Dayton vs Akron: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Dayton, OH and Akron, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dayton, OH | Akron, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,291 | $65,608▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.39 | $31.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,734 | $53,040▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,122 | $61,327▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,398 | $68,673▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,711▲ | $76,833 |
| Total Employed | 3,140▲ | 2,300 |
Verdict
Dayton and Akron are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Dayton and Akron is $317 (0.49%). Akron's median is -3.62% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dayton spans $24,977,Akron spans $23,793. Dayton 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 0.24% more than Akron ($70,267 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,711)
- ✓Larger job market (3,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,437)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Akron if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,608/year)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Dayton grew 38.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.5% growth in Akron over the same period.
Dayton, OH
$44,730 (2019) → $61,770 (2025)
Akron, OH
$45,480 (2019) → $62,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Dayton or Akron?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dayton and Akron?
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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