Considering a career in healthcare that offers stability, a rewarding purpose, and strong earning potential? Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Ohio might be the perfect path for you. Often searched for as "practical nursing," this role is a critical component of the healthcare system, providing essential patient care across the state.
But what can you expect to earn? In Ohio, LPNs command a competitive salary that can grow significantly with experience and specialization. On average, you can expect to earn approximately $59,620 per year, with salaries commonly ranging from $49,000 for entry-level positions to over $69,000 for experienced professionals.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about LPN salaries in the Buckeye State, from statewide averages to the key factors that can increase your earning potential.
What Does a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Do?
Licensed Practical Nurses are the compassionate frontline of patient care. Working under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and physicians, LPNs are responsible for a wide range of vital tasks. They are the backbone of nursing teams in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health settings.
Key responsibilities include:
- Monitoring patients' vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.
- Administering medications and injections as prescribed.
- Performing basic patient care, such as changing bandages, inserting catheters, and assisting with personal hygiene.
- Collecting samples for lab testing.
- Ensuring patient comfort and addressing their immediate needs.
- Documenting patient care and reporting any changes in condition to RNs or doctors.
LPNs blend clinical skill with empathy, making a direct and meaningful impact on patient well-being every day.
Average LPN Salary in Ohio
When analyzing compensation, it's essential to look at data from multiple authoritative sources to get a complete picture.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released in May 2023, LPNs in Ohio earn a mean annual wage of $59,620, which translates to a mean hourly wage of $28.66.
To understand the full spectrum of earning potential, the BLS provides a percentile breakdown:
- 10th Percentile: $48,600 (Typically entry-level)
- 25th Percentile: $51,040
- 50th Percentile (Median): $60,280
- 75th Percentile: $63,600
- 90th Percentile: $69,360 (Typically senior/highly experienced)
Reputable salary aggregators corroborate this data. As of late 2024, Salary.com reports the average LPN salary in Ohio is $59,503, with a typical range between $53,995 and $66,039. Similarly, Indeed lists an average base salary of approximately $62,295 per year based on user-submitted data.
These figures show a strong and stable salary base for Ohio LPNs, with clear opportunities for financial growth throughout your career.
Key Factors That Influence LPN Salary
Your starting salary is just that—a start. Several key factors will directly influence your earning potential as an LPN in Ohio. Understanding these can help you strategically plan your career for maximum financial and professional growth.
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Level of Education & Certifications
To become an LPN, you must complete a state-approved educational program, which typically results in a certificate or diploma and takes about one year. While the foundational education is standard, pursuing additional certifications is the most powerful way to increase your value and salary. Certifications demonstrate advanced skills in a specific area.
Popular and valuable certifications for LPNs include:
- IV Therapy: Qualifies you to administer intravenous fluids and medications.
- Wound Care: Specializes in the treatment and management of complex wounds.
- Gerontology: Focuses on the care of elderly patients, a high-demand area.
- Pharmacology: Provides advanced knowledge of medications and their effects.
Earning these credentials not only boosts your resume but often comes with a direct pay increase and opens doors to more specialized, higher-paying roles.
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Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant drivers of salary growth. As you accumulate years of hands-on patient care, your skills, efficiency, and clinical judgment sharpen, making you a more valuable asset to any employer.
Here’s how experience typically correlates with the BLS salary percentiles for Ohio LPNs:
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Expect to earn in the lower range, from $48,600 to $51,000. You are building foundational skills and gaining real-world experience.
- Mid-Career (3-9 years): With solid experience, you can expect to earn near the state median of $60,280. You are a reliable and competent team member.
- Experienced/Senior (10+ years): Highly experienced LPNs often move into lead or supervisory roles and can earn in the top percentiles, from $63,600 to over $69,360.
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Geographic Location
Where you work in Ohio matters. Salaries are often higher in major metropolitan areas to offset a higher cost of living. According to BLS data, some of the highest-paying metropolitan areas for LPNs in Ohio include:
- Cleveland-Elyria, OH: Mean Annual Salary: $62,290
- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN: Mean Annual Salary: $61,020
- Columbus, OH: Mean Annual Salary: $60,290
- Akron, OH: Mean Annual Salary: $59,200
In contrast, nonmetropolitan areas in Ohio tend to have slightly lower average salaries, though this is often balanced by a lower cost of living. For example, the Northeast Ohio nonmetropolitan area reports a mean salary of $55,770.
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Company Type (Work Environment)
The type of facility you work in has a major impact on your salary. Different environments have different funding models, patient acuity levels, and staffing needs. According to national BLS data, here is how average LPN salaries compare by industry:
- Skilled Nursing Facilities: This is the largest employer of LPNs and offers competitive wages, often with opportunities for overtime.
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: Hospitals often require LPNs to handle more complex cases and may offer higher base pay and better benefits.
- Physicians' Offices: While a desirable 9-to-5 schedule is common, salaries may be slightly lower than in 24/7 care facilities.
- Home Healthcare Services: This sector is growing rapidly and offers competitive pay with greater autonomy.
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Area of Specialization
Specializing in a high-demand field can significantly increase your earning potential. It aligns your skills with the most pressing needs of the healthcare market. In Ohio, due to its demographics, specializing in geriatrics and long-term care is particularly lucrative and provides excellent job security.
Other high-value specializations include:
- Rehabilitation: Working with patients recovering from surgery, injury, or illness.
- Pediatrics: Providing care for children in clinics or specialized facilities.
- Palliative Care/Hospice: A deeply rewarding field focused on comfort and quality of life for terminally ill patients.
Job Outlook for LPNs
The future for LPNs in Ohio and across the country is exceptionally bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for LPNs will grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
This robust growth is driven by several factors:
- The large, aging baby-boomer population requires more care for chronic conditions.
- An increasing demand for long-term care services in nursing homes and residential care facilities.
- A general need to replace workers who are retiring or leaving the profession.
This projected demand translates to strong job security and a wealth of opportunities for both new graduates and experienced LPNs in Ohio for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
Choosing a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Ohio is a strategic move toward a stable, rewarding, and well-compensated profession. With an average salary hovering around $59,620 and a clear path to earning nearly $70,000 or more, the financial prospects are strong.
Your earning potential is not static; it's something you can actively build. By gaining experience, pursuing valuable certifications, and considering opportunities in high-paying locations and work environments, you can maximize your salary throughout your career. Combined with a fantastic job outlook, becoming an LPN in Ohio is more than just a job—it's a pathway to a secure and impactful future in healthcare.