Ohio Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Salary
Explore the complete guide to LPN compensation. Review mean pay, percentiles, local hospital job demand, and specific Board of Nursing (BON) requirements.
State Mean
$58,130
Annual Salary
State Hourly
$27.72
Per hour
COL Adjusted Pay
$63,322
True Purchasing Power
vs National
-7%
Below US Mean
Our nursing salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
Data
reviewed by 
sirI, MSN, APRN, NP
on March 2026
for accuracy.
Salary Range & Percentiles
Salaries for Licensed Practical Nurses in Ohio range from $46,310 (entry-level) to $70,420 (highly experienced) annually.
LPN Salary by Metro Area in Ohio
Licensed Practical Nurse salaries vary significantly across metro areas in Ohio. Click any column header to sort, matching the Specialty rankings table behavior.
| Metro Area | Annual | Hourly | vs State Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | $63,100 | $30.00 | +8.5% |
| Sandusky | $60,750 | $28.97 | +4.5% |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek | $60,560 | $28.97 | +4.2% |
| Cincinnati | $59,820 | $28.42 | +2.9% |
| Cleveland-Elyria | $59,790 | $28.43 | +2.9% |
| Springfield | $59,600 | $28.21 | +2.5% |
| Columbus | $59,270 | $28.54 | +2.0% |
| Dayton | $58,310 | $27.62 | +0.3% |
| Youngstown-Warren | $58,130 | $27.28 | +0.0% |
| Akron | $57,600 | $27.07 | -0.9% |
| Canton-Massillon | $57,280 | $26.40 | -1.5% |
| Toledo | $56,940 | $26.69 | -2.0% |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman | $52,050 | $25.19 | -10.5% |
| Lima | $52,050 | $26.47 | -10.5% |
| Mansfield | $50,730 | $24.88 | -12.7% |
Current Job Openings in Ohio
3 Licensed Practical Nurse positions currently available in Ohio.
Top Hospitals Hiring LPNs in Ohio
Ohio is home to leading healthcare facilities. Based on CMS quality ratings, the highest-rated hospitals where LPNs are in demand include:
View all open LPN jobs in OhioOhio BON & Education Requirements
To practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse and earn the salaries listed above, the Ohio Board of Nursing requires strict licensure and certification steps.
-
1
Active RN License: You must hold an active, unencumbered RN license in the state of Ohio.
-
2
Graduate Education: Completion of an accredited MSN or DNP program with a specific Licensed Practical Nurse track. Top Programs: North Central State College and Case Western Reserve University
-
3
National Certification: Pass the relevant national certification exam provided by a recognized credentialing body (e.g., ANCC, AACN, NCC).
-
4
Advanced Practice Licensure: Apply for a Nurse Practitioner license or Furnishing Number through the state BON to prescribe medications. Apply for APN Licensure
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Licensed Practical Nurse make in Ohio?
As of 2023, the median Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Ohio is $58,130 per year or $27.72 per hour. This is 7% below the national median.
What is the starting salary for a new grad LPN in Ohio?
Entry-level Licensed Practical Nurses in Ohio typically start around the 10th percentile, earning $46,310. With 5-10 years of experience, LPNs can expect to reach the median salary of $58,130 or higher.
Is Ohio a good state for LPN salaries when considering the cost of living?
Ohio has a cost of living index of 0.92. When adjusting the raw median salary of $58,130 for local expenses, the true purchasing power is approximately $63,322. This means your dollar stretches further here, giving you more real purchasing power.
How much does an LPN make an hour in Ohio?
The median hourly wage for an LPN in Ohio is $27.72. Those in the top 90th percentile, often working in specialized or high-acuity roles, can make upwards of $33.86 per hour.
Which hospitals hire the most LPNs in Ohio?
Salaries and demand vary by facility, but large medical centers and specialty units generally offer the highest compensation. In Ohio, top employers hiring LPNs include Cleveland Clinic, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Christ Hospital, Hillcrest Hospital.
What are the requirements to become an LPN in Ohio?
To practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Ohio, you must hold an active RN license, graduate from an accredited program, pass the relevant national certification exam, and apply for advanced practice licensure through the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Are there LPN programs in Ohio?
Yes, aspiring Licensed Practical Nurses can attend local programs such as North Central State College and Case Western Reserve University. Alternatively, many Ohio nurses opt for accredited online programs that arrange clinical placements at local hospitals.
Is there a high demand for Licensed Practical Nurses in Ohio?
Yes, the demand for Licensed Practical Nurses remains strong in Ohio, particularly in metro areas supporting large healthcare systems. Job growth is projected to remain steady as facilities seek specialized providers to manage complex patient care.