Cincinnati vs Dayton: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,838▲ | $65,291 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.61▲ | $31.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,509▲ | $52,734 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,405▲ | $60,122 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,413▲ | $68,398 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,603▲ | $77,711 |
| Total Employed | 6,400▲ | 3,140 |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dayton.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Dayton is $2,547 (3.90%). Cincinnati's median is -0.34% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $25,094,Dayton spans $24,977. Cincinnati has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($71,131 effective) pays 0.99% more than Dayton ($70,437 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,838/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,603)
- ✓Larger job market (6,400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,131)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Cincinnati grew 33.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.1% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$48,020 (2019) → $64,180 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$44,730 (2019) → $61,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Cincinnati or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Dayton as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Cincinnati vs Dayton?
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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