RN vs LPN Salary in Ohio: 2026 Comparison
Updated 16 April 2026
In Ohio, RNs earn $71,000 on average while LPNs earn $50,000, a gap of $21,000 per year. The cost of living in Ohio is below the national average (index: 89).
RN Average
$71,000
LPN Average
$50,000
Gap
$21,000
Cost of Living
89
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $56,000 | $40,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $71,000 | $50,000 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $86,000 | $60,000 |
Metro Area Breakdown
Salaries vary within Ohio depending on the metro area. Larger cities with higher costs of living and more competition for nurses tend to pay more.
| Metro Area | RN Average | LPN Average | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | $76,000 | $52,000 | $24,000 |
| Cleveland-Elyria | $74,000 | $51,000 | $23,000 |
| Cincinnati | $72,000 | $50,000 | $22,000 |
| Dayton-Kettering | $68,000 | $48,000 | $20,000 |
| Akron | $70,000 | $49,000 | $21,000 |
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ohio has a cost of living index of 89 (national average = 100). Here is what nursing salaries feel like after adjusting for local purchasing power.
RN Purchasing Power
$79,775
$71,000 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$56,180
$50,000 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
Ohio Scope of Practice Notes
Ohio is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. LPNs in Ohio have a relatively broad scope, including IV therapy with completion of an approved course. Ohio has strong demand for both RNs and LPNs due to an aging population and large long-term care sector.
For the full comparison, see our RN vs LPN scope of practice page.
Top Healthcare Employers in Ohio
Cleveland Clinic
OhioHealth
Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
UC Health
Kettering Health
Ohio Board of Nursing
Always verify licensing requirements, fees, and continuing education obligations with your state board of nursing.
Ohio Board of Nursing website