Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Akron, OH: $76,833 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Akron, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $76,833/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Akron's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $82,289 in average-cost America. The 17% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Akron, Ohio, the pathway to reaching a top licensed practical nurse salary culminates in substantial earnings for seasoned professionals, with the potential to earn as much as $76,833 by 2026. The median annual salary for experienced licensed practical nurses stands at $65,608, indicating a significant gap between this figure and the top earners. This experience premium is further emphasized by the fact that it's essential for LPNs to pursue advanced roles or specializations to unlock these pay levels. Achieving such esteemed status often involves a combination of years of dedication, ongoing education, and the pursuit of relevant certifications, reflecting a commitment to the evolving standards of practical nursing in the region.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Akron
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Akron earn between $68,673 and $76,833 per year (2026 est.). This $23,793 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Akron median of $65,608 sits 3.62% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Akron | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,608 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,673 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $76,833 | $88,196 |
In Akron, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 17.11% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Akron
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $65,608 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Akron employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Akron command premium compensation, often reaching the $68,673–$76,833 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Akron metro area, which is a large LPN employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Akron with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Ohio who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Akron
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAkron ranks #50 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $76,833).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Akron ($76,833) is 2.37% below the Ohio average P90 ($78,697).
2019 BLS Actual
$53,830
2025 BLS Actual
$72,690
2026 Current Est.
$76,833
2019–2027 Growth
+50.9%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Akron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,830 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,540 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,030 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,870 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,833 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,213 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Akron saw their compensation grow 35.0% from $53,830 in 2019 to $72,690 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $81,213 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Akron 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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Akron
At the senior level, compensation for licensed practical nurses can vary significantly based on their area of specialization and the type of employer. In Akron, those concentrating in long-term care or possessing certifications in IV therapy and wound care often command higher salaries than their peers. Skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies generally offer competitive pay structures, while hospitals and physician offices may have more defined compensation scales. Furthermore, pursuing leadership roles, such as charge LPN or nursing supervisor, opens new avenues not only for elevated salaries but also for enhanced benefits and incentives tied to weekend shifts and specialized certifications. The right credentials, including an active LPN license and further training in advanced practices, bolster earning potential in a market that allows for rewarding advancement through LPN-to-RN transition programs.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Akron in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Akron?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Akron?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Akron?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Akron?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $72,690 for licensed practical nurses in the Akron metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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