Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Akron, OH: $53,040 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Akron, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,040 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Akron's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,806 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,608) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the licensed practical nurse (LPN) field in Akron can expect starting salaries that typically fall around $53,040 in 2026. This entry-level amount is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $65,608, which indicates a significant pay gap as new LPNs work to gain experience and skills. Over the first few years in the workforce, there's potential for earnings to increase, especially as many employers recognize the value of hands-on experience and professional development. With a projected growth rate of 5.70% annually for LPNs, this market demonstrates promise for newcomers. Overall, the Akron healthcare environment is favorable for entry-level candidates, providing various opportunities in local facilities aimed at supporting fresh talent.
Career Earnings Timeline in Akron
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Akron
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Akron, OH typically start between $53,040 and $61,327 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,793 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,608 — 3.62% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Ohio of $13,000 represents just 24.51% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($53,040/year) in Akron. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Akron
- 1Research the Akron market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $53,040 to $61,327, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Akron, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Akron for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Akron's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Akron is $23,793 ( 44.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,040, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,833.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,970
2025 BLS Actual
$50,180
2026 Current Est.
$53,040
2019–2027 Growth
+51.6%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Akron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,970 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,280 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,950 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,180 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,040 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,064 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Akron, OH grew 35.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,970 in 2019 to $50,180 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,064. New graduates entering the Akron job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Akron metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Akron
In Akron, numerous healthcare employers are eager to hire new graduates, particularly skilled nursing facilities that often provide onboarding and training for LPNs. Home health agencies present another viable option, typically offering flexible hours that appeal to those just starting their careers. For a competitive edge, possessing credentials like an active LPN license, a practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, and having passed the NCLEX-PN exam is essential. Additionally, certifications in IV therapy or wound care can lead to enhanced starting salaries. With the majority of LPN roles concentrated in long-term care, strategic career development includes pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs as industry demand shifts towards more skilled nursing models. In Akron, early-career LPNs can anticipate gradual salary increases as they gain experience, reinforcing the importance of growth and skill acquisition within the first three years on the job.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Akron in 2026?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Akron. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov