Licensed Practical Nurse in Iowa

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$59,460

trending_down -4.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Iowa.

engineering

5,520

Jobs (IA)

monitoring Stable

+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$343

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Iowa

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Iowa, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. The licensing body is the Iowa Board of Nursing. Iowa is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which facilitates practice for LPNs licensed in other compact states. Renewal of the license is required every three years, with 36 hours of continuing education, including a mandatory abuse identification and reporting course if applicable.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $48,510

25th percentile $51,560

50th (median) $59,460

75th percentile $64,110

90th (experienced) $75,320

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Iowa. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Iowa requirements

Licensing body	Iowa Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam	NCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee	$143
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Continuing education	36.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Renewal is every 3 years, expiring on the 15th day of the birth month. CE must include 2 hours in identifying and reporting abuse if you regularly examine, attend, counsel, or treat children or dependent adults. A criminal history background check and fingerprinting are required for initial licensure. There is no minimum age specified. Iowa is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Source: Iowa Board of Nursing

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.6%

Average

Annual openings

54,400

Nationwide per year

Total employment

651,400

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.51/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleIowa license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a licensed practical nurse career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a licensed practical nurse in Iowa? expand_more

The path to licensed practical nurse licensure in Iowa: complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($143 fee).

Does Iowa require licensed practical nurse licensure? expand_more

Iowa mandates state licensure for licensed practical nurses. Iowa Board of Nursing oversees the process, which includes passing the NCLEX-PN.

What is the average licensed practical nurse salary in Iowa? expand_more

Iowa licensed practical nurses bring home a median salary of $59,460. That's roughly in line with the $62,340 national median. The range spans from $48,510 at the entry level to $75,320 for top earners.

What's the total cost to get licensed practical nurse certified in Iowa? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($200) and application fee ($143) and required training.

How many months or years does licensed practical nurse certification take in Iowa? expand_more

In Iowa, becoming a licensed practical nurse generally takes 1-2 years, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

How many CE hours do licensed practical nurses need in Iowa? expand_more

Yes — licensed practical nurses in Iowa must complete 36.0 CE hours every 3.0 years to stay licensed.