Des Moines vs North Liberty: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Des Moines, IA and North Liberty, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | North Liberty, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,299▲ | $63,476 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.35▲ | $30.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,932▲ | $50,051 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,835 | $61,888▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,588▲ | $74,154 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,879▲ | $79,289 |
| Total Employed | 1,040▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to North Liberty.
The salary gap between Des Moines and North Liberty is $3,823 (6.02%). Des Moines's median is -1.13% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $27,947,North Liberty spans $29,238. North Liberty has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($73,390 effective) pays 4.52% more than North Liberty ($70,217 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,299/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,879)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,390)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose North Liberty if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Des Moines grew 36.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.4% growth in North Liberty over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$46,810 (2019) → $63,670 (2025)
North Liberty, IA
$46,036 (2024) → $60,053 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
North Liberty, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Des Moines or North Liberty?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and North Liberty?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to North Liberty as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Des Moines vs North Liberty?
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