Licensed Practical Nurse in Ohio: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Ohio employs 39,900 LVNs, with a statewide median of $61,950 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Ohio licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in Ohio (May 2025)
- Ohio median pay
- $61,950 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $50,030
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $65,900
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $74,120
- Employed in Ohio
- 39,900
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Ohio markets:
- Cincinnati
- $64,180 (6,400 employed)
- Cleveland
- $63,900 (6,720 employed)
- Toledo
- $62,280 (2,120 employed)
- Akron
- $62,070 (2,300 employed)
- Columbus
- $61,910 (7,270 employed)
- Dayton
- $61,770 (3,140 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Ohio
Prices in Ohio run about 7% below the national average (cost-of-living index 92.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $61,950 median stretches to roughly $66,756 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Ohio (2024–2034)
Ohio is projected to shrink LVNs employment -1.8%, slower than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 2,860 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Ohio License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — multistate compact license available — regulated by the Ohio Board of Nursing.
- Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (~12 months; career-tech centers and community colleges are the affordable route).
- Submit fingerprints and pass the NCLEX-PN.
- Ohio joined the Nurse Licensure Compact in 2023 — a multistate license ($100 conversion for existing licensees) works across compact states. Renew biennially with 24 contact hours including Ohio law.
Official requirements: Ohio Board of Nursing →
Training in Ohio
Ohio's career-tech LPN programs are among the most affordable nursing entries anywhere, and compact membership makes the license portable. Long-term care facilities statewide hire continuously.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Ohio include:
- ATA College-Cincinnati — Certificate
- Academia Medical Institute — Certificate
- Adult and Community Education-Hudson — Certificate
- American Institute of Alternative Medicine — Certificate / Associate
Where LVNs Work in Ohio
Real Ohio nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- Ohio Veterans Home — Sandusky
- King David Post Acute Nursing & Rehabilitation LLC — Beachwood
- Maria Joseph Living Care Center — Dayton
- Bethany Village — Dayton
- St Augustine Manor — Cleveland
- Daughters of Miriam Center for Nursing & Rehabilit — Beachwood
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want a faster healthcare entry point and can handle direct care.
Think twice if: Bodily fluids, shift work, emotional stress, or physical lifting are dealbreakers.
Why it's resilient: Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
First Steps
Compare state-approved LPN programs and NCLEX-PN pass rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do LVNs make in Ohio?
The median wage for LVNs in Ohio is $61,950 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $50,030, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $74,120. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Ohio?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — multistate compact license available, overseen by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (~12 months; career-tech centers and community colleges are the affordable route).
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in Ohio?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which Ohio metros pay LVNs the most?
Among Ohio metro areas, Cincinnati leads at $64,180, followed by Cleveland ($63,900), Toledo ($62,280). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Ohio?
Real Ohio options include ATA College-Cincinnati, Academia Medical Institute, Adult and Community Education-Hudson. Most LVNs start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Licensed Practical Nurse a growing career in Ohio?
Ohio projects LVNs employment to change -1.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 2,860 openings a year — a declining field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Ohio statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Ohio Board of Nursing (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Ohio wages · Ohio licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.