RN vs LPN Salary in Ohio: 2026 Comparison
Updated June 2026
In Ohio, RNs earn $87,700 on average while LPNs earn $62,000, a gap of $25,700 per year. The cost of living in Ohio is below the national average (index: 89).
RN Average
$87,700
LPN Average
$62,000
Gap
$25,700
Cost of Living
89
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $67,000 | $50,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $87,700 | $62,000 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $105,000 | $74,000 |
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 | $94,000 | $64,000 | $30,000 |
| Cleveland-Elyria | $91,000 | $63,000 | $28,000 |
| Cincinnati | $89,000 | $62,000 | $27,000 |
| Dayton-Kettering | $84,000 | $60,000 | $24,000 |
| Akron | $86,000 | $61,000 | $25,000 |
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
$98,539
$87,700 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$69,663
$62,000 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 websiteCompare With Neighboring States
Ohio RN vs LPN Salary FAQ
What is the average LPN salary in Ohio?
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Ohio earn an average of $62,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level LPNs typically start around $50,000, while experienced LPNs with 10 or more years earn about $74,000.
What is the average RN salary in Ohio?
Registered nurses (RNs) in Ohio earn an average of $87,700 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), roughly $25,700 more than LPNs. Entry-level RNs typically start near $67,000, and experienced RNs earn around $105,000.
Which Ohio metro area pays nurses the most?
Among the major Ohio metros, Columbus pays the most, with RNs averaging about $94,000 and LPNs about $64,000 per year. Pay is generally highest in the largest metros, where cost of living and competition for nurses are also higher.
How much more do RNs earn than LPNs in Ohio?
In Ohio, RNs earn an average of $87,700 versus $62,000 for LPNs, a gap of about $25,700 per year. The difference reflects the RN's broader scope of practice and the additional education an RN licence requires.