Columbus vs Indianapolis: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Columbus, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,957 | $71,030▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.71 | $34.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,279 | $56,063▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,061 | $66,728▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,656 | $78,239▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,692 | $81,579▲ |
| Total Employed | 170 | 4,230▲ |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Indianapolis is $5,073 (7.69%). Indianapolis's median is +4.35% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $23,413,Indianapolis spans $25,516. Indianapolis 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, Indianapolis ($74,225 effective) pays 4.66% more than Columbus ($70,919 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,030/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,579)
- ✓Larger job market (4,230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,225)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Columbus grew 38.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.3% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.
Columbus, IN
$45,050 (2019) → $62,400 (2025)
Indianapolis, IN
$47,210 (2019) → $67,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Columbus or Indianapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Indianapolis?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Indianapolis as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Columbus vs Indianapolis?
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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