Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Columbus, IN: $65,957 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Columbus, IN earns a median $65,957/year (≈ $31.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.0), that paycheck buys what $70,919 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Indiana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbus, Indiana, the licensed practical nurse salary is projected to be $65,957 in 2026, positioning it slightly below the national median of $68,071. With a salary range from $52,279 at the 10th percentile to $75,692 at the 90th percentile, compensation here reflects the local demand for skilled professionals, particularly in settings where LPNs can perform a variety of clinical tasks, including IV therapy and patient assessments. These expanded practices contribute to the competitive nature of the job market within the region, as Columbus continues to see growth in healthcare facilities. The data is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys and highlights the nuances of local employment trends that can impact overall earnings for LPNs.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,279 | $25.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,061 | $30.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,957 | $31.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,656 | $33.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,692 | $36.39 |
Median Salary Position
3.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, IN, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,413 (2026 est.). At $65,957, the local median is 3.11% below the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be above the median
How Columbus Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Columbus median: $65,957/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $68,634 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -3.11% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Columbus, IN earn a median of $65,957 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.11% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 3.90% below the Indiana state average of $68,634.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 7.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, IN has a cost-of-living index of 93.003 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $65,957 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,919 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,050
2025 BLS Actual
$62,400
2026 Current Est.
$65,957
2019–2027 Growth
+54.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,050 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,950 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,390 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,400 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,957 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,716 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 38.5% from $45,050 (2019) to $62,400 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,716 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,666 (54.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $52,279 – $63,061 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,061 – $65,957 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,957 – $69,656 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,656 – $75,692 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Columbus
Analyzing the local market reveals that Columbus employs approximately 170 licensed practical nurses, which demonstrates a healthy demand in the field. The cost-of-living index stands at 93.003, indicating that living expenses in the area are slightly below the national average, making salaries more favorable in terms of purchasing power. Long-term care facilities typically offer the most competitive wages among employers in Columbus, often providing additional compensation for IV therapy certification and shift differentials. The pay structure varies significantly; LPNs working in skilled nursing settings generally earn more than those in home health or physician office roles due to the complexities and responsibilities involved. For aspiring LPNs or those currently in the field, pursuing certifications and opting for shifts during weekends or holidays can be effective strategies to maximize earning potential in this vibrant Columbus market.
More salary data for Columbus, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,400 for licensed practical nursesin the Columbus metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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