Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Athens, OH: $60,797 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Athens, OH earns a median $60,797/year (≈ $29.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Athens's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $67,031 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Athens, Ohio, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $60,797 in 2026, demonstrating a notable difference when compared to the national median of $68,071. The salary range for LPNs in the area spans from $49,552 at the 10th percentile to $74,096 at the 90th percentile, reflecting variations based on specific work environments such as skilled nursing facilities, home health care, and clinics. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors, indicate that the dynamics of the nursing market here can significantly influence compensation. As healthcare organizations continue to balance staffing needs and budgets, understanding these factors is crucial for current and aspiring LPNs in Athens.
About the Athens Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,552 | $23.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,687 | $27.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,797 | $29.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,880 | $33.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,096 | $35.62 |
Median Salary Position
10.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Athens
In Athens, OH, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,544 (2026 est.). At $60,797, the local median is 10.69% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Athens: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Athens Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Athens median: $60,797/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Athens Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $65,513 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -10.69% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Athens, OH earn a median of $60,797 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.69% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 7.20% below the Ohio state average of $65,513.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Athens has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Athens, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $60,797 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,031 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,406
2025 BLS Actual
$57,518
2026 Current Est.
$60,797
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,406 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,603 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,933 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,783 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,347 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,128 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,518 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,797 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,262 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Athens metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $42,406 (2019) to $57,518 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,262 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,856 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Athens 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) | $49,552 – $56,687 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,687 – $60,797 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,797 – $69,880 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,880 – $74,096 |
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 Athens
With only five licensed practical nurses currently employed in Athens, the job market appears quite limited, positioning those in the field for potentially stable but modest earnings. The cost of living index stands at 90.7, indicating that residents enjoy a lower living expense compared to the national average. Employers offering the highest wages typically include skilled nursing facilities, which often provide a broader range of responsibilities and shift differentials. The variations in wages can stem from factors such as work settings (with skilled nursing typically commanding higher pay than home health care), availability of additional certifications like IV therapy, and premiums for weekend or holiday shifts. For LPNs in Athens looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing certifications, seeking positions in higher-paying sectors, and considering ongoing education to bridge to RN roles can create additional financial opportunities in this evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Athens, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Athens, OH in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Athens?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Athens?
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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 $57,518 for licensed practical nursesin the Athens 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
Salary data for Athens 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