Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Mason City, IA: $51,091 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Mason City, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,091 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mason City's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,517 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,727) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the workforce, the starting licensed practical nurse salary in Mason City, Iowa, presents an intriguing opportunity. In 2026, the entry-level salary expectation lies at $51,091, which is noticeably lower than the median salary for the city of $63,727, creating a potential gap of approximately $12,636. However, early-career LPNs can anticipate gradual salary growth as they gain experience—particularly moving from the 10th percentile up to the 25th percentile where earnings rise to about $59,052 within the first few years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.70%, Mason City offers a favorable environment for new grads looking to establish their careers in practical nursing and benefit from local job market dynamics.
About the Mason City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mason City
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mason City
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Mason City, IA typically start between $51,091 and $59,052 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,689 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,727 — 6.38% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Iowa of $12,000 represents just 23.49% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($51,091/year) in Mason City. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Mason City
- 1Research the Mason City market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $51,091 to $59,052, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Mason City, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Mason City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mason City's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Mason City is $27,689 ( 54.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,091, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,780.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,584
2025 BLS Actual
$48,336
2026 Current Est.
$51,091
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Mason City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,584 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,566 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,101 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,347 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,381 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,909 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,336 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,091 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,003 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Mason City, IA grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,584 in 2019 to $48,336 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,003. New graduates entering the Mason City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mason City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Mason City
In Mason City, several employers actively recruit new LPN graduates, making the job market promising for those starting their careers. Skilled nursing facilities are the primary hiring entities, often providing structured onboarding processes to acclimate new hires. Meanwhile, home health agencies present a flexible option that is attractive for new nurses seeking work-life balance. For those aiming to enhance their earning potential, a practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, an active LPN license in Iowa, and successful completion of the NCLEX-PN are essential requirements. Additionally, pursuing optional certifications in IV therapy or wound care can significantly boost starting pay. During the first few years, LPNs should maintain a focus on workplace learning and consider pathways such as LPN-to-RN bridge programs. This transition can be vital as the scope of practice for LPNs varies widely by state, and securing employment in long-term care—a sector that employs a substantial number of LPNs—can provide a solid foundation for long-term career advancement in the nursing field.
More salary data for Mason City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Mason City in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Mason City?
Is nursing school worth it in Mason City?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Mason City?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Iowa?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Mason City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mason City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov