Cleveland Heights vs Columbus: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Cleveland Heights, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland Heights, OH | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,177 | $65,439▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.89 | $31.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,079 | $54,414▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,786 | $60,101▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $71,952 | $72,500▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,135 | $80,543▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 7,270▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland Heights.
The salary gap between Cleveland Heights and Columbus is $3,262 (5.25%). Columbus's median is -3.87% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland Heights spans $27,056,Columbus spans $26,129. Cleveland Heights 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, Cleveland Heights ($68,552 effective) pays 0.01% more than Columbus ($68,545 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland Heights if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,552)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,439/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,543)
- ✓Larger job market (7,270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Cleveland Heights grew 22.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.6% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Cleveland Heights, OH
$48,198 (2024) → $58,824 (2025)
Columbus, OH
$44,340 (2019) → $61,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland Heights, OH
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Cleveland Heights or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland Heights and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Cleveland Heights to Columbus as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Cleveland Heights vs Columbus?
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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