Cedar Rapids vs Sioux City: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Sioux City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Sioux City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,365▲ | $63,885 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.42▲ | $30.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,319▲ | $52,649 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,204▲ | $57,215 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,933▲ | $67,965 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,973▲ | $78,271 |
| Total Employed | 380▲ | 260 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sioux City.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Sioux City is $1,480 (2.32%). Cedar Rapids's median is -3.98% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $25,654,Sioux City spans $25,622. Cedar Rapids has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sioux City ($73,895 effective) pays 0.57% more than Cedar Rapids ($73,474 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,365/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,973)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux City if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,895)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 42.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.5% growth in Sioux City over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$43,430 (2019) → $61,840 (2025)
Sioux City, IA
$42,130 (2019) → $60,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Sioux City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Cedar Rapids or Sioux City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Sioux City?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Sioux City as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Cedar Rapids vs Sioux City?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov