Key Takeaways
- The average LPN salary in Ohio is $59,000, influenced by factors like experience, location, education, and work setting.
- LPNs can advance their careers through certifications, specialization, or LPN-to-RN programs and boost earnings.
- The high demand for LPNs in Ohio ensures job stability and opportunities for salary growth.
If you’re considering a career in nursing, now is the perfect time—licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are in high demand. With a median age of 53 years old, many LPNs in the U.S. are nearing retirement, creating a steady need for new professionals. This, along with a growing elderly population, ensures strong job security for those entering the field.
In Ohio, LPNs not only benefit from stable employment but also competitive salaries with excellent benefits. Beyond steady pay, this career offers opportunities for growth, flexible work settings, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.
But how much can you earn as an LPN in Ohio, and what factors influence your salary? From experience to location, we’ll break down everything you need to know about LPN salaries and how to boost your earnings in this growing field.
Average LPN Salary in Ohio
As of 2025, LPNs in Ohio earn an average annual salary of approximately $59,076, which translates to about $28 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national average for LPNs in the U.S., which stands at around $62,140 per year.
Looking ahead, healthcare salaries are generally expected to rise, driven by the growing demand for healthcare services due to the nationwide shortage of healthcare professionals.
The slightly lower average salary in Ohio compared to the national figure reflects regional economic factors and the state’s specific demand for LPNs. However, with a 47% estimated growth in Americans aged 65 years and older by 2050, as well as ongoing healthcare needs, Ohio’s demand for LPNs remains strong, contributing to the steady growth in salaries.
LPN Salary in Major Ohio Cities
In Ohio, LPN salaries differ across cities based on several factors, such as healthcare demand and cost of living. Below is a look at the average annual wages in major Ohio cities:
— Cleveland: $60,284 per year
— Springfield: $55,972 per year
— Dayton: $60,398 per year
— Akron: $59,482 per year
— Cincinnati: $59,669 per year
— Columbus: $60,021 per year
— Toledo: $60,714 per year
Factors Influencing LPN Salaries in Ohio
LPNs play a vital role in healthcare, providing basic medical care under the supervision of RNs or doctors. Their responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, assisting with patient hygiene, and maintaining medical records. As such, LPNs are essential in nursing homes, hospitals, and clinics, ensuring patients receive quality care.
To become an LPN in Ohio, candidates must complete a state-approved practical nursing program, typically lasting about 12-18 months. Afterward, they must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain licensure. Maintaining licensure requires continuing education and periodic renewal.
When it comes to salaries, numerous factors come into play. Understanding these elements can help current and aspiring nurses navigate their career choices more effectively.
Experience
Experience plays a crucial role in determining an LPN’s salary in Ohio. The more established an LPN is in their field, the better the chances of receiving a higher income. Depending on experience, LPN salaries in Ohio range between around $50,000 and $80,000 a year.
— Top earners: $79,858 per year
— 75th percentile: $66,500 per year
— Average: $59,076 per year
— 25th percentile: $49,000 per year
Employers often offer higher wages to experienced LPNs due to their advanced clinical skills and ability to mentor new nurses.
Education and certifications
Education and certifications can significantly boost an LPN’s earning potential. Additional certifications demonstrate specialized skills, making nurses more valuable to employers and increasing salary prospects.
Popular certifications include IV Therapy Certification, Wound Care Certification (WCC), and Gerontological Nursing Certification (GERO-BC). LPNs with these credentials may earn higher wages and have more job opportunities.
Pursuing advanced education, such as becoming a registered nurse (RN) or earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, further enhances career growth. Investing in education allows LPNs to expand their career options, increase job security, and achieve long-term financial growth.
Work setting
An LPN’s workplace plays a major role in determining salary levels. Different healthcare settings offer varying pay scales based on demand, workload, and required skills. Work environment choice affects not just pay but also job stress, flexibility, and long-term career growth.
Governments generally pay the highest, with LPNs earning around $63,000 per year due to the high-demand nature of work. However, only 6% of LPNs (and vocational nurses) in the U.S. work in the government.
Nursing and residential care facilities also offer competitive salaries, averaging $62,000 annually, as they require long-term care for elderly patients. It remains the workplace with the highest concentration of nurses, with 35% being positioned in such roles. In hospitals, on the other hand, LPNs earn $54,000 annually, and 16% of LPNs in the U.S. can be found working there.
Clinics and private practices typically pay less since they operate on regular business hours with lower patient turnover. However, they provide a more predictable schedule, making them attractive to LPNs seeking work-life balance.
Home healthcare and physician offices can also offer high salaries, ranging from $51,000-$58,000, with the chance to earn more for specialized roles. Having this in mind, students seeking the role of LPN should carefully consider the work environment to make an informed decision about their future path.
Specializations
Specializing in a specific field can significantly increase an LPN’s earning potential by enhancing expertise and demand. Here’s how different specializations impact salaries:
— Geriatrics: LPNs in nursing homes or assisted living facilities earn competitive wages, often above the general LPN average, due to the growing elderly population requiring long-term care.
— Pediatrics: Specializing in child healthcare, whether in hospitals or clinics, can lead to higher pay, especially for those working in neonatal or intensive care units. Because this job requires unique skills to deal with newborn babies, LPNs can expect competitive pay.
— Oncology: LPNs specializing in cancer care work in hospitals, infusion centers, and oncology clinics, assisting with chemotherapy administration and patient support. Due to the complexity of cancer treatment, oncology LPNs can earn high salaries.
Other high-paying specialties include IV therapy, dialysis, and rehabilitation nursing. Specializing requires additional certifications but opens doors to better salaries and career advancement.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Ohio is 7% lower than the national average. This relatively low cost of living makes all the difference, enabling LPNs to live comfortably with how much they earn. While the average LPN salary in Ohio is approximately $59,000 annually, which is slightly below the national average, the state’s lower living expenses mean that LPNs can enjoy a comparable or even better standard of living than their counterparts in higher-cost states.
For instance, housing, transportation, and healthcare costs in Ohio are generally more affordable than in many other regions. This affordability allows LPNs to allocate their earnings more effectively, covering essential expenses while potentially saving more. Consequently, despite earning slightly less than the national average, LPNs in Ohio benefit from a cost-effective lifestyle, making their salaries stretch further.
Benefits and Perks Beyond Salary
Beyond competitive salaries, LPNs enjoy a range of benefits and perks that enhance their professional and personal lives, making this career worth considering. Some of the common benefits include:
— Health insurance: Employers typically offer comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, ensuring LPNs and their families have access to essential healthcare services.
— Retirement plans: Many healthcare facilities provide retirement savings options, such as 401(k) plans, often with employer-matching contributions, helping LPNs build financial security for the future.
— Paid time off (PTO): LPNs enjoy their vacation days, sick leave, and personal days, allowing them to rest and recharge, which is vital in the demanding healthcare environment.
In addition to the above, LPNs also benefit from non-monetary perks, such as:
— Job stability: The healthcare sector consistently demands skilled nursing professionals, offering LPNs a stable and secure career path. The demand for LPNs in the U.S. is expected to grow by 3% in the following years.
— Professional growth opportunities: LPNs have access to various continuing education programs and certifications, enabling them to expand their skill sets and advance their careers.
— Flexible scheduling: Many healthcare settings offer flexible work schedules, including part-time and weekend shifts, allowing LPNs to balance work with personal commitments.
In Ohio, several institutions offer unique benefits to LPNs aiming to advance their careers. For instance, the American Institute of Alternative Medicine (AIAM) in Columbus offers a 15-month LPN-to-RN bridge program, enabling LPNs to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and transition into registered nursing roles.
AIAM also offers a unique 24-month RN program for individuals who prefer a direct path to registered nursing without prior practical nursing experience. This program is the fastest way to become an RN by passing just one national exam and saving $10,000.
Such programs offered by AIAM not only enhance clinical competencies but also open doors to higher-paying positions and leadership roles within the nursing field.
How to Increase Your LPN Salary in Ohio
So, to increase your LPN salary in Ohio, you can take several actionable steps. First, further education and certifications can make a significant difference. Pursuing specialized certifications or an LPN-to-RN bridge program, such as those offered by AIAM, can open the door to higher-paying roles.
Gaining experience in specific fields like geriatrics or oncology can also boost earnings, as more specialized skills tend to be in higher demand. Networking with professional organizations and associations can provide opportunities for career advancement and salary growth.
When considering job offers, it’s essential to evaluate the full benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, as these can add value to your compensation. Finally, focusing on areas of Ohio with higher demand for LPNs, such as rural areas, can lead to better salary opportunities.
The Bottom Line
LPNs in Ohio have various opportunities to increase their salary, including furthering their education, obtaining certifications, gaining experience, and networking. Pursuing specialized roles, considering higher-demand regions, and evaluating benefits packages can also boost earnings.
For those looking to establish themselves as LPNs, AIAM offers the Practical Nursing Program, which can take you there. Other valuable programs, such as the LPN-to-RN bridge program, also open doors to higher-paying positions. By taking advantage of these options, LPNs can grow their careers and increase their earnings in Ohio’s growing healthcare industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the highest pay for an LPN?
The highest pay for an LPN can surpass $90,000 per year, depending on experience, specialization, and location.
How long is the LPN school in Ohio?
LPN programs in Ohio typically take about 12 to 18 months to complete, depending on the school and whether it’s full-time or part-time.