Columbus vs Lorain: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Columbus, OH and Lorain, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Lorain, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,439 | $66,231▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.46 | $31.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,414▲ | $48,971 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,101 | $62,569▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,500 | $77,291▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,543 | $83,571▲ |
| Total Employed | 7,270▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Lorain, OH offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Lorain is $792 (1.21%). Lorain's median is -2.70% 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,Lorain spans $34,600. Lorain 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, Lorain ($73,022 effective) pays 6.53% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (7,270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lorain if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,231/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,571)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,022)
- ✓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 22.0% growth in Lorain over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$44,340 (2019) → $61,910 (2025)
Lorain, OH
$51,340 (2024) → $62,659 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Lorain, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Columbus or Lorain?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Lorain?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Lorain as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Columbus vs Lorain?
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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