Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Des Moines, IA

The Salary Picture: Where Des Moines Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Des Moines offers a solid, stable market for Licensed Practical Nurses. The city’s healthcare sector is robust, anchored by major systems and a growing network of clinics and long-term care facilities. The numbers back this up, showing a competitive salary that’s actually slightly below the national average, but with a cost of living that makes it feel like a win.

Let’s break down the salary data. The median salary for an LPN in the Des Moines Metro is $53,423/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $25.68/hour. This sits just under the national average of $54,620/year, but don’t let that fool you. When you factor in Des Moines’s cost of living—92.7 compared to the U.S. average of 100—your dollar stretches further here. The job market is stable, with approximately 420 LPN positions in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of 5%, which is on par with the national outlook and indicates steady demand in long-term care, home health, and outpatient settings.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Des Moines area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $49,000	$21.63 - $23.55
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$53,000 - $58,000	$25.48 - $27.88
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$58,000 - $64,000	$27.88 - $30.76
Expert/Specialized (15+ years)	$64,000+	$30.76+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry data. Specialized roles (e.g., wound care, dialysis) can command higher premiums.

Now, let’s see how we stack up against other Iowa cities. While Des Moines is the state’s largest metro, smaller cities often have lower salaries due to reduced demand and lower cost of living. However, the opportunities for advancement in Des Moines are unparalleled in the state.

Iowa City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US=100)
Des Moines Metro	$53,423	92.7
Cedar Rapids	$51,800	88.5
Davenport (Quad Cities)	$52,100	86.9
Sioux City	$49,500	84.2
Iowa City	$52,900	90.1

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Sperling's BestPlaces.

Insider Tip: While the median is $53,423, many LPNs in Des Moines can bridge the gap to the national average by seeking shift differentials (for nights, weekends, or holidays), which can add $2-$4 per hour. Working for a large hospital system like MercyOne or UnityPoint often provides better benefit packages that offset the base salary.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real about the numbers. The median salary of $53,423 sounds good, but what’s left after Uncle Sam and the landlord? Using the median 1-bedroom rent of $899/month and a standard tax estimate for Iowa (federal, state, and FICA), here’s a hypothetical monthly budget for an LPN earning the median salary.

Monthly Take-Home Pay (Estimate):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $53,423 / 12 = $4,452
• Estimated Deductions (Taxes, Insurance, Retirement): ~$1,100 - $1,300 (varies by plan)
• Estimated Net Monthly Income: $3,150 - $3,350

Sample Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR): $899
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $200
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $400
• Groceries: $300
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $200
• Student Loans/Debt: $250
• Miscellaneous (Eating out, entertainment, savings): $400
• Total Expenses: $2,649

After this budget, you’re left with roughly $500-$700 per month for savings, emergency funds, or hobbies. This is manageable and allows for breathing room, which is a key advantage of Des Moines.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Des Moines metro is around $230,000. With a good credit score and a 10% down payment ($23,000), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,500-$1,600. For a single LPN earning the median, this is a stretch (it would be over 40% of after-tax income). However, it becomes very feasible with:

1. A dual-income household.
2. A mid-level salary (approaching $60,000+).
3. Living in a more affordable neighborhood like Windsor Heights or parts of the South Side.

Insider Tip: First-time homebuyer programs in Iowa, such as the Iowa Finance Authority's programs, offer down payment assistance and favorable terms for nurses and other essential workers. It’s worth investigating as you gain experience.

Where the Jobs Are: Des Moines's Major Employers

The Des Moines healthcare landscape is a mix of large hospital systems, community clinics, and long-term care facilities. The demand is particularly strong in home health and skilled nursing facilities due to Iowa’s aging population. Here’s where you should be looking:

1. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center: One of the largest employers in the state. They have multiple campuses, including a major downtown location and clinics in suburbs like Clive and West Des Moines. They actively hire LPNs for their inpatient floors, same-day surgery, and outpatient clinics. Hiring trends show a steady need for LPNs in their orthopedic and cardiology units.

2. UnityPoint Health: With a massive presence in Des Moines, including Iowa Methodist Medical Center and Iowa Lutheran Hospital, UnityPoint is another top employer. They have a strong network of family medicine clinics and specialty centers. Their "UnityPoint at Home" division is a significant source of LPN jobs for those interested in home health care.

3. Broadlawns Medical Center: As the county’s public hospital, Broadlawns serves a diverse patient population and is a major employer for LPNs. They offer a wide range of services from emergency care to mental health. They are known for their community-focused mission and often have opportunities for LPNs in behavioral health settings—a specialty that pays a premium.

4. Simpson Memorial Home (and other Life Care Centers of America): Iowa’s long-term care industry is huge. Facilities like Simpson Memorial in nearby Indianola or the numerous Life Care, Good Samaritan, and Bethesda Lutheran homes in the Des Moines metro are always hiring LPNs. This is a great entry point for new grads and offers a stable work environment with regular hours.

5. Primary Health Care (PHC): A network of community health clinics serving low-income and underserved populations. They offer a different pace from hospital work and are a fantastic place to build deep patient relationships. They often look for LPNs for their family practice and dental clinics.

6. Iowa Specialty Hospital & Clinics: Located in nearby Clarion and Belmond, but with clinics in the Des Moines area, this system offers a more close-knit, rural feel while providing specialized services like bariatric and urology care. LPNs here often have a broader scope of practice.

Hiring Trend Insight: Post-pandemic, there’s been a noticeable shift. Hospitals are hiring, but the most aggressive growth is in home health care and long-term care facilities. Many new LPNs are starting their careers in these settings to gain experience, then moving to hospital systems after 1-2 years. Also, telehealth has created new roles for LPNs in triage and patient coordination, especially within large systems like MercyOne.

Getting Licensed in IA

Iowa’s licensing process is straightforward but has specific requirements managed by the Iowa Board of Nursing (IBON). If you’re moving from another state, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement. If you’re a new graduate, you’ll apply for initial licensure.

For New Graduates (or First-Time Iowa Licensure):

1. Education: Graduate from a state-approved LPN program (typically 12-18 months).
2. NCLEX-PN Exam: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. Your school will send your info to Pearson VUE, and you’ll register for the exam.
3. Application: Submit an application to the IBON online, including fingerprints for a background check.
4. Cost: Application fee is approximately $175 (includes initial licensure and background check). The NCLEX exam fee is $200.
5. Timeline: From graduation to holding your license can take 2-3 months. If you’re already licensed in another state, the endorsement process typically takes 4-6 weeks if all documents are in order.

For Endorsement (Moving to Iowa from another state):

1. Verify Your License: You must have an active, unencumbered license in your home state.
2. Application: Submit the endorsement application to the IBON. No need to retake the NCLEX.
3. Fingerprinting: You will complete a fingerprint card, which is sent to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the FBI.
4. Cost: The endorsement application fee is the same: $175.
5. Timeline: Plan for at least 4-6 weeks for processing, though it can sometimes be faster.

Insider Tip: The IBON website is your best friend. It’s clear and updated. Start the process as soon as you have a job offer or decide to move. You cannot practice without an Iowa license. Also, Iowa has compact licensure (eNLC), meaning if you hold a multi-state license from another compact state (like Nebraska, South Dakota, or Kansas), you can practice in Iowa without an additional license. Check the IBON website for the current compact state list.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Living in Des Moines is about balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. As a local, I’d steer you toward these areas based on job density and livability.

1. Downtown & East Village: This is the heart of the city, with UnityPoint and MercyOne main campuses within walking or short driving distance. The lifestyle is urban, walkable, and vibrant. You’ll find lots of apartments and condos, but rents are higher here (1BR: $1,100-$1,400/month). Ideal for those who want a short commute and love city life.

2. West Des Moines/Waukee: A booming suburb with top-rated schools and new developments. The drive to MercyOne’s West Des Moines campus or the Iowa Clinic is easy. It’s more family-oriented with a suburban feel. Rents are slightly above average (1BR: $950-$1,200/month). A great choice for those planning to start a family or who prefer a quieter pace.

3. Clive/Windsor Heights: These are established, affluent suburbs just northwest of downtown. They offer a mix of older, charming homes and new apartments. Commute to most hospitals is under 15 minutes. Windsor Heights is particularly affordable for its location, with 1BR apartments around $900/month. It’s a hidden gem for young professionals.

4. South Side (Beaverdale, South of Grand): This area has a strong community feel, with older, affordable bungalows and a growing number of renovated apartments. It’s close to Broadlawns Medical Center and offers easy access to the interstate. Rents are very reasonable (1BR: $800-$1,000/month). The South Side is perfect for someone who wants character and affordability without a long commute.

5. Ankeny (North of Des Moines): While technically its own city, Ankeny is part of the metro and a major healthcare hub in its own right, with its own MercyOne campus and numerous clinics. It’s a modern, fast-growing suburb with excellent amenities. The commute to downtown Des Moines is about 20 minutes. Rents are on par with West Des Moines (1BR: $950-$1,200/month).

Insider Tip: Traffic in Des Moines is minimal compared to other large cities, but the I-235 corridor into downtown can get congested during rush hour. If you work at a downtown hospital, living in the suburbs (like Clive or Ankeny) is perfectly fine—it’s often a 15-20 minute drive. Living on the same side of town as your employer is the ultimate key to a stress-free commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license in Des Moines is a solid foundation, but the career path is what you make of it. The city’s healthcare ecosystem allows for significant growth if you’re strategic.

Specialty Premiums:

• Wound Care: LPNs with certification in wound care can see a salary bump of $3-$5/hour.
• Dialysis: The demand for LPNs in outpatient dialysis centers is high, and pay often exceeds hospital positions.
• Psychiatry/Behavioral Health: Broadlawns and UnityPoint have dedicated units. These roles often come with a shift differential and can be more lucrative.
• Home Health: While base pay might be similar, the autonomy and mileage reimbursement can add to total compensation.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder Programs: Large systems like MercyOne and UnityPoint have formal programs where LPNs can advance from LPN I to LPN II, III, and even to an LPN Team Lead. Each step comes with a pay increase.
2. Education: The most common path to higher salary and responsibility is to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Des Moines has several excellent ADN and BSN programs (Mercy College of Health Sciences, Des Moines University, Grand View University). Many employers offer tuition reimbursement. With an RN license, the salary potential jumps significantly (median RN salary in Des Moines is over $70,000).
3. Specialist Roles: With experience, you can move into roles like Case Manager, Utilization Review, or Clinical Coordinator, often within the same health system. These roles typically require more computer work but offer a break from direct patient care.

10-Year Outlook:
The 5% job growth is solid, but the real story is the type of growth. As Iowa’s population ages, the need for LPNs in geriatric care, home health, and palliative/supportive care will accelerate. Technology will also play a role; LPNs who are comfortable with electronic health records (EHR) and telehealth platforms will have an edge. The path to RN remains the most direct route to a six-figure potential in the Des Moines metro, with many employers supporting that transition.

The Verdict: Is Des Moines Right for You?

Deciding to move is a big step. Here’s a honest breakdown of the pros and cons of launching your LPN career in Des Moines.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $53,423 salary goes much further here than on the coasts.	Salary Ceiling: The median is below the national average. Significant pay jumps often require moving to an RN role.
Stable Job Market: With 420 jobs and steady growth, you won’t struggle to find work.	Limited Public Transit: You likely need a reliable car, which adds to monthly expenses.
"Big City" Without the Chaos: World-class healthcare, museums, and dining, but with manageable traffic and a friendly vibe.	Harsh Winters: Des Moines winters can be long, cold, and snowy. A good coat and all-weather tires are a must.
Strong Sense of Community: Iowa nice is real. You’ll find supportive colleagues and tight-knit neighborhoods.	Midwestern Culture Shock: For those from coastal cities, the pace and social scene can feel quieter or less diverse.
Clear Career Pathways: From long-term care to hospital systems to a direct path to an RN degree, the ladder is there.	Limited Nightlife: While there are great bars and restaurants, it’s not a 24/7 city.

Final Recommendation:
If you are a new LPN or an experienced one looking for a high quality of life, financial stability, and a clear path for growth, Des Moines is an excellent choice. The combination of a reasonable salary, a low cost of living, and a diverse healthcare job market makes it one of the best places in the Midwest for LPNs. It’s a city where you can build a career, buy a home, and not feel like you’re drowning in expenses. It’s not the place for someone seeking a fast-paced, high-cost, coastal lifestyle, but for a balanced, fulfilling career in nursing, Des Moines delivers.

FAQs

Q: Can I live in Des Moines without a car?
A: It’s challenging but possible if you live and work downtown. The Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART) bus system has routes, but it’s not as comprehensive as in larger cities. Most LPNs find a car essential, especially for commuting to suburban hospitals or