Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Lorain, OH: $48,971 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Lorain, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,971 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lorain's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,992 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,231) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the role of licensed practical nurse in Lorain, Ohio, the starting pay may initially seem modest, with entry-level salaries projected at around $48,971 in 2026. While this figure reflects the lower end of the salary range for LPNs in the area, it still offers a pathway toward the median annual salary of $66,231 over time. With experience and further skill development, many new nurses could see their earnings grow to around $62,569 in just a few years. Given the projected 5.70% growth rate, Lorain presents a favorable market for those entering the nursing field, especially as health care demand continues to rise.
About the Lorain Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lorain
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 Lorain
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Lorain, OH typically start between $48,971 and $62,569 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,600 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,231 — 2.7% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Ohio of $13,000 represents just 26.55% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($48,971/year) in Lorain. 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 Lorain
- 1Research the Lorain market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $48,971 to $62,569, 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 Lorain, 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 Lorain for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lorain'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 Lorain is $34,600 ( 70.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,971, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,571.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,191
2025 BLS Actual
$46,330
2026 Current Est.
$48,971
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Lorain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,191 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,131 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,603 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,714 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,539 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,805 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,330 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,971 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,762 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Lorain, OH grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,191 in 2019 to $46,330 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,762. New graduates entering the Lorain job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lorain 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 Lorain
In Lorain, several employers actively seek newly licensed practical nurses. Skilled nursing facilities are among the most common employers, offering structured on-the-job orientation that’s ideal for new grads eager to develop their skills. Home health agencies are another option, providing flexible scheduling to accommodate various lifestyles, while physician offices may prefer candidates who bring specific clinical experience. To maximize entry-level licensed practical nurse pay in Ohio, having an LPN license, completing a 12-18 month practical nursing diploma, and passing the NCLEX-PN are essential steps. Additionally, optional certifications in IV therapy or wound care can enhance employability and starting wages. In the first few years, LPNs might realistically expect modest salary growth as they gain experience, often leading to more advanced positions through LPN-to-RN bridge programs, especially as the labor market evolves in favor of higher RN staffing standards in many healthcare environments.
More salary data for Lorain, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Lorain 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 Lorain. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lorain 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