Athens vs Cincinnati: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Athens, OH and Cincinnati, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, OH | Cincinnati, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,936 | $133,140▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.21 | $64.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,516▲ | $92,805 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,099 | $115,161▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,843 | $141,406▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,011 | $168,117▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 2,820▲ |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Cincinnati is $16,204 (13.86%). Cincinnati's median is -2.72% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $50,495,Cincinnati spans $75,312. Cincinnati has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($139,604 effective) pays 8.28% more than Athens ($128,926 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,140/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,117)
- ✓Larger job market (2,820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,604)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Athens grew 9.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.6% growth in Cincinnati over the same period.
Athens, OH
$103,512 (2024) → $113,036 (2025)
Cincinnati, OH
$100,110 (2019) → $128,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, OH
Cincinnati, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Athens or Cincinnati?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Cincinnati?
Should I relocate from Athens to Cincinnati as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Athens vs Cincinnati?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov