Columbus vs Dayton: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Columbus, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,439▲ | $65,291 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.46▲ | $31.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,414▲ | $52,734 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,101 | $60,122▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,500▲ | $68,398 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,543▲ | $77,711 |
| Total Employed | 7,270▲ | 3,140 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dayton.
The salary gap between Columbus and Dayton is $148 (0.23%). 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 Columbus spans $26,129,Dayton spans $24,977. Columbus 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, Dayton ($70,437 effective) pays 2.76% 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 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
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,437)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Columbus grew 39.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.1% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$44,340 (2019) → $61,910 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$44,730 (2019) → $61,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Columbus or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Dayton as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Columbus 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