Cleveland vs Sandusky: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Cleveland, OH and Sandusky, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Sandusky, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,542▲ | $66,084 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.47▲ | $31.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,478▲ | $51,941 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,357▲ | $59,721 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,614▲ | $68,420 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,560▲ | $76,157 |
| Total Employed | 6,720▲ | 390 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sandusky.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Sandusky is $1,458 (2.21%). 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,Sandusky spans $24,216. Cleveland 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, Sandusky ($74,018 effective) pays 2.93% more than Cleveland ($71,912 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 top-earner potential ($79,560)
- ✓Larger job market (6,720 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Sandusky if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,018)
- ✓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 2.9% growth in Sandusky over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$48,180 (2019) → $63,900 (2025)
Sandusky, OH
$60,750 (2024) → $62,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Sandusky, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Cleveland or Sandusky?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Sandusky?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Sandusky as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Cleveland vs Sandusky?
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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