Cincinnati vs Dayton: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,140▲ | $122,288 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.01▲ | $58.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,805 | $98,981▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $115,161▲ | $108,167 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,406▲ | $133,409 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,117▲ | $158,972 |
| Total Employed | 2,820▲ | 980 |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dayton.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Dayton is $10,852 (8.87%). 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 Cincinnati spans $75,312,Dayton spans $59,991. Cincinnati has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($139,604 effective) pays 5.82% more than Dayton ($131,927 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Cincinnati grew 28.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.1% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$100,110 (2019) → $128,700 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$104,520 (2019) → $118,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Cincinnati or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Dayton as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Cincinnati vs Dayton?
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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