Cleveland vs Columbus: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Cleveland, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,542▲ | $65,439 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.47▲ | $31.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,478▲ | $54,414 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,357▲ | $60,101 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,614▲ | $72,500 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,560 | $80,543▲ |
| Total Employed | 6,720 | 7,270▲ |
Verdict
Cleveland and Columbus are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Columbus is $2,103 (3.21%). Cleveland's median is -0.78% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $25,082,Columbus spans $26,129. Columbus has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($71,912 effective) pays 4.91% 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 if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,542/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,912)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓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 grew 32.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.6% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$48,180 (2019) → $63,900 (2025)
Columbus, OH
$44,340 (2019) → $61,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Cleveland or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Columbus as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Cleveland 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