Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Cincinnati, OH: $54,975 (2024)
Official 2024 BLS Data | $26.43/hour | $34,775 - $80,767 range
Median Annual Salary
$54,975
Hourly Rate
$26.43
/hour
Jobs in Area
672
employed
Compare to Other Cities
See All →Cincinnati, OH
$54,975
San Jose, CA
$82,159
in San Jose, CA
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Range in Cincinnati, OH
Annual Salary Range
$35k
10th percentile
$46k
25th
$65k
75th
$81k
90th percentile
Salary Breakdown by Percentile
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $34,775 | $16.72 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,630 | $21.94 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $54,975 | $26.43 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,503 | $31.01 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $80,767 | $38.83 |
| Average (Mean) | $59,863 | $28.78 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Market Insights for Cincinnati, OH
Compensation Overview
Licensed Practical Nurse compensation in Cincinnati, OH aligns with regional expectations. The salary range from $34,775 to $80,767 provides a clear picture of earning potential at different career stages.
Local Market Context
Cincinnati, OH offers competitive compensation that aligns closely with national benchmarks. The Ohio economy supports a diverse range of industries, providing stable employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
Career Outlook
The Licensed Practical Nurse profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 132% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.
Tips for Increasing Your Salary
- •Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 47% more than median salaries
- •Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
- •Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise
-8%
vs National Avg
-3%
vs State Avg
132%
Salary Range
672
Jobs in Area
Career Path & Salary Progression
Typical Licensed Practical Nurse salary growth in Cincinnati, OH based on experience level.
Entry Level
0-2 years10th percentile
$34,775
/year
Early Career
2-5 years25th percentile
$45,630
/year
Mid Career
5-10 years50th percentile
$54,975
/year
Senior
10-15 years75th percentile
$64,503
/year
Expert
15+ years90th percentile
$80,767
/year
Next Career Steps
Common career progressions from Licensed Practical Nurse:
Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Cincinnati, OH
Where Licensed Practical Nurses Work
Licensed Practical Nurses work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.
Local Employment Landscape
Employment in this occupation is more limited in Cincinnati, OH compared to larger metros. Professionals may find opportunities concentrated among fewer employers, making employer research and networking particularly valuable.
Types of Employers Hiring
Large Corporations
Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential
Small to Medium Businesses
May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities
Government Agencies
Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance
Professional Services Firms
Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers
Skills That Increase Earning Potential
Job Search Strategy for Cincinnati, OH
- •Research major employers in the Cincinnati area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
- •Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Ohio
- •Tailor your salary expectations based on the Cincinnati, OH market rate of $54,975
- •Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $34,775 in this market
Frequently Asked Questions
The median licensed practical nurse salary in Cincinnati, OH is $54,975 per year ($26.43/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $34,775 for entry-level positions to $80,767 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Cincinnati, OH typically start at around $34,775 per year ($16.72/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $54,975 within 3-5 years.
Licensed Practical Nurses in Cincinnati, OH earn a median hourly wage of $26.43 per hour. Hourly rates range from $16.72/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $38.83/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $34,775 and $80,767.
The median licensed practical nurse salary of $54,975 in Cincinnati, OH is slightly below the national median of $59,730 (8.0% lower). The cost of living is also 9% below average. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of licensed practical nurses in the area earn more and half earn less.
Licensed Practical Nurses in Cincinnati, OH earn slightly below the national average. The local median salary of $54,975 is 8.0% lower than the national median of $59,730. The cost of living is also 9% below average. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $60,214.
The top 10% of licensed practical nurses in Cincinnati, OH earn $80,767 or more per year ($38.83/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $64,503, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.
Key skills that can boost licensed practical nurse salary in Cincinnati, OH include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $54,975, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($64,503) or higher. Years of relevant experience
Cincinnati, OH has a moderate job market for licensed practical nurses, with approximately 672 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $54,975 is slightly below the national average. The cost of living is also 9% below average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.
Compare your licensed practical nurse salary to these Cincinnati, OH benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $34,775, 25th percentile: $45,630, 50th percentile (median): $54,975, 75th percentile: $64,503, 90th percentile (top earners): $80,767. If you earn more than $54,975, you're above average for the area.
Beyond the $54,975 median base salary, licensed practical nurses in Cincinnati, OH typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.
Experienced licensed practical nurses with 5-10 years in Cincinnati, OH typically earn $64,503 (75th percentile) to $80,767 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $80,767. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $54,975.
Licensed Practical Nurses in Cincinnati, OH can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($34,775) to median ($54,975) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($80,767) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $45,992 over a career.
Data Source & Methodology
Official government statistics you can trust
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program
Visit Official BLS WebsiteData Year
2024
2 Years Old
Geographic Area
Cincinnati
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Occupation Code
29-2061
SOC Classification
Sample Size
672
Employees Surveyed
How This Data Is Collected
The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.
Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.
Last updated: January 23, 2026
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Licensed Practical Nurse in Cincinnati, OH
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Median: $54,975/yr
How Cincinnati, OH Compares
vs National Average
$59,730
vs Ohio Average
$56,587
Cost-of-Living Adjusted
$60,214
Cost of living in Cincinnati, OH is 8.7% below the national average.
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