Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Cedar Falls, IA: $31.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Cedar Falls, IA runs $31.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,718 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Cedar Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,835 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cedar Falls, Iowa, licensed practical nurses receive a median pay of $31.12 per hour, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $32.73. This wage allows LPNs to thrive in various work settings, including skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and assisted living environments. For part-time workers who might choose a schedule of three days per week, this hourly wage provides a reliable income, particularly beneficial for those balancing other commitments. The hourly pay spectrum ranges from $23.73 for entry-level positions to $38.10 for top earners, reflecting the diverse job demands and experience levels in the Cedar Falls area. Estimates of these hourly rates are derived from annual salary figures, providing a clear understanding of what local LPNs might expect based on their qualifications and work setting.
About the Cedar Falls Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.73 | $189.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.86 | $238.88 |
| Median (P50) | $31.12 | $248.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.77 | $286.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.10 | $304.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cedar Falls
Based on $31.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.12/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cedar Falls, IA can expect to earn approximately $64,726 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,342. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cedar Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cedar Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,244.72 | $5,394 | $64,726 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $746.83 | $3,236 | $38,835 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $497.89 | $2,158 | $25,890 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Cedar Falls) | $31.12 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Cedar Falls, IA earn a median of $64,718 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.93% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 3.90% below the Iowa state average of $67,344.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.12/hr = $38,835/year (purchasing power: $42,959).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,726/year (purchasing power: $71,599).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Cedar Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Cedar Falls grew 35.6% from $21.71/hr (2019) to $29.44/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.89/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Falls 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.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Cedar Falls
Considering a part-time licensed practical nurse working a standard 24-hour week, their annual take-home pay would clearly differ from a full-time position, providing flexibility but typically resulting in lower overall earnings. For those pursuing per diem opportunities, the potential to earn between $28 and $42 per hour can significantly impact annual income, especially in urgent care settings or agency arrangements where LPNs may command higher rates, sometimes reaching $45-$60 per hour. Employment venues in Cedar Falls, like hospitals or long-term care facilities, influence compensation rates, with LPNs potentially trading off hourly pay for benefits like health insurance. Negotiating terms can be vital, especially for day-to-day roles where hourly wages may vary considerably. Being mindful of the specific employment context will enable local LPNs to make informed decisions about their careers in Cedar Falls, IA.
More salary data for Cedar Falls, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Cedar Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Cedar Falls?
Are licensed practical nurses in Cedar Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Cedar Falls?
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Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Cedar Falls. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar Falls 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