Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Findlay, OH: $50,399 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Findlay, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,399 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Findlay's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,567 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,309) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Licensed practical nurses entering the workforce in Findlay, Ohio, can expect a starting salary around $50,399 in 2026, a realistic figure that reflects the current job market dynamics in the area. This entry-level amount is noticeably lower than the median annual salary of $62,309 for licensed practical nurses in Findlay, which highlights a clear gap that recent graduates will need to bridge over time. The growth potential is promising, as early-career LPNs can anticipate salary increases, moving from the starting point to approximately $58,066 within the first few years of employment. Given the moderate growth trajectory of 5.70%, Findlay presents a viable market for new graduates, particularly with a demand for skilled nursing and support roles in various healthcare settings.
About the Findlay Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Findlay
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 Findlay
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Findlay, OH typically start between $50,399 and $58,066 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,151 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,309 — 8.46% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Ohio of $13,000 represents just 25.79% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($50,399/year) in Findlay. 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 Findlay
- 1Research the Findlay market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $50,399 to $58,066, 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 Findlay, 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 Findlay for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Findlay'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 Findlay is $27,151 ( 53.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,399, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,550.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,129
2025 BLS Actual
$47,681
2026 Current Est.
$50,399
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Findlay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,129 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,098 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,612 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,814 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,779 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,917 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,681 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,399 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,272 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Findlay, OH grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,129 in 2019 to $47,681 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,272. New graduates entering the Findlay job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Findlay 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 Findlay
In Findlay, several employers actively recruit new licensed practical nurse graduates, with skilled nursing facilities being the predominant source of entry-level positions. These facilities often provide on-the-job orientation to their hires, easing the transition from education to practice. Home health agencies also present opportunities with flexible scheduling options, appealing to new grads seeking work-life balance. For those aiming to enhance their starting licensed practical nurse pay in OH, obtaining an active LPN/LVN license, completing a practical nursing diploma from an accredited institution, and passing the NCLEX-PN are essential steps. Some may choose to pursue additional credentials in IV therapy or wound care, which often command higher wages. Newly graduated LPNs should consider their career strategy carefully, as the landscape is shifting, with many hospitals moving toward all-RN staffing models. Therefore, exploring LPN-to-RN bridge pathways during the first few years can expand one's career opportunities significantly and provide a clearer path for salary growth in this evolving market.
More salary data for Findlay, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Findlay in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Findlay?
Is nursing school worth it in Findlay?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Findlay?
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 Findlay. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Findlay 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