Columbus vs Springfield: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Columbus, OH and Springfield, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Springfield, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,439▲ | $64,847 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.46▲ | $31.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,414▲ | $52,913 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,101▲ | $59,044 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,500▲ | $68,398 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,543▲ | $75,713 |
| Total Employed | 7,270▲ | 550 |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Columbus and Springfield is $592 (0.91%). 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,Springfield spans $22,800. 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, Springfield ($71,668 effective) pays 4.56% 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 Springfield if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,668)
- ✓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 38.5% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$44,340 (2019) → $61,910 (2025)
Springfield, OH
$44,310 (2019) → $61,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Springfield, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Columbus or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Springfield as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Columbus vs Springfield?
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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