Columbus vs Evansville: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Columbus, IN and Evansville, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Evansville, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,957 | $68,388▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.71 | $32.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,279 | $53,431▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,061 | $63,959▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,656 | $75,967▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,692 | $79,465▲ |
| Total Employed | 170 | 680▲ |
Verdict
Evansville, IN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Evansville is $2,431 (3.69%). Evansville's median is +0.47% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $23,413,Evansville spans $26,034. Evansville 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, Evansville ($74,718 effective) pays 5.36% more than Columbus ($70,919 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,388/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,465)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,718)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Columbus grew 38.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.0% growth in Evansville over the same period.
Columbus, IN
$45,050 (2019) → $62,400 (2025)
Evansville, IN
$47,940 (2019) → $64,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, IN
Evansville, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Columbus or Evansville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Evansville?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Evansville as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Columbus vs Evansville?
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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