Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Brunswick, OH: $53,028 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Brunswick, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,028 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brunswick's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,465 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,407) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a new graduate in Brunswick, Ohio pursuing a career as a licensed practical nurse can anticipate a starting salary around $53,028. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range for entry-level positions, while the median annual salary in the city reaches $63,407, indicating a considerable gap that new LPNs will strive to close over time. As they gain experience, individuals can expect their earnings to progress through benchmarks of $60,426 and beyond, ultimately positioning themselves closer to the area's median salary within the first three to five years. Current trends suggest that Brunswick is a favorable market for new graduates, as local demand for qualified LPNs remains steady, aided by the city's relatively lower cost of living index at 90.7.
About the Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brunswick
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 Brunswick
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Brunswick, OH typically start between $53,028 and $60,426 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,818 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,407 — 6.85% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Ohio of $13,000 represents just 24.52% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($53,028/year) in Brunswick. 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 Brunswick
- 1Research the Brunswick market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $53,028 to $60,426, 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 Brunswick, 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 Brunswick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brunswick'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 Brunswick is $27,818 ( 52.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,028, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,846.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,857
2025 BLS Actual
$50,168
2026 Current Est.
$53,028
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,857 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,876 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,838 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,063 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,952 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,168 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,028 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,050 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Brunswick, OH grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,857 in 2019 to $50,168 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,050. New graduates entering the Brunswick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brunswick 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 Brunswick
Employers in Brunswick who actively recruit new licensed practical nurse graduates often include skilled nursing facilities that provide essential on-the-job orientation for recent hires. Home health agencies are also popular among new LPNs due to the flexibility they offer. On the other hand, physician offices may prefer candidates who possess specific clinic experience, highlighting the various avenues open for entry-level professionals in this field. Securing an active LPN/LVN license in Ohio, completing a 12- to 18-month practical nursing diploma, and passing the NCLEX-PN are fundamental credentials for enhancing initial pay. Additional certifications, such as IV therapy or wound care, can further increase earning potential. Given the evolving landscape of healthcare, especially with hospitals leaning towards all-RN staffing, many new LPNs might consider pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs to bolster their career trajectory during their first three years in the field. In this context, realistic salary growth expectations align with the local market's steady demand for practical nursing roles.
More salary data for Brunswick, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Brunswick in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Brunswick?
Is nursing school worth it in Brunswick?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Brunswick?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Ohio?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Ohio
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 Brunswick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brunswick is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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