Columbus vs Evansville: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Columbus, IN and Evansville, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Evansville, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,119▲ | $127,709 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.56▲ | $61.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,681▲ | $97,626 |
| 25th Percentile | $124,616▲ | $110,660 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,154▲ | $136,151 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,555▲ | $150,778 |
| Total Employed | 170 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, IN offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Evansville.
The salary gap between Columbus and Evansville is $2,410 (1.89%). Columbus's median is -4.93% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $76,874,Evansville spans $53,152. Columbus 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, Columbus ($139,908 effective) pays 0.27% more than Evansville ($139,530 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,119/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,555)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,908)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Columbus grew 9.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.1% growth in Evansville over the same period.
Columbus, IN
$114,560 (2019) → $125,780 (2025)
Evansville, IN
$107,290 (2019) → $123,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, IN
Evansville, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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