Licensed Practical Nurse in Iowa: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Iowa employs 5,510 LVNs, with a statewide median of $62,630 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Iowa licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in Iowa (May 2025)
- Iowa median pay
- $62,630 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $50,550
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $70,840
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $77,710
- Employed in Iowa
- 5,510
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Iowa markets:
- Davenport
- $64,100 (640 employed)
- Iowa City
- $63,690 (230 employed)
- Des Moines
- $63,670 (1,040 employed)
- Omaha
- $63,540 (1,840 employed)
- Cedar Rapids
- $61,840 (380 employed)
- Waterloo
- $59,950 (360 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Iowa
Prices in Iowa run about 12% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $62,630 median stretches to roughly $71,333 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Iowa (2024–2034)
Iowa is projected to grow LVNs employment +7.0%, faster than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 530 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Iowa License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — regulated by the Iowa Board of Nursing.
- Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year at an Iowa community college).
- Apply to the Iowa Board of Nursing and clear a background check.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Iowa is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so the license can work across compact states.
Official requirements: Iowa Board of Nursing →
Training in Iowa
Affordable, fast paid-healthcare entry via Iowa community colleges. Check NCLEX-PN pass rates before enrolling.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Iowa include:
- Des Moines Area Community College — Certificate
- Eastern Iowa Community College District — Certificate
- Ellsworth Community College — Certificate
- Hawkeye Community College — Certificate
Where LVNs Work in Iowa
Real Iowa nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- Iowa Veterans Home — Marshalltown
- Stonehill Care Center — Dubuque
- Good Shepherd Health Center — Mason City
- Ravenwood Specialty Care — Waterloo
- Heritage Specialty Care — Cedar Rapids
- Southeast Iowa Regional Medical - Klein Center — West Burlington
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want a faster healthcare entry point and can handle direct care.
Think twice if: Bodily fluids, shift work, emotional stress, or physical lifting are dealbreakers.
Why it's resilient: Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
First Steps
Compare state-approved LPN programs and NCLEX-PN pass rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do LVNs make in Iowa?
The median wage for LVNs in Iowa is $62,630 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $50,550, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $77,710. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Iowa?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), overseen by the Iowa Board of Nursing. Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year at an Iowa community college).
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in Iowa?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which Iowa metros pay LVNs the most?
Among Iowa metro areas, Davenport leads at $64,100, followed by Iowa City ($63,690), Des Moines ($63,670). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Iowa?
Real Iowa options include Des Moines Area Community College, Eastern Iowa Community College District, Ellsworth Community College. Most LVNs start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Licensed Practical Nurse a growing career in Iowa?
Iowa projects LVNs employment to change +7.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 530 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Iowa statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Iowa Board of Nursing (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Iowa wages · Iowa licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.