. With your strong budget surplus, a down payment is achievable. Many LPNs here own homes, often in the quieter, suburban-style neighborhoods of the North End or West End.

Where the Jobs Are: Davenport's Major Employers

Davenport’s healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few major players. Knowing who they are and what they value is critical for your job search.

1. Genesis Health System: The largest employer in the Quad Cities. They operate multiple facilities, including Genesis Medical Center in Davenport (with a Level III Trauma Center) and numerous clinics and long-term care centers. They are the primary source for hospital-based LPN roles (med-surg, orthopedics, etc.) and have a strong internal career ladder. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a focus on retaining staff through benefits and tuition reimbursement.

2. MercyOne: The other major hospital system, with MercyOne Davenport Medical Center as its flagship. They are known for their cardiac and cancer care services. Their LPN roles are often found in specialty clinics, outpatient surgery, and their affiliated long-term care facilities. Hiring Trend: Active in recruiting for outpatient and specialty care roles.

3. Living Resources: A key player in home health and community-based services. Ideal for LPNs who prefer autonomy and direct patient care in a home setting. They provide services across the lifespan, from pediatric to geriatric. Hiring Trend: Growing demand for home health LPNs, especially with the aging population.

4. Senior Care Providers (Nursing Homes & Assisted Living): Davenport has numerous facilities like The Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center, The Kahl Home for Home and Aged, and Good Samaritan Society - Davenport. These are often the most consistent employers for LPNs and offer regular shifts. Hiring Trend: Always hiring. The demand is high due to the nature of the work and turnover.

5. Community Health Centers: Organizations like Community Health Care, Inc. provide primary care to underserved populations. LPNs here work in fast-paced clinics, handling vaccinations, vitals, and patient education. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on integrated care models.

6. Quad Cities Area Health Education Center (AHEC): While not a direct employer, AHEC is a crucial resource for connecting with rural health opportunities in the surrounding counties, which often offer competitive pay and loan repayment options.

Insider Tip: The job market for LPNs in Davenport is relationship-driven. Attend local job fairs, often hosted by the Scott County Medical Society or local colleges. Many positions are filled through word-of-mouth before they’re ever posted online.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

If you’re moving from another state, you’ll need to secure an Iowa LPN license. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

• Requirements: You must graduate from an approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. For licensure by endorsement (if you’re already licensed in another state), Iowa requires verification of your current license and may ask for proof of practice.
• Costs: The application fee for licensure by endorsement is $175. The NCLEX-PN exam fee is $200 (paid to Pearson VUE). You may also need to pay for background checks and transcript requests.
• Timeline: If you already have a compact license (Iowa is part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact - eNLC), you can start working in Iowa almost immediately, though you must declare Iowa as your primary state of residence. For non-compact states, the endorsement process typically takes 4-8 weeks from the time your complete application is received by the Iowa Board of Nursing. Start this process as soon as you have a job offer in hand.

Resource: Always refer to the official Iowa Board of Nursing website for the most current application forms and requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Where you live in Davenport impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a neighborhood breakdown tailored for a healthcare worker’s schedule.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average Rent (1BR)	Why It Works for an LPN
North End	Quiet, residential, family-friendly. Easy access to I-80 and Highway 61.	$700 - $850	Quick commutes to Genesis Medical Center and MercyOne. Safe, affordable, with older homes and apartments. The "staycation" vibe.
Downtown/Riverfront	Walkable, vibrant, with restaurants, bars, and parks.	$900 - $1,200	Best for those who want an urban lifestyle. Commute to hospitals is 5-10 minutes. Higher rent, but you can walk to work if you're at a downtown clinic.
West End	Similar to North End but closer to the interstate and shopping (Kohlmann Plaza).	$750 - $900	Excellent for commuters to any part of the metro. Affordable housing stock, including many rental complexes. Very convenient.
East Village	Historic, charming, with a mix of restored homes and apartments.	$800 - $950	Close to downtown amenities but with a distinct neighborhood feel. A short drive to most healthcare facilities.
Rockingham/South Park	Up-and-coming, diverse, with a strong sense of community.	$650 - $800	Offers some of the most affordable rents in the city. Be mindful of commute times to the far north or west side hospitals.

Insider Tip: When apartment hunting, ask about parking. If you work night shift, a well-lit, secure parking spot is non-negotiable. Many older buildings in the East Village or Downtown lack dedicated lots.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license in Davenport is a solid foundation, but your career doesn’t have to stop there. The 10-year outlook for growth is modest but presents clear pathways for advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: While base pay is standard, you can command a higher wage by specializing. LPNs with certifications in wound care (WCC), gerontology, or IV therapy are highly valued in long-term care and home health settings. Some employers may offer a pay differential of $1-3/hour for these specializations.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. LPN to RN Bridge: This is the most common path. Local schools like Scott Community College and St. Ambrose University offer accredited ADN and BSN programs. Many employers, including Genesis and MercyOne, offer tuition assistance for this.
  2. Leadership: With experience, you can move into roles like LPN Supervisor or Charge Nurse in a long-term care facility, overseeing other LPNs and CNAs.
  3. Education: Become a clinical instructor for a local practical nursing program.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth indicates stability, not a boom. The demand will be strongest in home health, hospice, and long-term care. Automation will not replace the hands-on, patient-facing role of an LPN. Your job security is high if you maintain your license and seek out continuous education.

The Verdict: Is Davenport Right for You?

Davenport offers a compelling package for LPNs seeking stability, affordability, and a manageable pace of life. It’s not a city for those seeking high-energy nightlife or a cutting-edge tech scene. It’s for the professional who values a short commute, a low cost of living, and a strong sense of community.

Here’s a final summary:

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes significantly further than the national average.	Below-National-Average Salary: The pay is good for the area but doesn't compete with coasts or major metros.
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care.	Limited Public Transit: A car is essential for most residents, adding to monthly costs.
Multiple Major Employers: Options for different work environments (hospital, home health, clinic).	Modest Growth: The city isn't rapidly expanding; it's a stable, steady market.
Short Commutes: You can live in a quiet neighborhood and be at work in 15 minutes.	Midwestern Winters: Cold, snowy winters can be a challenge for those unaccustomed to them.
Pathways for Advancement: Clear and supported routes to becoming an RN or specializing.	Cultural Scene is Limited: While there are gems, it doesn't have the arts/culture density of a larger city.

Final Recommendation: Davenport is an excellent choice for LPNs who are budget-conscious, value work-life balance, and are looking for a stable, long-term career base. It’s particularly well-suited for those planning to start a family or buy a home early in their career. If you’re an LPN who thrives in a fast-paced, high-cost environment and wants to climb the ladder in a competitive, high-growth market, you might look elsewhere. But for most, Davenport offers a rare combination of professional opportunity and personal affordability.

FAQs

1. I have a compact nursing license. Can I start working in Davenport right away?
Yes. Iowa is part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). If your primary state of residence is another compact state, you can practice in Iowa under your existing license. You must notify the Iowa Board of Nursing and declare Iowa as your primary state once you establish residency.

2. How competitive is the job market for new LPN graduates in Davenport?
It’s not hyper-competitive, but it’s not guaranteed either. New graduates with strong clinical rotations and a professional demeanor do well. Having a license in hand and being flexible on shift (willing to work nights/weekends) will significantly increase your chances. Networking during your final semester is crucial.

3. Are there opportunities for overtime or extra shifts?
Yes, especially in hospital and long-term care settings. Overtime pay (time-and-a-half) is common. Many facilities also offer weekend differentials and shift differentials (e.g., an extra $2-4/hour for night shift). This can boost your annual income well above the median.

4. What is the weather like, and how does it affect healthcare workers?
Davenport has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid; winters are cold with significant snowfall. The main impact is on commutes—allow extra time during snowstorms. Most healthcare facilities are well-prepared and remain open, so you’ll need to plan for reliable transportation year-round.

5. Is Davenport a good place for an LPN to specialize?
Yes, particularly in geriatrics and long-term care. With an aging population, facilities are investing in wound care, dementia care, and palliative care specialties. Home health agencies also seek LPNs for skilled nursing visits. It’s a great place to build expertise in these high-demand areas before potentially pursuing an RN degree.