Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $61,120 -2% vs national
Median hourly $29.39
10th percentile $51,060
90th percentile $77,580
Employed locally 1,040
National median $62,340

Compare Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary & buying power

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Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
in
Des Moines, IA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $51,060
    25th
    $57,890
    50th (median)
    $61,120
    75th
    $70,590
    90th
    $77,580

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary vs area income 73% Median Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary is 27% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $92,840
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $90,810
    Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area $82,190
    Napa, CA $81,820
    Alaska nonmetropolitan area $81,300
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA $80,880

    Nearby metros — Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA $79,220
    California $77,170
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $76,640
    North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area $76,570
    Eastern Sierra-Mother Lode Region of California nonmetropolitan area $75,560
    North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area $75,560

    Related occupations in Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Registered Nurses $78,970
    Pharmacy Technicians $43,610
    Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $47,630
    Physical Therapists $98,110
    Medical Records Specialists $52,370
    Pharmacists $133,390

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Des Moines, IA is $29.39, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $37.70 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salaries?

    The median Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses salary in Des Moines, IA is 2% below the national median of $62,340. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in Des Moines?

    Entry-level Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (10th percentile) earn around $51,060 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $57,890.