Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Lorain, OH: $83,571 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Lorain, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $83,571/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Lorain's price premium (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $92,140 in average-cost America. The 26% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lorain, Ohio, the potential for senior licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to earn top-tier salaries is notable in 2026, with projections indicating the highest earners could command around $83,571 annually. Experienced professionals in this field are well-positioned to bridge the gap between the median salary of $66,231 and the upper echelons of pay reflected in the 75th percentile, which sits at $77,291. Building a successful career that reaches this top licensed practical nurse salary in Lorain often requires dedication to the role and the acquisition of specialized skills or certifications. To ascend into these higher salary brackets, LPNs need to accumulate significant experience and may benefit from pursuing advanced training opportunities that enhance their competencies in specific areas of patient care.
About the Lorain Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lorain
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Lorain earn between $77,291 and $83,571 per year (2026 est.). This $34,600 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lorain median of $66,231 sits 2.7% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Lorain | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $66,231 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,291 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $83,571 | $88,196 |
In Lorain, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 26.18% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Lorain
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $66,231 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lorain employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Lorain command premium compensation, often reaching the $77,291–$83,571 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lorain metro area 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 Lorain with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing 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 Lorain
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLorain ranks #5 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $83,571).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Lorain ($83,571) is 6.19% above the Ohio average P90 ($78,697).
2019 BLS Actual
$60,037
2025 BLS Actual
$79,064
2026 Current Est.
$83,571
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
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 | $60,037 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,084 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,445 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,786 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,567 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,064 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,571 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,334 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Lorain saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $60,037 in 2019 to $79,064 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 $88,334 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Lorain
In Lorain, certain specializations are particularly lucrative for seasoned LPNs, especially in fields such as long-term care, IV therapy, and wound care. Skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies typically pay more than physician offices and some outpatient settings. The role of an MDS coordinator or transitioning to more advanced positions like nursing supervisor can also provide pathways for increased earnings. Advanced credentials, including an active LPN license and additional certifications in nursing specialties, can significantly enhance earning potentials in this competitive market. Additionally, factors such as shift differentials and weekend pay can further amplify compensation, making senior licensed practical nurses in Lorain's healthcare system well-compensated for their expertise and experience in patient care.
More salary data for Lorain, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Lorain in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Lorain?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Lorain?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Lorain?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Lorain?
Related Pages
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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
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 $79,064 for licensed practical nurses in the Lorain 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
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