Akron vs Cincinnati: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Akron, OH and Cincinnati, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Akron, OH | Cincinnati, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,608 | $67,838▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.54 | $32.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,040 | $54,509▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,327 | $62,405▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,673 | $74,413▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,833 | $79,603▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,300 | 6,400▲ |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Akron.
The salary gap between Akron and Cincinnati is $2,230 (3.40%). Cincinnati's median is -0.34% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Akron spans $23,793,Cincinnati spans $25,094. Cincinnati has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($71,131 effective) pays 1.23% more than Akron ($70,267 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Akron if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,838/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,603)
- ✓Larger job market (6,400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,131)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Akron grew 36.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.7% growth in Cincinnati over the same period.
Akron, OH
$45,480 (2019) → $62,070 (2025)
Cincinnati, OH
$48,020 (2019) → $64,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Akron or Cincinnati?
What is the hourly rate difference between Akron and Cincinnati?
Should I relocate from Akron to Cincinnati as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Akron vs Cincinnati?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov