Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in West Des Moines, IA

The Salary Picture: Where West Des Moines Stands

As a local who’s seen the healthcare job market shift over the last decade, I can tell you West Des Moines offers a solid, stable foundation for an LPN. The numbers bear this out. The median salary for an LPN here is $53,423/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $25.68/hour. This sits just a hair below the national average of $54,620/year, but when you factor in our lower cost of living, your dollar stretches further. The metro area (which includes Des Moines, Urbandale, and Clive) has 144 LPN positions active at any given time, and the 10-year job growth is a steady 5%. This isn't a boomtown for high-risk tech startups; it's a healthcare market built on the dependable need for skilled care in a growing, aging population.

Here’s how salary breaks down by experience level in our local market. Note that these are estimates based on regional job postings and BLS data for the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (West Des Moines)	Key Local Employers for This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$46,000 - $50,000	UnityPoint Health, Rehabilitation Centers, Home Health Agencies
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$52,000 - $58,000	MercyOne, Broadlawns Medical Center, Specialty Clinics
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$58,000 - $65,000	Des Moines University Clinic, Oncology Centers, Management roles
Expert/Lead (15+ yrs)	$65,000+	Education, Infection Control, Corporate Health Center Roles

When you compare West Des Moines to other major Iowa cities, the picture is consistent. Des Moines metro salaries are very similar to Cedar Rapids' median of $53,500, but both are slightly lower than the Quad Cities (Moline-Rock Island), where the median can hit $56,000 due to a different mix of employers. However, West Des Moines offers a unique blend of suburban quality of life with immediate access to the metro's top-tier medical centers, which is a lifestyle benefit not fully captured in a spreadsheet.

Insider Tip: The $25.68/hour figure is your baseline. In West Des Moines, shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2.00 to $4.00 per hour. For a standard 36-hour work week (three 12-hour shifts), this can boost your annual take-home by several thousand dollars without a formal promotion.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. On a median salary of $53,423/year, your monthly take-home pay after federal income tax (assuming single, no dependents, standard deduction) and FICA (7.65%) is approximately $3,400-$3,500/month. This is a conservative estimate; your actual take-home could be higher depending on pre-tax deductions like health insurance or retirement contributions.

Our average 1BR rent in West Des Moines is $899/month. This is a crucial anchor for your budget. The Cost of Living Index for West Des Moines is 92.7 (US avg = 100), meaning you’re spending about 7.3% less than the national average.

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

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes (West Des Moines Specifics)
Rent (1BR)	$899	Average for a modern complex in a safe area like Clive or Johnston. Older buildings in West Des Moines proper can be cheaper.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electricity, gas, water, and trash. Varies seasonally with AC/heating needs.
Groceries	$350 - $450	Comparable to national average. Efficient shopping at local chains like Hy-Vee or Fareway keeps costs in check.
Transportation	$250 - $400	Heavily dependent on car ownership (gas, insurance, payment). Public transit (DART) is limited for suburban living.
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	If not fully covered by employer. Deductibles are typically reasonable.
Misc. (Food, Fun, Savings)	$500 - $700	This is your flexible spending. The remaining $1,000+ can go to savings, debt, or discretionary spending.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is one of West Des Moines' biggest advantages. The median home price in the metro is around $260,000. With a $53,423 salary, a 20% down payment ($52,000) is a stretch, but FHA loans (3.5% down, ~$9,100) make homeownership accessible within 3-5 years of disciplined saving. A monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, would likely be $1,500-$1,800. Given your take-home pay, this would be tight but doable, especially with a dual-income household. Many LPNs in the area live in adjacent, slightly less expensive communities like Norwalk or Pleasant Hill to ease into homeownership sooner.

Where the Jobs Are: West Des Moines's Major Employers

The job market here is robust and centered around a few major systems and niches. It’s not about finding a job, but finding the right fit for your lifestyle.

1. UnityPoint Health – Des Moines: With multiple locations, including Methodist West in West Des Moines and the main downtown campus, UnityPoint is a massive employer. They hire LPNs for inpatient med-surg, long-term care, and home health. Hiring trends show a strong preference for candidates with Epic EHR experience. Insider Tip: Their benefits package is excellent, with robust tuition reimbursement if you plan to advance your degree.

2. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center: Located just outside West Des Moines in Des Moines proper, MercyOne is a Level II Trauma and tertiary care center. LPN roles here are often more specialized—oncology, cardiology, or orthopedic units. The pace is fast, but the experience is unparalleled. They are actively expanding their outpatient and ambulatory surgery centers, creating new LPN roles.

3. Broadlawns Medical Center: This is the public safety-net hospital for Polk County, located in Des Moines. It’s a unique environment offering exposure to a diverse patient population and complex cases. They have strong internal career ladders and value community-focused nurses. Positions are steady, but competition can be high due to their stability and benefits.

4. Iowa Health System (Des Moines University Clinic & Specialty Centers): For LPNs seeking a non-hospital setting, this is a prime spot. Working in a private oncology clinic, dialysis center, or university-affiliated specialty clinic offers regular business hours, no weekends/holidays, and a deep level of patient relationships. Hiring is more selective but offers incredible work-life balance.

5. Rehabilitation & Long-Term Care Facilities: Companies like Bishop Drumm Retirement Center (in Johnston) and Edencrest at Waterford (in nearby Norwalk) are major employers. These roles focus on sub-acute care, wound management, and geriatric services. The turnover can be higher, but they are always hiring and offer experience that is highly valued.

6. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Lutheran Hospice and Visiting Nurse Association of Central Iowa hire LPNs for private duty and home health visits. This is ideal for seasoned LPNs who want autonomy and a flexible schedule. You’ll need a reliable car and good time management skills.

Hiring Trend: There’s a clear move toward outpatient and home-based care to reduce hospital readmissions. LPNs with certification in wound care (WCC) or experience in rehab/long-term care are seeing the most demand.

Getting Licensed in Iowa

If you’re moving from another state, Iowa is a compact state (NLC), which simplifies things. If you hold a multistate license from another NLC state, you can practice in Iowa without additional paperwork. If you’re not in a compact state or are a new graduate, here’s the process:

1. Education: You must graduate from an approved LPN program. Iowa has about 15 approved programs. If you graduated from a non-Iowa program, ensure it’s approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing.
2. NCLEX-PN Exam: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). You must apply for an Iowa license by exam.
3. Application: Submit your application to the Iowa Board of Nursing, including official transcripts and a $175 fee. The Board’s website is the definitive source for all forms and requirements.
4. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal history check is required ($50 fee).
5. Timeline: The entire process, from application submission to receiving your license, typically takes 6-8 weeks. However, allow time to study for and schedule the NCLEX-PN, which can add another 1-2 months.

Cost Estimate:

• NCLEX-PN Registration Fee: $200
• Iowa Application & Background Check: $225
• Total Initial Licensure Cost: ~$425

Renewal: Iowa licenses expire annually on September 30th. Renewal fee is $175. You must complete 36 hours of continuing education (CE) every 3 years.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s

Where you live in West Des Moines directly impacts your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

Neighborhood/Village	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For
West Des Moines Proper	Classic suburban, close to Jordan Creek Town Center. Commute to Methodist West is <10 mins.	$900 - $1,100	Young professionals wanting convenience and shopping.
Clive	Upscale, quiet, excellent parks. Commute to any metro hospital is 15-20 mins.	$950 - $1,200	Those prioritizing safety, green space, and a peaceful home base.
Johnston	Family-friendly, top-rated schools. Home to Bishop Drumm and close to MercyOne.	$850 - $1,050	LPNs with families or planning to start one.
Norwalk	Growing, more affordable, small-town feel. Commute to West Des Moines is ~20 mins.	$750 - $950	First-time buyers and those wanting more space for their money.
Downtown Des Moines	Urban, walkable, vibrant nightlife. Direct bus routes to hospitals.	$950 - $1,300	LPNs who want a city lifestyle and don’t mind a commute.

Insider Tip: Traffic in the Des Moines metro is minimal. The most significant congestion is on I-235 into downtown during rush hour. Living west of the metro (Clive, Johnston, West Des Moines) generally means an easier commute to most healthcare campuses.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 5% 10-year job growth is a testament to stability, not explosive opportunity. For an LPN, growth is about specialization and advancement, not just more jobs.

• Specialty Premiums: While not always a direct salary bump, certification in high-demand areas makes you more marketable. In West Des Moines, certifications in Wound Care (WCC), IV Therapy, or Gerontology can give you an edge for higher-paying roles in dialysis, wound clinics, or hospice.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is bridging to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to become an RN. Local schools like Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and Mercy College of Health Sciences offer flexible LPN-to-RN programs. With an RN license, your salary potential jumps to the $65,000 - $75,000 range. Many employers, especially UnityPoint and MercyOne, offer significant tuition reimbursement for this path.
• 10-Year Outlook: Demand for LPNs will remain strong in long-term care, home health, and outpatient settings. The shift away from inpatient hospital beds for certain procedures will create more LPN roles in ambulatory surgery and specialty clinics. Technology proficiency (EHR like Epic) will become a baseline requirement.

The Verdict: Is West Des Moines Right for You?

Here’s the bottom line, stripped of fluff.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes far, especially for housing.	Limited Public Transit: You will need a reliable car.
Stable Job Market: 144 jobs and steady 5% growth mean reliable employment.	Midwest Weather: Winters can be cold and snowy, impacting commutes.
Strong Healthcare Network: Multiple major employers offer variety and career options.	Slower Pace: This isn’t a bustling, fast-paced city like Chicago or Denver.
Great Work-Life Balance: Suburban living offers access to parks, trails, and family activities.	Limited Late-Night/Scene: Nightlife is quiet; it’s a family-oriented area.
Pathway to Advancement: Clear and financially supported routes to an RN degree.	Competitive for Specific Specialties: Top-tier specialty roles can be competitive.

Final Recommendation:
West Des Moines is an excellent choice for the pragmatic, career-focused LPN. If you value financial stability, a manageable commute, a safe community, and clear pathways for advancement, this is your market. It’s ideal for LPNs in their mid-career stage looking to buy a home or start a family, or for new graduates who want to build experience in a supportive environment without being crushed by cost-of-living pressures.

It may not be the best fit if you crave a high-energy, urban environment with a vast, complex public transit system and a 24/7 social scene. But for the vast majority of LPNs, West Des Moines offers a balanced, rewarding, and financially sound career.

FAQs

1. Is the cost of living really that low?
Yes. With an index of 92.7, your primary savings come from housing. The average 1BR rent of $899/month is significantly lower than in major coastal cities. Groceries and utilities are near the national average, but the lack of state income tax on social security benefits helps in retirement.

2. How competitive is the job market for a new LPN graduate?
It’s competitive but not impossible. Having your Iowa license in hand before you apply is key. Consider starting in a long-term care or home health agency to get 1-2 years of experience, then transition to a hospital role. Networking with clinical instructors from local programs (they often have ties to employers) is invaluable.

3. What’s the commute like from West Des Moines to downtown hospitals?
From West Des Moines proper or Clive, the commute to MercyOne or Broadlawns via I-235 is 15-20 minutes. To UnityPoint Methodist West, you might be driving 10 minutes. Traffic is rarely a major factor unless there’s an accident. Public transit (DART) exists but is not efficient for suburban-to-urban commutes; most healthcare workers drive.

4. Can I live in West Des Moines without a car?
It’s very difficult. While downtown Des Moines and some parts of West Des Moines have bus access, the healthcare campuses are spread out. Home health jobs require a car. For your daily commute, a car is a near-necessity.

5. How does Iowa’s license renewal work if I move here from another state?
If you hold a single-state license from a non-compact state, you must apply for licensure by endorsement. You’ll need proof of your current license, a background check, and to pay the fees. The Iowa Board of Nursing website has a clear checklist. If you’re in a compact state, you can practice here on your multistate license, but if you establish Iowa as your primary residence, you must obtain an Iowa single-state license.